ZRC Grands Fonds 300 MN64 Réédition automatic steel bracelet 41,5 mm

The story

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

Getting to know each other

A contemporary take on the 1964 Grands Fonds 300®, the "Réédition MN64" collection is made up of versatile, aesthetic and practical everyday diving watches. Like all ZRC® watches, these benefit from the brand's latest technical innovations integrated into the famous hexagonal monobloc case, waterproof to a depth of 1000 meters and tested to 1500M. They also feature the Crown Protection System™, which guarantees 100% functional water-resistance. Until the crown is fully screwed in, the watchband cannot be closed. The presence of the Easy Clean System, ECS®, prevents the crystallization of sea salt between the unidirectional bezel and the case. It's a unique system for cleaning the inside of the bezel with a circulation of clear water, and it's the ultimate tribute to the original Grands Fonds® that's clearly part of the brand's DNA.

The model

With its black dial, 41 mm-diameter satin-finish steel case and metal bracelet, this version represents the quintessence of the Grands Fonds 300 diver's watch. On this model, we appreciate its ultra-legible "Magnum" hands, its absence of date offering perfect symmetry and its DNA directly inspired by the model of the time used by the French Navy!

An ingenious bracelet!

As the Zuccolo Rochet company first expressed its know-how in the design of extendable steel watch straps, we find this technology again on this Réédition Marine Nationale 1964 watch, to guarantee comfortable wear even over your diving suit! In fact, the Grands Fonds MN64 features a solid metal bracelet that adjusts automatically via 2 lugs containing ingenious springs that can be compressed, enabling it to be worn over a wetsuit or other sportswear. This unique system of embedded springs automatically adjusts to the diameter of the wrist, providing unequalled wearing comfort. Thanks to its half-links, you can adjust it to within +/- 3mm, making it universally compatible.

Finally, the unique and exclusive clasp of this Grands Fonds offers an anti-return system as well as a 360° locking mechanism for maximum security.

Motor side

The Maison ZRC has chosen to use the new SELLITA SW300-1 movement in an elaborate version for its MN64 watches in the Grands Fonds range. In collaboration with the Swiss manufacturer, ZRC has developed an oscillating weight specifically balanced around a rotor centered on 3 axes to further enhance automatic winding. With a precision of +/- 5sec per day, this caliber also boasts a 56-hour power reserve. What's more, its locked micrometric adjustment maintains precision even during sporty use, while the INCABLOC shock absorber mounted on the balance shaft protects the heart of the movement from violent shocks.