Innovation Is Our Tradition
Blancpain is proud of its history dating back to 1735, making it the world's oldest watch brand. Over the centuries since its foundation, the Maison has maintained its commitment to innovate and has constantly pushed the limits of watchmaking. At Blancpain, the expression "Innovation is our tradition" is a fundamental guiding principle. Our attachment to innovation is reflected each year in the development of new timepieces with innovative calibers, often a world's first.
The strength of the Manufacture lies in our capacity to create timepieces that are at once innovative and respectful of the Swiss watchmaking tradition. This philosophy is reflected in each of our models and all of our collections, like our classic Villeret pieces, the emblematic Fifty Fathoms diving watches, the elegant Women models or the exceptional Métiers d'Art watches.
With its watchmaking engineers, master watchmakers and artistic craftsmen, all located in the Vallée de Joux in Switzerland, Blancpain upholds the great traditions and expertise of haute horlogerie. Respect for this heritage and the traditional crafts influences everything that we undertake. This does not mean that we are entrenched in the past. Quite the opposite: innovation is our tradition. This governing principle guides us in the creation of new timepieces and allows us to introduce modern technology that is compatible with the conventional processes.
The Iconic Fifty Fathoms
Launched in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms is the first true diver’s watch. Created by a diver to meet
the needs of underwater exploration, it was chosen by diving pioneers and combat diver corps
around the world as a professional timekeeping instrument. With its water resistance, robust
doubled-sealed crown, self-winding movement, contrasting dark dial with luminescent indications, lockable rotating bezel and anti-magnetic protection, the Fifty Fathoms has become an
indispensable instrument for divers on their underwater missions.
These key signature elements that established the Fifty Fathoms as the archetypal diver’s watch
continue to define the identity of such timepieces for the entire watch industry. Bearing witness
to the past while simultaneously looking firmly to the future, contemporary Fifty Fathoms models incorporate modern movements renowned for their robustness and reliability. They feature
numerous technical innovations derived from Blancpain’s longstanding experience in the field of
diving, its risks and its imperious necessities.
The Fifty Fathoms has played an essential role in the development of scuba diving and the discovery of the ocean world. It has enabled Blancpain to forge close links with the ocean community that have been consistently strengthened for more than 70 years. The Fifty Fathoms is the catalyst for Blancpain’s commitment to ocean preservation, which name is Blancpain Ocean Commitment
Partnerships
Biopixel
Blancpain and the Australia-based Biopixel Oceans Foundation support scientific research, propose innovative restoration solutions, and raise public awareness of the need to preserve one of nature’s crown jewels: the Great Barrier Reef.
Laurent Ballesta
Laurent Ballesta is a marine scientist, a distinguished underwater photographer and a pioneer in the use of new diving equipment. Blancpain’s support has enabled him to capitalize on his talents through his Gombessa Project which has been conceived to advance the public’s comprehension of hitherto inaccessible and dimly understood undersea ecosystems.
Oceana – Project Alacranes
Supported by Blancpain, Oceana completed the primary step of Project Alacranes, its first ever Mexican expedition to investigate and document the health of the Bajos del Norte and Alacranes reefs, home to some of the richest marine life in the Gulf of Mexico.
Michelin Star Revelations
As part of its partnership with the Michelin Guide, Blancpain is honored to attend the Michelin star revelations that keep the world of fine dining in suspense around the globe. Since the beginning of the year, nearly 20 destinations have already seen their restaurants rewarded and their chefs praised. In addition to the famous stars, the Guide also awards other prizes, including the Mentor Chef Award and the Young Chef Award, presented to the winners by Blancpain.
2023 Marks the 10th anniversary of the Gombessa Expeditions
Among the Blancpain Ocean Commitment stands the Brand’s partnership with deep diver, underwater photographer and biologist Laurent Ballesta. Blancpain has been supporting his Gombessa Expeditions since the very first mission in 2013.
Laurent Ballesta’s Gombessa project focuses on studying some of the rarest, most elusive marine creatures and phenomena on Earth.
Blancpain Ocean Commitment
Blancpain have established intimate connections with the world’s oceans and the communities dedicated to their preservation. Working closely with passionate divers, leading scientists, underwater explorers, environmentalists, and photographers, our mission has grown far beyond the creation of the world’s finest diving timepieces. We have come to understand and support vital initiatives aimed at ocean preservation and the building of public understanding of the cause. Our ocean preservation efforts are summarized with what we term the Blancpain Ocean Commitment to which we have devoted substantial resources. We hope as you discover the many initiatives we have undertaken, you too will be inspired to lend your voice in support.
locations near you
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Rolex Boutique Tourneau International Market Place
2330 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808.922.4900
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