Introducing the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV

Intro

A new Fifty Fathoms watch is always welcome, even more so after Blancpain ushered into a new era during its seventieth-anniversary celebrations. It introduced several new iterations across the classic collection while dramatically evolving its saturation-diving-ready top line. The Fifty Fathoms Tech is the most avant-garde take on the legendary diving watch ever and now comes with a newer and simpler iteration following up the Tech Gombessa.

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV

Limited to 100 pieces, it is a range extender to the “Tech” concept featuring a simpler three-hand layout. The Tech has undoubtedly replaced the 500 Fathoms, i.e., the oversized Fifty Fathoms, with a helium escape valve at ten. With the second Tech product release, Blancpain confirms two sub-collections sit under the Fifty Fathoms umbrella.

Combined here are the Blancpain Ocean Commitment moniker and the Tech platform for the first time, in a case whose diameter drops from 47 to 45 mm. Also, the thickness slims down from 14.81 mm to 14.1 mm. The new specs are the outcome of a technical review. While the Tech Gombessa houses a three-hour graduated bezel and a matching additional central hand to time an equally long diving session, the Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV comes as an ordinary three-hand watch with a date.

The technical update pairs with several aesthetic tweaks: the dial is in absolute black (thus absorbing up to 97% of light). Instead, the sapphire-crystal bezel is tapered towards the centre to minimize glare as much as possible. As expected, the downsized case is crafted from titanium 23, introduced by Blancpain with the Bathyscaphe, whose main specs are low density (and lower weight as a consequence), high mechanical and corrosion resistance, and enhanced bio-compatibility. Also, it is easier to mirror polish, thus being a favourite choice in high-end watchmaking.

From 13P8 to 1315A

The 1315 A replaced Gombessa’s 13P8, confirming once again why watch lovers appreciate a Fifty Fathoms watch. It prides itself on excellent finishes and a convenient five-day power reserve, despite some luxury brands closing the gap in such areas like Grand Seiko’s latest generation of Spring Drive movements, which power the Evolution 9 collection, for instance.

However, this is undoubtedly one of the most attractive mechanical movements powering a professional diving watch. The matching skeletonized winding mass with the machined Ocean Commitment badge on top is a stunner, providing some L-Evolution for Lamborghini’s vibes.

When the Tech came out, a new centrally mounted integrated rubber strap appeared, and I cannot avoid seeing some X-Fathoms traits in the design process. In contrast, I dislike the Tech logo on the pin buckle and dial. Please prove me wrong, but I believe its font sets the watch apart from the Fifty Fathoms product family too much.

Final thoughts

Blancpain was searching for a new storytelling when engineering the Tech sub-collection. Again, the second iteration comes in extremely low quantities. One hundred will be lucky enough to secure a Tech Gombessa follow-up. It is now smaller and slightly more accessible yet loaded with the features we love, including the bold three-dimensional Arabic numerals and baton-shaped indexes filled with luminescent material.

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV is a unicorn among diving watches: you either love it or don’t; there are no shortcuts. Fostering the Fifty Fathoms’ spirit better than its forerunner, it is a “tool watch” and a niche product.

Fifty Fathoms watches rank among the most expensive diving watches in the luxury arena, and the Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV is no exception; the retail price is 23,450 euros, 1,000 of which will go to the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center.

That’s a lot of money for a diving watch. Still, the mixture of materials, build quality, engineering and “one-off” production lot make it a stand-out piece for the ultimate Fifty Fathoms watch lover and a hard-to-get one for newcomers. Most likely, Blancpain’s long-established collectors will first access the product.

(Photo credit: Blancpain)

Giovanni Maria Di Biase @Horbiter®