Renowned Swiss watchmaker Blancpain has long championed ocean conservation, a mission rooted in its legacy since the introduction of the Fifty Fathoms dive watch in 1953—recognized as the world’s first modern dive watch. As part of its ongoing commitment to protect our oceans, Blancpain has unveiled its latest marvel: the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV, an exclusive limited-edition watch with only 100 pieces available.

For every watch sold, €1,000 (approximately US$1,082 or S$1,443) will be directed to the newly established Blancpain x Sulubaai Marine Research Center in the Philippines—a project aimed at safeguarding marine biodiversity. This endeavor hopes to raise a total of €100,000 and showcase Blancpain’s dedication to marine preservation.

Inaugurated on February 7, 2025, the Blancpain x Sulubaai Marine Research Center extends the brand’s Sea Academy project, a flagship initiative dedicated to ocean welfare. The center is managed by the Sulubaai Environmental Foundation (SEF), co-founded in 2012 by Frederic Tardieu, a French property developer, who fell in love with the Philippines during a transformative trip in the late 1990s.

After moving with his wife to the remote Pangatalan Island in the Palawan archipelago, Tardieu’s vision transitioned from merely establishing a home to rejuvenating the island's ecosystem. His initial foray into environmentalism began with planting trees, cleaning beaches, and restoring mangroves, eventually leading to a broader mission of rehabilitating the local marine environment—adversely affected by dynamite fishing and coral bleaching.

Despite being a UNESCO biosphere reserve, the Palawan archipelago's marine ecosystems remain largely unprotected. The Sulubaai Environmental Foundation and Blancpain recognized this void and built the marine research center to advance marine research and conservation efforts. Situated strategically near several marine protected areas, the center fosters collaboration between local communities, researchers, and policymakers, pooling resources to enhance marine ecosystem management.

The Sea Academy operates under four guiding principles: protection, restoration, education, and replication. Marine biologist Laure de Ville d’Avray articulated the importance of establishing marine protected areas and the necessity for restoring damaged reefs while educating local students about diverse ecosystems. The foundation actively engages local fishermen, offering them alternative livelihoods while promoting sustainable fishing practices.

Pangatalan Island has now gained recognition as a marine protected area (MPA), witnessing regeneration as its reefs and forests flourish. Notable species like the horseshoe crab, often labeled a "living fossil," and the majestic Napoleon fish are returning, signaling a positive shift in the local marine environment.

As Tardieu reflected on this success, he noted, “I realized I needed to do something for the ocean and for local communities. If I can dedicate the later part of my life to giving back, then that is my mission: to help nature heal.”

Now, switching gears to the watch itself—the Fifty Fathoms BOC IV boasts a 45mm diameter and a robust 14.1mm thickness, perfectly suited for diving adventures or daily wear. The Grade 23 titanium case features a helium valve for saturation diving, while a unique unidirectional bezel aids in underwater navigation, even while wearing diving gloves. With a striking black dial that absorbs up to 97% of light, readability is guaranteed underwater.

Powering this exceptional timepiece is Blancpain's caliber 1315A, an acclaimed automatic movement with a five-day power reserve and anti-magnetic properties for precise timekeeping. The watch’s intricate craftsmanship is displayed through a sapphire case back, revealing an oscillating weight crafted from 18 ct gold emblazoned with the blue BOC logo.

In summary, the Fifty Fathoms BOC IV transcends traditional timekeeping—it's a symbol of commitment to ocean conservation. As de Ville d’Avray aptly put it, “With this watch, you’re not just buying a timepiece—you’re supporting a crucial project aimed at restoring the ocean and uplifting coastal communities.” This limited-edition watch serves as a daily reminder of the tireless efforts being made to protect our precious marine ecosystems.

**Don't miss out on this exquisite piece—your wrist could be a beacon for marine resilience!**