ZRC Securicode Diver 300 Bronze automatic black dial leather strap 39 mm

The story

The ZRC Grands Fonds 300 M Série 1 is the result of a chance encounter and a series of innovations in the field of diving watches. Originally, ZRC (Zuccolo Rochet & Cie) specialized in the manufacture of watch straps and small jewelry items. However, in the early 1960s, a combination of circumstances led ZRC to start producing diving watches.

The story begins with the rapid growth of amateur diving, which, despite its playful nature, presented risks. Frequent accidents prompted the authorities to approach diving clubs to train firefighters and develop underwater operations. In Annecy, Gendarmerie Captain Schaeffer and Dr. Louis Servettaz organized training courses with local divers. Among these divers were employees of ZRC, a company then specializing in steel bracelets.

The idea of designing a high-performance diving watch emerged among these enthusiasts. In 1958, Mr. Boudarian, ZRC's sales manager, met Yves Pastre, a watchmaker in Toulon, accredited to the French Navy. This meeting proved decisive. Louis Brunet, then head of ZRC, decided to start manufacturing diving watches with the help of Pastre and another Toulon watchmaker, Mr. Digne. Together, they developed the first Grands Fonds 300 M, a 36 mm-diameter model, water-resistant to 300 meters, robust and extremely legible.

The design of this first version is patented on June 21, 1961. The first models were used by divers at the Arsenal Maritime in Toulon, who were very satisfied. The watch's reputation quickly spread throughout the French Navy. A rigorous homologation process is put in place, with tests carried out under severe conditions. In 1962, the Grands Fonds 300 M obtained official approval from the Service Technique du Commissariat de la Marine (STCM).

The watch features a dial with tarragon leaf-shaped indexes in its first version, and luminous “magnum” hands with a straight second hand. The second version adopts slightly modified hands and dial, with a “lollipop” shaped second hand and thinner indexes. The watch is mounted on a patented Sizorflex stretch strap, and its unidirectional notched bezel features an ingenious notching system to prevent inadvertent manipulation.

The ZRC Grands Fonds 300 M Série 1, with its unique features and rich history, has become a cult object for vintage diving watch enthusiasts, symbolizing an era of innovation and passion in For its 120th anniversary, ZRC unveils a new collection with the evocative name SECURICODE. Three models with vintage accents in different materials open this exciting chapter in the brand's history. Its name comes from an enigmatic model, developed specifically for professional divers in parallel and as a close derivation of the Series 1, the ZRC Sécuricode has been designed to present, for the attention of professional divers, the information they need first and foremost with maximum legibility.

A bronze version of an icon

Reference SC39463 is a unique reinterpretation of the 1958 S1 model, with a decidedly '70s twist. While retaining the original spirit of the SECURICODE, this new version offers a modernized design and top-of-the-range materials.

The black dial of this SECURICODE is modernized, with the addition of a touch of red, as well as a date window at 3 o'clock. Its delicate double-thickness brass guilloché is reminiscent of period models. The magnum “gilt” hands are coated with superluminova for excellent readability in the dark. The lollipop seconds hand is inspired by the MK2 versions of the period. The whole is coated with Old Radium Superluminova and is protected by a 2.9 mm thick sapphire crystal with bluish anti-reflective coating.

The 39 mm satin-bronze case features a circular brushed finish reminiscent of a 1950s watch. It is water-resistant to 300 meters and tested to 800 meters. The unidirectional black ceramic bezel, perfectly integrated with the dial, adds a sporty, modern touch. It rotates on 60 clicks, just like in those days.

Delightfully retro-chic, the calfskin leather strap reinforces its vintage look.

Engine side

The Maison ZRC has chosen to use the new SELLITA SW200-1 movement in an elaborate version for its Sécuricode watches. Boasting a precision of +/-7 5sec per day, this caliber also boasts a 38h power reserve.