Press Release Blancpain - New Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Blancpain Ocean Commitment II

Blancpain Ocean Commitment 2014-2016 Increased impact and a new limited edition

Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Blancpain Ocean Commitment II (BOC II) Ref. 5200-0310-G52A

Blancpain’s commitment to the underwater world took on a new dimension in 2014 with the collaborative gathering of all its partnerships in the realm of ocean exploration and preservation under the label Blancpain Ocean Commitment, as well as with the launch of the first series of Ocean Commitment limited edition watches. Today, two years, ten expeditions and three million square kilometers of protected ocean later, Blancpain reconfirms its commitment with the launch of a new all-blue limited edition.

Driven by a pioneering spirit since its foundation in 1735, the Manufacture Blancpain has enjoyed historical links with diving for more than 60 years, more precisely since the 1953 launch of the Fifty Fathoms, the first modern diving watch in the world. Now regarded as an icon*, this timepiece reflects a shared vision, that of Jean-Jacques Fiechter, then at the helm of Blancpain and a keen diver, together with that of the French Army’s combat diver unit created by Captain Robert “Bob” Maloubier and Sub-Lieutenant Claude Riffaud.

In recognition of this heritage, Blancpain is committed to the exploration and preservation of the oceans. As the Manufacture is convinced that support for environmental protection is directly dependent on keeping the public informed, it works to raise overall awareness by sponsoring significant scientific projects, oceanographic explorations, underwater photography, environmental forums, exhibitions, high-profile publications and a dedicated website. Since 2014, the brand’s efforts in this area have been concerted under the label Blancpain Ocean Commitment.

At the same time, Blancpain presented a 250-piece limited edition timepiece, which at its launch was announced as the first in a series of limited editions. After the success of this first edition and the tangible results of its partnerships, today Blancpain is presenting the second series of limited edition timepieces, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Blancpain Ocean Commitment II (BOC II). This new watch expresses the brand’s determination to pursue its commitment to the oceans despite the target being set very high. Indeed, over the past two years, Blancpain has co-financed ten major scientific expeditions, celebrated its contribution to doubling the surface of marine protected areas around the world (three million square kilometers have been added with Blancpain’s contribution), and presented several award-winning documentaries, underwater exhibitions and publications.

Specifications

Date and small seconds ∙ meteor grey dial ∙ unidirectional satin-brushed grey ceramic bezel with blue ceramic insert and Liquidmetal® hour-markers ∙ self-winding.

For the first time, this piece features an all-blue ceramic case.

For each timepiece sold in this 250-piece limited edition, an amount of 1000 Euro will be donated in support of scientific expeditions.

The 250,000 Euro resulting from this will be added to Blancpain’s contributions in support of the oceans.