subesubir gifA secret agent of the British Special Operations Executive during the Second World War, Bob Maloubier parachuted into France and, subsequently into Asia. In the 1950's he was the founder and commander, together with Lieutenant Claude Riffaud, of the French military's combat diving corps. It was in this capacity that he became a part of the history of Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms watch.
For his missions, beyond his diving tanks, regulators, masks, fins and wetsuits, Maloubier and Riffaud understood the importance of having a robust and reliable diving watch. After having thoroughly tested watches which were available on the market, they came to the conclusion that none of them were suitable for the task. It was following this experience that contact was made with Jean-Jacques Fiechter, then CEO of Blancpain, who was himself a diver and passionate about the underwater world.
Member of the Legion of Honor and three times cited for the War Cross between 1939-1945, Bob Maloubier was one of the two last surviving recipients of prestigious Distinguished Service Order bestowed in 1945. In early June, the day before the ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, he was recognized as a Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony held in Paris.