Call Of The Ocean

A steadfast advocate for marine conservation, Blancpain once again brings its cause to the fore with a new limited-edition Fifty Fathoms watch.

- Words: Alvin Wong

BLANCPAIN AND THE ocean share an intrinsic bond—one that extends far beyond horology. The Swiss maison revolutionised dive watches with the launch of the Fifty Fathoms in 1953, the world’s first modern professional diver’s timepiece. But its commitment runs deeper. Two of Blancpain’s most influential leaders—Jean-Jacques Fiechter, the visionary behind the Fifty Fathoms, and current president Marc Hayek—are avid divers, driven by an unwavering passion for the marine world.

Their fascination with the ocean has long shaped Blancpain’s ethos, fuelling efforts to safeguard its fragile ecosystems. Hayek, in particular, has championed marine exploration and conservation for over two decades through the Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) programme. Partnering with leading explorers, scientists, photographers, and conservation organisations, the initiative has supported more than 40 scientific expeditions to date.