A Technical Perspective – Understanding Bezels and all the Different Scales
A bezel is a simple but extremely effective tool letting you perform all sorts of tasks: from timing a dive to calculating the average speed of a motorbike, from gauging your fuel supply or the distance of incoming fire to consulting the time in Japan, a bezel gets the job done and jacks up the functionality of your watch. The trick is deciphering what all the markings on the bezel or on the dial (in that case, we talk scales) represent and how to use them.
Earlier this year, Blancpain announced the third generation of their charitable champion — the Blancpain Ocean Commitment III, a limited edition take on their iconic Fifty Fathoms. And while previous versions have distinguished themselves by being ceramic and Bathyscaphe, this time around we were treated to a regular (and regularly sized) Fifty Fathoms, in that most democratic of case materials — steel. There is a common link to previous BOCs, though, in the rich and rewarding blue dial, emblazoned with an Ocean Commitment logo at the six o’clock position. It’s a really great watch, which looks good on the wrist, thanks in no small part to its 40mm width. It’s also a watch that does some good as well. In case you’re not au fait with the Ocean Commitment initiative, it’s Blancpain’s program dedicated to raising awareness of our marine environment, and raising funds to improve the health of that environment. A portion of funds from each BOC III sold will go directly to this program, adding up to a cool 250,000 euro across the run of 250 watches. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III Australian availability and pricing Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III, limited to 250 pieces, $21,400
