Just in time for the launch of Blancpain‘s fourth BOC timepiece I am very happy to share live impressions of the brand new Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV with you. This limited to only 100 pieces special edition is a stunner and worth taking a very close look at all the details, so here we go exploring reference 5029A-12B30-64A.
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The fourth official BOC timepiece
The first BOC limited edition came out in 2014, introducing a plasma grey ceramic case for The Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback. A second BOC Bathyscaphe 5200 was released in 2016, this time with a blue ceramic case.
The third BOC edition was launched in 2018, based on the 40.3mm Fifty Fathoms. Each of those editions was limited to 250 pieces and was linked to designated Blancpain Ocean Commitment donations.
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Before we dive into the BOC IV in 2025 let‘s not forget the two unofficial green dial Ocean Commitment editions introduced in the meantime: the limited to 50 pieces Bathyscaphe Mokarran from 2020 and the limited to 25 pieces Bathyscaphe Sylt from 2022.
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So now there’s the forth official BOC in a totally new format, introducing the FF Tech case in the new size of 45mm and made from titanium grade 23. This beautiful watch goes by the full name Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment IV reference 5029A-12B30-64A.
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A second Fifty Fathoms Tech
In 2023 Blancpain launched a totally new design with the FF 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa. This Fifty Fathoms was created with the purpose of being a professional instrument for (but not limited to) rebreather diving, with intention of being worn over advice suit. The nominal size of 47mm is a bit misleading since for the first time a FF came with an integrated rubber strap held by central lugs. This design choice made the FF Tech Gombessa a very comfortable watch on the wrist, but for full pleasure the wrist should have at least 18cm circumference.
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The new Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV has a diameter of 45mm at a height of 14.1mm, making it easily and comfortably wearable from a wrist circumference of 17cm. It therefore is not only a professional diving instrument but also a beautiful daily wear sports watch.
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A plentiful of beautiful details
The watch features a traditional configuration for the unidirectional bezel with 120 crisp clicks. The inwards tilting bezel insert is made from ceramic with carved out and SuperLuminova filled markers and numerals. The long bezel teeth are a true highlight not only in terms of grip but also aesthetically under a loupe.
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The titanium grade 23 case is also full of remarkable details and finished to the highest standard. It really takes a closer look to fully appreciate the captivating design that makes the FF Tech a non-typical but again utterly beautiful and timeless Blancpain.
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Like with the Tech Gombessa the smaller Tech Ocean Commitment IV features an „absolute black“ dial, absorbing 97% of natural light. We also find the full Luminova indices and numerals which so far only appeared in the FF 70th Anniversary Acts 1&2, in white/slightly greenish color and therefore in harmony with the bezel indications.
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The color blue was a signature element of all previous official BOC editions, the blue dial and bezel inserts of the BOC I and III or the blue ceramic case of the BOC II. The FF Tech Ocean Commitment IV uses that color (in a new hue) more subtly in form of the TECH print on the dial and the center seconds hand.
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When we flip the watch over we find the 4Hz caliber 1315A with a special rotor featuring the BOC logo in a beautifully executed way. The A attached in the caliber number is due to the fact that for the FF Tech the date was moved to a different position on the mainplate.
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Again we have an integrated rubber strap, available in 3 different lengths. A strap extension like we have seen it with the Tech Gombessa is not available and not planned. The strap is held at the central lugs with small screws and secured on the wrist with a Ti23 tang buckle.
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Plenty of luminosity
The classic Fifty Fathoms is famous for its superior lume, and the Tech Ocean Commitment IV is no exception to that. It takes a short glimpse of natural light for the green SuperLuminova to engage, what can be witnessed in the shade or dark immediately.
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On the wrist
My wrist circumference is approximately 16.5cm, so the FF Tech Ocean Commitment IV is easily wearable and very comfortable but a tiny bit too large for me due to the curving of the rubber strap at the lugs.
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There’s clearly substantial presence with the new FF Tech Ocean Commitment IV, no matter the wrist size. The integrated rubber strap tapers sufficiently so the tang buckle isn’t too wide and comfortable. The following shots indicate how the watch wears on a larger wrist than mine.
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Conclusions
First of all I am very happy that the series of BOC timepieces is alive and found a new iteration. The Ocean Commitment initiatives are a commendable ecological engagement by Blancpain and a natural habitat for the descendants of the world’s first professional dive watch.
It was to be expected that Fifty Fathoms Tech will become a new series of timepieces, and by adding the smaller diameter of 45mm Blancpain has opened this design to the casual wearer.
The Tech Ocean Commitment IV will be for 100 watch enthusiasts only, but my hope is that a regular collection 45mm FF Tech will surface at some point, the design would clearly deserve it.
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You find the new Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment IV here and the BOC initiative overview here on the Blancpain website and a quick summary including the official press release data here in the blog. An overview on all previous BOC editions can be found here, a review of the FF Tech Gombessa here in the blog. You also find dedicated posts on each official and unofficial Ocean Commitment related timepiece in the blog.
I hope you enjoyed this hands-on and the photos.
Cheers
Henrik