Jamie Weiss
Over the years, Blanpine has adopted 50 Fathoms in a very different direction. The ceramic calendar moon phase is completely made into a calendar moon face. Ceramic is a huge X-fathom that can be both utilitarian and the largest, or features a 55.6mm case and mechanical depth gauge. Another distinctive 50 Fathom incarnation was Tech Gombessa, released as the second act in a trio of watches celebrating the 70th anniversary of the 50 Fathom in 2023. Start it.
It was a cool watch, but with some pretty specialized complications and a measurement of 47mm diameter, it’s not a watch that anyone can pull apart. However, the new 50 Fathom Tech Boc IV employs a engaging case design from the high-tech Gomvessa, returning to a more common diving watch format, supporting valuable charity while also reducing to a more daily equipment percentage.
case
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Boc IV features a 14.1mm thick case made from grade 23 titanium, 45mm wide (i.e. 2mm smaller than the Tech Gombessa). Because of its low oxygen content, Grade 23 titanium is why it is preferred for surgery compared to 5 grade titanium. These are by no means small dimensions, but the Tech BOC IV is actually worn less than the 45mm number suggests. In that case, it makes use of the central lug and integrated strap, and is almost like a pebble, making it look like a smaller watch than the wrist, especially the top down. That said, due to the design of the central lug, the straps aren’t as clear as the first half straps…but it holds the wrist. It’s titanium, so it’s also comfortable and light.
Unlike the Tech Gombessa, it comes with a standard (marked for 60 minutes) unidirectional diving bezel with subtly domed ceramic inserts. Also, the bezel is one of the best I’ve ever used. It’s a very large and clicky but very satisfying way. It retains a water resistance rating of 300 meters. This is standard across the entire 50 Fathom range, but with a helium escape valve at 10 o’clock, and atypical for 50 Fathoms. It also carved on the left side of the case with a Blancpain log mark, which has been moved slightly down to accommodate the helium escape valve.
Dial
Rather than going for flashy orange or sparkling sunbursts, the Blancpain 50 Fathom Techbok IV dial is the same glossy “absolute black” as Tech Gombessa. Blanpine explains that absolute black absorbs up to 97% of light, which makes the dial’s indication stand out in deeper waters. For example, it is very important to observe in real life. For example, it’s not as black holes as Vanta Black, but it’s still completely eye-catching. At some angles, the dial appears to be filled with oil like the diver’s hydro range, but they are quartz and here are seconds’ hands that are swept smoothly! Speaking of that hand, it is blue, similar to the text of “technology” on the dial, distinguishing this 50 Fathom from everything else, even in the distance.
Another difference between Tech Gombessa and Tech Boc IV is that the latter has a 4:30 date window. The 4:30 date is always a bit controversial, but I think it provides a visual counterbalance for the helium escape valve on the opposite side. The numbers in the date window use the same curved futuristic font as the cardinal numbers on the dial and the “technical” text. This is a great touch.
strap
As mentioned earlier in this review, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Boc IV has an integrated rubber strap and features a thick Grade 23 titanium pin buckle. Call me Dork. However, I love that the “technology” logo is engraved on the head of the pin and matches the cursive “50 Fathom” across the chili pepper. The straps are very comfortable, properly sporty and I think it will make you feel even better underwater. The two hex head bolts connect the strap to the case of the Tech BOC IV. I don’t know if the quick release system will add anything here, as there are no other straps on this watch (but the titanium bracelet is cool…)
Movement
Powering the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Boc IV is an in-house caliber 1315a with a five-day power reserve, thanks to three series coupled barrels and magnetic silicon hairsprings. The minimalist 18 CT gold rotor with the Blancpain Ocean Commitment Logo (details in 1 second) exposes much of the movement beneath it.
charity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02pbf9qorio
You might ask what the BOC IV part of this watch’s name means. This represents Blancpine Ocean’s commitment and indicates that it is the fourth special edition watch produced to support the program. For the past 20 years, Blanpine has funded and supported marine conservation efforts around the world through its marine commitment. BOCIV specifically supports the Sulbaai Marine Research Center in the Philippines, where Blancpain funded the construction. The centre will promote research, recovery and conservation of Shark Fin Bay, one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions damaged by unsustainable fisheries. 1,000 euros will be donated to the Surbaai Marine Research Centre from the revenues of each technology BOC 4 of 50 Fathom.
verdict
Simply put, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Boc IV is one of the most distinctive modern 50 Fathoms watches, and in my opinion, one of the most convincing. Mechanical dive watches are like anachronism – we all know this – but the Tech BOC IV offers a more modern formula, with its laggless grade 23 titanium case and Lume block indexes particularly distinguished. If the standard 50 Fathom Automatic is the classic 911, the Tech BOC IV is the modern 911 turbo. It is based on heritage design cues, but sporty. It was even more extraordinary.
Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2: Tech Gombessa has mentioned it many times in this article. This is definitely an even more modern watch, as the Tech Boc IV is ultimately a derivative. But it’s also a more niche product (i.e., if you’re not a saturated diver). It’s the master stroke that makes Tech Gombessa’s attractive case designs more accessible. Technology BOC IV also supports is merely icing on the cake.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Boc IV Pricing and Availability
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Boc IV is a limited edition of 100 numbered titles and is currently available. Each of the 100 watches comes with a Pelican case-style waterproof box, a donation certificate, and a special edition of 100 prints, numbered to match the watch’s serial number and signed by photographer, Marine and film director Laurent Ballesta. Part of his award-winning series of the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Grand Prize depicts horseshoe-shaped crabs in their natural habitat around Pangatalan Island in Shark Fin Bay. Price: USD 21,300, USD 33,900
Brand Blanpine Model 50 Fathom 50 Fathom Tech BOC IV Reference Number 5029A-12B30-64A Case Dimension 45mm(D) x 14.1mm(T) Case Material Grade 23 Titanium, Ceramic Bezel Insert Water Resistance 300m, Screw-Like Crown Strap (S) Grade Dial Lug Integra Lighting Pin Buckle Motion Caliber 1315A, In-house, Automatic Power Reserve 120 Hours (5 Days) Functional Time, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Unidirectional Diving Bezel, Helium Escape Valve Availability Limited Edition 100 Number 21,300
$33,900
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