In association with famed director Luc Jacquet and his Wild-Touch Expeditions - Antarctica! project, Blancpain and Laurent Ballesta launch the third Gombessa expedition, which uncovers the mysteries of our oceans and helps fight global warming.

Blancpain clearly likes to spend time under water. It’s no wonder that the brand is widely credited with producing the first modern diver’s watch. Back in 1953, they presented the Fifty Fathoms, which was based on the cooperation between passionate diver and President of Blancpain Jean-Jacques Fiechter, and Captain “Bob” Maloubier, founder of the French Navy combat diver unit. The Fifty Fathoms became the blueprint for diver’s watches for the entire industry. Since then, Blancpain has really committed itself not only to producing quality diver’s watches, but also to the deep blue sea as well.

Blancpain prides itself for having a DNA based on the three core principles of optimism, long-term vision, and innovation. Optimism reflects the brand’s confidence in the future. It’s long-term vision commits the brand to investing in the long-term. And in terms of innovation, it’s already quite clear how well the brand does; its industry pioneering Fifth Fathoms is a great example of that.

In recognition of its heritage, Blancpain has dedicated itself to the preservation of our oceans, spreading awareness through major projects, and producing some quality artistic exhibitions and scientific expeditions to reach out to the public.

For example, the Pristine Seas Expeditions has managed to double the total surface area of protected ocean worldwide by adding a further 3 million square kilometers. Similarly, the Gombessa project has captivated hundreds of thousands of spectators through documentaries and underwater photography exhibitions. It also revealed the secrets of the coelacanth, named the greatest zoological discovery of the 20th century!

For the third edition of the Gombessa expedition, Blancpain and long-time partner Laurent Ballesta have joined forces with Luc Jacquet and his Wild-Touch Expeditions - Antarctica! project, which measures the impact of global warming in the polar regions. Each of the dives – which have never been previously undertaken - will deliver the very first naturalist images of Antarctica’s deep-sea ecosystems. The Gombessa III team will contribute to an inventory of deep-sea fauna that is being created to help address the issue of global warming.

Along with helping with one of the biggest issues facing humanity, the expedition will give rise to several documentaries directed by Luc Jacquet. Having already won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2006 with March of the Penguins, we can expect something equally entertaining and informative from the partnership.

To keep up to date with the good work being done by the brand, or to be simply awed by what the depths have to offer, check out the Blancpain Ocean Commitment.