IntroducingThe Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech, Now A Permanent Catalog Option

The Fifty Fathoms Tech line started in 2023 with the Tech Gombessa, a 47mm titanium colossus with a proprietary three-hour timing bezel and, overall, an answer to the President & CEO of Blancpain, Marc A. Hayek, asking, "If the Fifty Fathoms was invented today, what would it look like?" In 2025 came the follow-up, the Ocean Commitment IV Tech, a slightly scaled-down version that retained the model's seriousness yet in a more wearable package.

Now, Blancpain continues to evolve the Tech family with the new Fifty Fathoms Tech Ref. 5029-12B30-94A. If the first two limited editions were the Tech finding its footing, today's release is a fully realized, dare I say, commercial version of the most capable Fifty Fathoms. This 45mm titanium diver isn't a limited edition. It's here to stay, and with tweaks to make it feasible on land.

Starting with what has remained relatively the same, the case measures 45mm in diameter by 14.1mm thick — mimicking the footprint of the Ocean Commitment IV, both of which are downsized from the original Gombessa at 47 x 14.81mm. Beyond measurements, the case is crafted from Grade 23 brushed titanium, features a helium escape valve, and offers 300 meters of water resistance. It also has a unidirectional 120-click ceramic bezel with heavy knurling for ease of use while wearing gloves. The dial has remained "absolute black," as Blancpain calls it — a color that absorbs 97% of ambient light of maximum contrast.

And still! Inside is Blancpain's workhorse movement: the calibre 1315A. It beats at 4Hz and offers a generous five-day, 120-hour power reserve, visible through a sapphire caseback.

Now, for what is new. The latest Tech introduces an interchangeable strap system, a first for the entire Fifty Fathoms line. The quick-change, tool-free assembly is emphasized in the release by three stock rubber straps, one in classic black, another in crisp white, and lastly a vibrant orange option that matches the seconds hand and "TECH" dial signature. As Hayek puts it, "I love that we can bring color and style into the Tech line, proving that a serious diver's watch can also have a lifestyle side."

The watch is available now, comes in a water-resistant, shock-resistant, and reusable Peli case, and is priced at $22,700.

Today's Tech is a reaffirmation from Blancpain. Yes, this is the same Blancpain that recently introduced a less bulky, 38mm Fifty Fathoms, but it's not all downsizing for the brand, which has never made a quartz watch and never will. In the category of serious dive watches for serious divers, no one is better than or executes on the level of Blancpain. So while the brand is adjusting a bit for consumer tastes, aiming to appeal to new customers with something like the 38mm Fifty Fathoms, the latest Tech is Blancpain playing to its base. No one has this customer like Blancpain does.

Along those lines, it's right time for the Tech to cement its place in the permanent catalog. The Tech Gombessa was limited in production by time and was available to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms in 2023. The Ocean Commitment IV was a true limited edition of 100 pieces. The Tech is possibly the most on-brand dive watch available from Blancpain, and a watch that should be available whenever a serious diver is in need.

Beyond all that, the watch now works much better out of the water. The strap system is a much-needed upgrade. I was surprised to find out that this is the first tool-free strap system from Blancpain. And while I don't need something like this on every single watch I own, it's most useful here, where you may want to reserve a longer strap for use on dives and a fun, colorful, wrist-only-sized option for everyday wear.

Blancpain has effectively taken the Tech from a niche concept to a full-fledged platform. This 45mm version walks the line between hardcore tool and everyday companion with some success. Dive watches shouldn't ask you to choose between lifestyle and legitimacy. Doing both is a playbook that has worked for decades at this point, and Blancpain's execution here proves there's still plenty of room for innovation within that proven formula.

Brand: Blancpain
Model: Fifty Fathoms Tech
Reference Number: 5029-12B30-94A

Diameter: 45mm
Thickness: 14.1mm
Case Material: Satin-brushed Grade 23 Titanium
Dial Color: "Absolute Black"
Indexes: Luminescent block-shaped appliques
Lume: Super-LumiNova, green lume emission
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Quick change integrated rubber strap with pin buckle

Caliber: Blancpain caliber 1315A
Functions: Hours, minutes, and central seconds
Diameter: 33.4mm
Thickness: 5.65mm
Power Reserve: 120 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz
Jewels: 35
Additional Details: Helium escape value

Price: $22,700
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No

For more, visit Blancpain online.