ZRC Grands Fonds 300 HERITAGE black dial rubber strap 38 mm

The story

Gone off the radar since the 1980s, the legendary ZRC Grands Fonds 300 watch, introduced in 1964 for French Navy divers, has been making a comeback on the watchmaking scene since 2015. And for the first time, ZRC is reissuing a very special version, the Série 3!

The collection

A veritable concentration of the Grands Fonds spirit, the references in the HERITAGE 38mm line take their cue from the diving watches created in the 1960s. All have been designed to match the aesthetics of the original models in every detail. Worn with sport chic or pure diver's style, these boldly designed timepieces enhance both men's and women's wrists with casual elegance.

As robust as the watches assembled for the French Navy, their monobloc case in 316L steel boasts a diameter of 39 mm. Their construction benefits from research into the programmed deformation of materials to withstand the enormous pressures encountered under the seas and oceans. As with all ZRC watches, they feature the latest technical innovations to guarantee water-resistance to a depth of 300 meters, after a series of tests at minus 1,500 meters. The secret? Its programmed-deformation case back!

Let's get to know each other

A journey back in time begins with the first glance at this Grands Fonds 300 watch. First, you'll discover an imposing 3mm domed sapphire crystal, housing a Série 3 dial, inspired by the 1967 model. It can be recognized by the minute track on the black dial. 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 also retain the classic SuperLuminova treatment. Finally, this model features an aluminum bezel insert for a “vintage” look, as well as an FKM rubber strap in the “Tropic” style found on watches of the era.

Motor side

The Maison ZRC has chosen the Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 Élaboré automatic movement to power this Réédition watch. It offers a power reserve of around 38 hours and a precision of +/- 7 seconds per day.

What you need to know

This ZRC Grands Fonds 300 watch is adorned with a resolutely vintage look to pay tribute to one of history's most iconic divers. To be as close as possible to the original, the steel case is now 39 mm and 13.75 mm thick, and does not retain the ECS system to be a pure 60s reissue. As always, pressure resistance has been tested to 1500 meters to guarantee water resistance to 300 meters. An instrument that has already proved its worth and will be ready to accompany you on all your everyday adventures!

ZRC's attention to detail extends right down to the packaging, with a red box and a warranty card evoking the style of the 60s, not forgetting a handy screwdriver for replacing the pumps.