Primarily vintage-inspired, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was given a modern makeover with the first “Tech” model launched in 2023. Now Blancpain follows up with the Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV.

While retaining the same lug-less case, the latest model is more compact and streamlined than its Tech predecessor, though it’s still 45 mm in diameter. And it features an “absolute black” dial — coated with a substance that absorbs 97% of incident light — ensuring maximum contrast for the luminescent hands and block-shaped hour markers.

Like earlier Ocean Commitment editions, which were all vintage-inspired, this watch will help support the Blancpain’s marine conservation efforts, specifically the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center in Palawan, Philippines.

Initial thoughts

The new Fifty Fathoms Tech offers notable refinements over the earlier Tech Gombessa edition from two years ago. While the oversized, 47 mm Tech Gombessa was designed primarily as a specialised diving instrument, making it arguably too large for everyday wear, the new model adopts a more conventional dive watch dimensions. At 45 mm, it’s still large but more manageable, improving its wearability.

The “absolute black” dial is also an interesting upgrade that makes sense in a dive watch given the need for legibility. While Blancpain doesn’t specify the details of the dial coating, it appears to be similar to Vantablack and other blacker-than-black coatings used by other brands in the past.

Though conceived as a “tool” watch, the Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV is still a luxury watch and executed as such. The quality is high, as is typical of Blancpain, which explains the US$21,300 price tag. It definitely ranks amongst the more expensive of titanium dive watches, but the fit and finish is excellent.

Dive watch

The Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV has a case in grade 23 titanium, an alloy that’s similar to the grade 5 titanium widely used in watchmaking. Grade 23, however, is newer alloy that’s a little tougher and slightly more corrosion resistance.

The case continues with the style established by the first Fifty Fathoms Tech that does away with lugs and employs an integrated rubber strap. It measures 45 mm in diameter and 14.1 mm thick, while offering water resistance to 300 m. Thanks to the central lug, the watch wears smaller than the dimensions suggest.

The case has a manual helium escape valve at 10 o’clock

The unidirectional bezel incorporates a traditional 60-minute diving scale on a black ceramic insert that’s angled downwards toward the dial. The dial is in “absolute black”, creating stark contrast for the hands and applied markers. Notably, the markers are blocks of luminous resin, giving them a three-dimensional feel.

Powering the watch is the in-house cal. 1315A, a large calibre that operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and delivers a five-day power reserve. The cal. 1315A is one of Blancpain’s higher-end movements, so it sports finishing that’s low key but refined; the bridges, for example, are brushed but accented with polished bevels. And the movement is fitted with an open-worked 18k gold rotor bearing the Blancpain Ocean Commitment logo.

Key facts and price

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV
Ref. 5029A-12B30-64A

Diameter: 45 mm
Height: 14.1 mm
Material: Grade 23 titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 300 m

Movement: Cal. 1315A
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Self-winding
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 5 days

Strap: Rubber strap with buckle

Limited edition: 100 pieces
Availability: At Blancpain boutiques and retailers
Price: US$21,300

For more, visit Blancpain.com.