The alignment of luxury watch brands with charitable causes is a rising trend for the watch industry at large. That’s something that generally is agreed upon as a positive thing. The more individuals, brands, and organizations with reach and means dedicate themselves to good causes, the better.

While some brands have only recently adopted such a mentality, Blancpain has felt deeply connected to the Ocean. In furtherance of that connection, which spiritually dates back to 1953 when the seminal Fifty Fathoms was first released, Blancpain has partnered with Sotheby’s as a part of their Important Watches Sale, to auction off one of their latest iterations of the iconic dive watch – the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 timepiece. Specifically, number 70.

In addition to this piece, with its unique 9 karat bronze-gold alloy (the distinct color of which is a loving nod to the German Silver vintage Fifty Fathoms), there are also a number of remarkable vintage Fifty Fathoms examples which will be offered for sale in the auction.

Of particular note, a double-signed Blancpain / LIP Fifty Fathoms, circa the mid 1950s, an “Aqua-Lung”Fifty Fathoms, also from the 1950s, and a Milspec Fifty Fathoms (the specific reference which served as the inspiration for the Act 3) will be on offer as well. Vintage Blancpain is always a particularly special and rare thing to come across, so seeing such examples on offer here, alongside their contemporary counterpart is sure to garner a fair amount of attention from vintage collectors and enthusiasts.

But as headline-grabbing as these entries and the Important Watches Sale itself are, the most important part is the cause which they are intended to support: Oceana. Founded in 2001, Oceana is the world’s largest international advocacy group dedicated to all aspects of global ocean conservation. Thus, proceeds from sale of the Act 3 will go to support Oceana’s global mission.

Where some organizations emphasize things like awareness as their central focus, Oceana campaigns around the world, activity seeking to implement meaningful policy changes to improve the health and wellbeing of the oceans. Simultaneously, they also seek to improve the viability of and access to things like sustainable fishing practices and aquatic farming in order to ensure that the goals of conservation, climate change reversal, and providing food to those in need are never at odds with one another. This is extremely important work.

While their connection to and passion for the ocean goes back many years as a part of the Ocean Commitment initiative, Blancpain first partnered with Oceana in 2020 becoming their exclusive watch partner. Blancpain’s commitment has provided essential funding for over 20 significant scientific expeditions, massively increased the amount of protected areas around the world, and served to increase the visibility of ocean conservation work through the production of documentaries and other activations. At the end of the day, every little bit helps, but Blancpain has taken it upon themselves, alongside Sotheby’s and Oceana, to do their part in the furtherance of this essential work.