Hands-On With The New Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV

Ask a random watch enthusiast about the great diving watches in history, and the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms will be on the tip of many tongues. In 2023, Blancpain celebrated the 70th anniversary of its legendary Fifty Fathoms in three acts. With a trio of completely different releases, the brand gave us a good idea of the variety of the Fifty Fathoms. The one that left the biggest impression on me was the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa. As a follow-up to that release, Blancpain is launching the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV. It’s a toned-down version of the Tech Gombessa for both underwater diving and everyday wear. This 100-piece Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) limited edition was created to support ocean preservation. We had a chance to go hands-on with the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV and see what it’s all about.

First, let’s quickly go back to the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms. Looking back at the three acts, I fell in love with the looks of the Bronze Gold Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3. The vintage-inspired looks of that watch brought back the romance of the vintage Fifty Fathoms brilliantly. But if we talk about the technological advancement of the Fifty Fathoms, the Tech Gombessa was nothing short of impressive. That 47mm watch featured a three-hour dive bezel and a corresponding hand, which Blancpain developed for closed-circuit tech divers. Now we can see the inspiration from that model in this new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV.

The story of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV

The story of the new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV is twofold. The first part is that the new watch is an everyday version of the Tech Gombessa. Blancpain reduced the titanium case from 47mm to 45mm, making it friendlier for daily wear. In addition, the watch comes with a regular 60-minute dive bezel rather than the special 180-minute bezel that graced the Tech Gombessa. Other than that, the new Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV takes the looks of the Tech Gombessa to create a fantastic modern version of the classic Fifty Fathoms.

But that is not where the story ends. The goal of this new limited edition is to support ocean preservation through Blancpain Ocean Commitment. More specifically, €1,000 from each watch sold will go to the Blancpain × Sulubaaï Marine Research Center, which is an extension of the Sea Academy project and a flagship initiative of the brand’s commitment to the ocean. As a result, €100,000 will be allocated to the research center to continue its noble work.

The details of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV

Now let’s examine the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV in detail. The watch has a 45mm Grade 23 titanium case with a 14.1mm thickness and a 300m depth rating. This lightweight case has a helium escape valve on the left side next to the engraved Blancpain logo. The right side features the crown sitting between two beautifully sculpted crown guards. Those crown guards led me to check out the case up close, where the magic of its design became apparent.

If you let your eyes go from the integrated rubber strap to the case, you will see a sharp line connecting the middle of both. It may seem simple, but this brilliant line is a defining element of the case’s design. On top of that, you will see how impressively well the rubber strap flows into the case. Central “lugs” connect the two, with the strap’s left and right sides hugging the case flanks. There is no room between the two, which makes the transition as smooth as possible. This level of detail and the quality are spectacular.

A modern design that redefines the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

Up close is also where one can see the modern design signature that defined the Tech Gombessa and now this Tech BOC IV. The case features an impressively solid unidirectional bezel with a black ceramic insert placed at a sloping angle to meet the sapphire crystal. The light green numerals on the bezel correspond with the dial’s hour markers and numerals made of solid lume blocks. The lume lights up incredibly bright in the dark, confirming the Tech BOC IV’s tool-watch nature.

The hour markers sit atop a matte black dial that also features a date window at 4:30. One detail I love is how the designers maximized the size of the date for ultimate readability. On top of that, the font matches the font on the numerals on the dial. The high-polished metal surfaces of the hour and minute hands can sometimes disappear against the black background. However, thanks to the copious lume, the time remains constantly legible. The third hand is a blue seconds hand corresponding with the blue “Tech” text on the lower half of the dial. It’s an interesting choice of colors because this shade of blue against a black background is not the most contrasting. Then again, divers will mostly use the hour and especially the minute hand to maximize the watch’s functionality.

The Blancpain in-house caliber 1315A

Inside the case, Blancpain equips the watch with its in-house caliber 1315A. The automatic movement comprises 227 parts, has 35 jewels, and offers 120 hours of power reserve. Furthermore, it features a Glucydur free-sprung balance with gold regulation screws as well as a sweeping brushed finish and polished bevels on the bridges. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal of the titanium case back. The gunmetal-gray 18K gold winding rotor features the brand’s Ocean Commitment logo, emphasizing the special purpose for which this watch was created. Each case back of the final production models will also feature the watch’s unique LE number.

