The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV (RM97,100) is a dual statement. Firstly, it continues the Swiss watchmaker’s ongoing programme to support the health of the world’s oceans. ‘BOC’ stands for Blancpain Ocean Commitment, and this is the fourth such watch dedicated to a specific project—in this case, each of these watches raises €1,000 that goes to the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center, which aims to study, restore, and protect the marine ecosystems of Shark Fin Bay in Palawan, Philippines.
Secondly, it is an expansion of the Tech line-up. This was introduced two years ago in the form of the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 – Tech Gombessa, which was engineered for technical diving, a career and pastime that is much more demanding than recreational diving. The Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV carries over some key features, such as a titanium case, helium escape valve, and an exceptionally black dial that enhances contrast and, hence, legibility. One notable omission is the three-hour bezel and hand that was on the Tech Gombessa, but the Tech BOC IV is also slightly smaller, with a 45mm diameter and thickness of 14.1mm—making it better suited for daily wear.
Equipped with an integrated black rubber strap, the Tech BOC IV is limited to 100 pieces and is equipped with a self-winding movement with a five-day power reserve and silicon balance spring. It is delivered with a special edition photograph signed by Laurent Ballesta. The renowned wildlife photographer is a Blancpain partner, and the photograph—depicting a horseshoe crab in its habitat of Shark Fin Bay—is part of a series that won him the title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2023.
