ZRC Grands Fonds 300 Reissue Series 3 "Pepsi" blue dial steel bracelet 39 mm

The short story

Disappeared from the radar dann the 1980s, the mythical ZRC Grands Fonds 300 watch, presented in 1964 for the divers of the French National Navy, has been making its grand return to the watchmaking scene since 2015.

The collection

A true concentration of the Grands Fonds spirit, the references in the 38mm Réédition line take on the trappings of the diving watches created in the 1960s. All have been designed to match the aesthetics of the original models as closely as possible and in every detail. Worn with sporty chic or pure diver's style, these boldly designed timepieces enhance both male and female wrists with casual elegance.

Indeed, as rugged as the watches assembled for the French Navy, their 316L steel one-piece case sports a brand new 39mm diameter. Their construction benefits from research carried out on the programmed deformation of materials in order to resist the enormous pressures encountered under the seas and oceans. Thus, like all ZRC watches, these feature the latest technical innovations to ensure proven water resistance to a depth of 300 meters after a series of tests at minus 1,000 meters.

Getting to know you

The journey back in time takes place at the first glance set on this Grands Fonds 300 watch. In addition to the iconic crown at 6 o'clock, the blue dial and "Pepsi" bezel perpetuate the ZRC style with the famous "lollipop" second hand. You will also discover an imposing 3mm domed sapphire crystal, housing a recognizable Series 3 dial with its minute track. It also features the same information on the dial at six o'clock as on the original model and its famous date at three o'clock. The fine hands and hour markers are coated with a high-intensity Super-LumiNova X1 paint to ensure optimal legibility. Finally, this model features an aluminum bezel insert for a "vintage" look as well as a steel bracelet featuring a diver's extension.

The bracelet

Speaking of the strap, the new Grands Fonds 38 just so happens to feature an automatic adjustable strap allowing it to be worn over the wetsuit. This unique spring system embedded in the mass automatically adapts to the diameter of the wrist and allows for unparalleled wearing comfort. No adjustment, the two meshes on either side of the case expand to fit the new diameter.

Motor side

The House of ZRC chose the Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 Elaborate automatic movement to power this watch. This one offers you a power reserve of about 38 hours, for an amplitude of 0 to 14 seconds per day.

What you need to know

This ZRC Grands Fonds 300 Series 3 "Pepsi" watch is adorned with a decidedly vintage look to pay homage to one of the most iconic divers in history. To be as close as possible to the original, the steel case is now 39 mm and does not retain the ECS system to be a pure reissue of the 1960s. Its "Pespi" bezel adds that extra "funky" touch, but this watch remains above all an instrument that has already proven itself and will be ready to accompany you in all your daily adventures!