Blancpain launches The Ocean Commitment Limited Edition Bathyscaphe in the UK
Blancpain launches The Ocean Commitment Limited Edition Bathyscaphe in the UK
Since 2014, Blancpain’s longlasting commitment to the underwater world has been united under the title Blancpain Ocean Commitment. At the same time, the brand presented a 250-piece limited edition timepiece, the first in a series.
After the success of this approach and the first limited edition, Blancpain reconfirms its commitment with the second series of limited edition timepieces, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Blancpain Ocean Commitment II (BOC II).
October 6th 2016 marked the official unveiling of the Blancpain Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe Chronograph Limited Edition in the UK. Mr Alain Delamuraz, Vice President and Head of Marketing and Mr Marc Junod, Vice President and Head of Sales of Blancpain, welcomed the UK press to a press conference hosted at the Royal Institute of Great Britain, an iconic scientific education and research establishment based in London. The Ocean Commitment concept, new timepiece and results from contributions from the previous limited edition were presented. Acclaimed marine scientist, underwater photographer and friend of Blancpain Laurent Ballesta gave a talk about the Gombessa Project.
The press conference was followed by an exclusive cocktail reception and informal presentation at Blancpain Boutique, Bond Street for VIP guests including friends of the brand, clients and watch enthusiasts.
Mr Delamuraz spoke about Blancpain’s passion to help explore and preserve the oceans. “We have always been creative,” he said. “Our spirit of innovation reflects our investment in a long-term approach. More than sixty years ago we invented the Fifty Fathoms, the first modern diving watch. Since then we have developed important relationships with scientists, divers, governmental organizations and other ocean pioneers. This is why I'm so very pleased to present our new limited edition Blancpain Ocean Commitment watch in recognition of our close links to diving and Fifty Fathoms history."
Mr Junod commented on how the Ocean Commitment provides the opportunity to become an active participant in protecting the oceans. “The concept of this new limited series is the same as with the first limited edition watch presented in 2014”, he said. “With every watch purchase, 1,000 Euros will be dedicated to a new project in addition to our regular program and these funds will contribute to supporting scientific research as well as raising awareness.”
Laurent Ballesta shared the discoveries made in exploring the depths of the ocean thanks to the contributions received from the first Ocean Commitment Limited Edition. “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to be associated with Blancpain Ocean Commitment through the Gombessa Project over the years. I’m struck by the generosity shown by my friends at Blancpain in providing the funding required for ocean exploration that ultimately uncovers the mysteries that lie beneath the ocean and the importance of conservation”, he said. “This approach shows how committed Blancpain is to raising awareness, encouraging action and protecting the ocean.”
The new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Blancpain Ocean Commitment features, for the first time, an all-blue ceramic case. For each timepiece sold in this 250-piece limited edition, an amount of 1,000 Euros will be donated to funding scientific expeditions. The 250,000 Euros resulting from this will be added to Blancpain’s contributions in support of the oceans.
