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. Since the launch of the first Fifty Fathoms diving watch in 1953, a close and lasting bond has developed between Blancpain and the oceans.

On October 4th 2016, Marc Junod, Vice President and Head of Sales of Blancpain, Roberto Castagna, Brand Manager Blancpain Italy and Gianluca Genoni, freediver and friend of the Blancpain brand welcomed VIP clients, friends of the brand and journalists for an inaugural evening dedicated to the launch of the new Bathyscaphe BOC II and the Blancpain Ocean Commitment exhibition. During this event, Marc Junod discussed the importance of the Manufacture Blancpain’s mission in protecting the oceans: “We are especially proud of the significant results obtained in preserving the latter. Thanks to our long term activities, we have obtained considerable results given that in a two year period, we have achieved ten expeditions and protected 3 million km2 of maritime zones.”

Gianluca Genoni, freediver and Blancpain friend of the brand took the floor, highlighting his shared values with the Blancpain brand in relation to its participation in protecting the oceans.

Gianluca Genoni

Following the ceremony, all the guests were given an opportunity to discover the new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback Ocean Commitment II. For the first time, a timepiece features an all-blue ceramic case.

The links between Blancpain and the underwater world date back more than 60 years to when the first modern diving watch, the Fifty Fathoms, was developed. This model has enabled the brand to create close ties with a large number of scientists, divers, government organizations and other pioneers in the oceanographic world.

These significant relationships forged over its history have resulted in Blancpain becoming one of the strongest advocates of environmental projects designed to explore, preserve and protect the oceans.

The Blancpain Ocean Commitment Exhibition

The exhibition consists of various sections, each dealing with themes precious to the ocean universe and to Blancpain, enhanced with detailed introductions:

Birth of a legend – Through this space, visitors have an opportunity to become acquainted with Blancpain’s links with the ocean universe. A story that goes back more than 60 years to the creation of the first modern diving watch, the Fifty Fathoms.

Ocean exploration – Thanks to the Fifty Fathoms, Blancpain has developed close ties with scientists, divers, government organizations and various scuba diving pioneers. Drawing on these historical connections, Blancpain has become a strong advocate for environmental initiatives promoting the exploration, preservation and protection of the world’s oceans.

Art in Ocean – This section includes photographs representing moments captured under water by the best underwater photographers and friends of the Blancpain brand. These images afford an opportunity to become acquainted with and explore the diversity of the underwater world to understand the importance of protecting it. This immersive experience in the undersea world also creates an additional emotional connection with visitors, enabling them to measure the value of scientific research and exploration.

The Blancpain Ocean Commitment Exhibition is open to the public until October 15th, from 10 am to 7 pm at Pisa Orologeria, Via Verri 7, Milan, Italy.