Since the creation of the Fifty Fathoms - the first true diver's watch - in 1953, Blancpain has been a pioneer in supporting the ocean community. Through our Ocean Commitment, we have backed more than 40 major scientific expeditions, helped protect 4.7 million km² of ocean, and promoted awareness via powerful imagery and outreach.
The Mystery of Corsican Rings now Unveiled in New Gombessa Film
Off the coast of Cap Corse, in the silent depths of the Mediterranean, nature has traced vast and enigmatic circles — delicate, hidden, unexplained. Led by Laurent Ballesta and supported by Blancpain, this extraordinary expedition blends scientific discovery with wonder to uncover the secrets of these unique formations and highlight the importance of their preservation. Watch the film on Arte.tv or on YouTube.
A Major Scientific Breakthrough in Indonesia: The Return of the Coelacanth
Once thought extinct for 70 million years, the elusive coelacanth has reappeared - this time in the deep waters of Indonesia’s Maluku archipelago. At 145 meters deep, Alexis Chappuis and UNSEEN Expeditions brought back the first images ever taken by divers of the Indonesian species (Latimeria menadoensis). Following Laurent Ballesta's legendary encounter with the species in South Africa in 2013, this new chapter is a breathtaking reminder that the ocean still holds secrets, and that science, like nature, is ever-evolving.
Preserving Palawan archipelago with the New Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center
In February, we proudly inaugurated our new marine research center in Palawan archipelago, Philippines. This new facility is an extension of Sulubaaï's Sea Academy program, a highly successful pilot project for the creation of community-managed marine protected areas. The center – supported by the BOC IV Limited Edition funds - aims to facilitate the study, restoration and protection of Shark Fin Bay.
Protecting the Great Hammerhead Shark in French Polynesia
Now in its second phase, the Tamataroa Project—led by Gombessa Expeditions and the Mokarran Protection Society focuses on safeguarding the endangered great hammerhead shark. Through shark tagging, research, and community-driven citizen science, the project collects vital data while actively involving local populations in conservation efforts.
Advancing Global Insight on Marine Protected Areas at World Ocean Summit in Japan
At the 12th World Ocean Summit in Tokyo, Blancpain and The Economist presented the continuation of Beyond the Surface program, which aims to create a scorecard to assess the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around the world, providing comprehensive insights into their design, implementation, and results. More information – including an interactive map, case studies, and a film – can be found on the Beyond the Surface website.
