To mark the launch of the new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II (BOC II) watch, Blancpain has decided to combine the launch with an exhibition of the Blancpain Ocean Commitment Roadshow in China. 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.

November 11th 2016 marked the official introduction of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph "Blancpain Ocean Commitment II" (BOC II) and Blancpain Ocean Commitment Exhibition in China. An official press conference was held at the Blancpain Xintiandi Boutique in Shanghai, hosted by Mr. Alain Delamuraz, Blancpain Vice President and Head of Marketing and Mr. Jack Liao, Brand Manager of Blancpain China, together with Mr. Leung Mantao, Blancpain Cultural Ambassador, Mr. Wu Xiubo, the friend of the brand and Mr. Laurent Ballesta, marine scientist, underwater photographer and friend of Blancpain. The Ocean Commitment concept was presented, along with the new Fifty Fathoms and the results of contributions from the previous limited edition.

During the press conference, Mr Alain Delamuraz commented: “We have always been creative and our spirit of innovation reflects our investment in a long-term approach. More than 60 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.” 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.

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.