As mentioned, the watch comes with an integrated black rubber strap that connects to the central lugs. The strap attaches from the underside of the case with two hexagonal screws for each case-hugging end. The quality of the strap is remarkable. Not only does it balance out the watch on the wrist nicely, but the detailing is super impressive. It shows that putting some extra thought into a strap’s design can make it an integral part of the watch and the brand identity. The strap comes with a titanium buckle featuring the “Fifty Fathoms” branding, and the pin features the “Tech” name.

Wearing the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV

On the wrist is where this Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV truly shines. Its 45mm diameter might seem daunting at first, but it feels right at home on my 18.5mm wrist. The sculpture of the case and the downward-angled rubber strap ensure it fits nicely. While the watch is substantial, it never felt too big to wear daily. Plus, we sometimes have to remind ourselves that this is a dive tool that benefits from its larger size. In all fairness, the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV doesn’t wear like a 45mm watch. I would say that it feels like a 42–43mm watch thanks to the central lugs. I feel it looks no bigger than an Omega Seamaster 300M Diver, making it more wearable than the numbers would imply.

All the watch’s little details reveal themselves on the wrist. That’s where you get a great idea of the brilliance of the case design. First, it’s impressive that the mid-case is about two-thirds of the thickness, while the bold bezel takes up another third. I love that design, and the bezel action is majestic. The 120-click bezel is easy to grip, and every click reassures you of an incredibly well-made watch. We all agreed in the Fratello offices that the sound is exactly what we’d want from a dive bezel.

Final thoughts on the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV

I thoroughly enjoyed wearing this new Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV for a couple of days. I love how Blancpain updated the Fifty Fathoms design, combining modern cues with the classic looks that define this legendary dive watch. On top of that, the Grade 23 titanium case is beautifully detailed and nicely finished, and it sits incredibly well on the wrist. It makes wearing the watch an absolute joy.

Additionally, once on the wrist, the watch shows what puts Blancpain above many other brands that create dive watches. The quality and detail of the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV are a noticeable step up from many of the popular dive watches we know and love. Add the in-house movement boasting impressive specs and beautiful finishing, and you end up with a first-rate luxury dive watch.

In all honesty, I thought I preferred the charm of the classically styled Blancpain Fifty Fathoms models, like the 70th Anniversary Act 3, the Barakuda, and the No Rad. But after taking this more modern Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV for a spin, I must admit that it has made a fan out of me. That’s why I hope to see many more models in the new Fifty Fathoms Tech line.

More than just a timepiece…

For now, the Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV will be available as a limited edition of 100 pieces, each with a price of €23,250. Buyers will not only receive this impressive timepiece in its Pelicase box but also a special-edition photograph in a series of 100 prints, numbered to match the watch’s serial number. Photographer Laurent Ballesta signs the photo, which is part of his series that earned him the title of 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year. The image depicts a horseshoe crab in its natural habitat around Pangatalan Island in Shark Fin Bay in the Philippines. Blancpain chose this image specifically because the horseshoe crab faces the threat of extinction.

By buying this watch, the new owners support the Blancpain × Sulubaaï Marine Research Center. The program focuses on creating a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in partnership with local communities around Pangatalan Island and Shark Fin Bay. Blancpain has funded the construction of the Blancpain × Sulubaaï Marine Research Center in the village of Sandoval.

This center is strategically located near the main research areas and the five MPAs established in Shark Fin Bay. It aims to enhance the study, restoration, and protection of these marine ecosystems. With the sales of the limited-edition Tech BOC IV, the brand will further support the operations and activities of the Blancpain × Sulubaaï Marine Research Center with €100,000. It is a great cause that perfectly complements an impressive new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms design.

What do you think of the new Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV? Do you find this evolution of the Fifty Fathoms as exciting as I do? As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

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