Although it was established in 1904, the ZRC brand remains relatively unknown to the general public. But for watch enthusiasts, these three letters inevitably inspire a desire to take the plunge: ZRC is indeed a reference for diving watches, with some models water-resistant to 3000 meters!
Beyond this water resistance, what is the real value of these Swiss watches? We invite you to discover it after diving into the history of ZRC.
The history of the ZRC brand
The brand name ZRC refers to its two creators, Edmond Zuccolo and Joseph Rochet. In 1904, the two men made a name for themselves by designing metal bracelets and dive watches. They are also behind the first so-called “claw” bracelets, which allow you to wear your pocket watch on your wrist.
The development of the first stretch bracelet in 1917 confirms ZRC’s innovative capacity and expertise in meeting the needs of divers. This “detail” took on its full significance from the 1950s, following a call for tenders from the Navy: the launch of the Grands Fonds watch allowed ZRC to equip the bomb disposal divers until 1995!
Always present in the catalog, this “GF” has been continuously refined and modernized over time. Thus, if the first models sported a crown at 3 o’clock on the case, it quickly found itself at 6 o’clock. Far from being a simple coquetry, this displacement responds to the demands of divers, ensuring that the crown will not open underwater and will not hinder the movement of the wrist.
Starting from the 1970s, the Paris Firefighters as well as the French water skiing team were convinced by the characteristics of the ZRC Grands Fonds. But it is especially its presence on board of Commander Cousteau’s Calypso which allowed it to establish its international reputation.
But if she is in her element underwater and among professional divers, the brand struggles to make itself known to the general public. It was not until the 2010s that ZRC really began to make a name for itself in the watchmaking landscape. Georges Brunet, CEO and great-grandson of Joseph Rochet, notably decided to revive the ZRC GF300 in 2015, with a collection that is both reliable and stylish.
Whether with Alban Michon in the Arctic or Frédéric Presles on the coasts of Chilean Patagonia, ZRC accompanies modern-day explorers and proves that its watches are comfortable in all terrains. Thus, 120 years after its creation, the company founded by Edmond Zuccolo and Joseph Rochet has never seemed so timely!
Our review on ZRC
If performance has long taken precedence over style, the complete overhaul of the collections in 2021 has given a nice boost to ZRC collections. The Grands Fonds watch no longer hesitates to show color through its GF300 MN64 or to play the vintage chic card with its Spirit line.
True to its slogan “life is adventures”, the Geneva-based brand always offers high quality, reliable, precise and robust timepieces. With prices generally around €3,000, the ZRC Grands Fonds is therefore an excellent alternative to Seiko Prospex, Rado Captain Cook and other Oris AquisPro, Longines Legend Diver and TAG Heuer Aquaracer.
The iconic watches of ZRC
We could use the term “iconic watch” in singular to evoke ZRC’s collection. Indeed, it is the Grands Fonds that takes center stage here, declined in a multitude of versions, more or less sporty or elegant.
The most versatile is undoubtedly the GF300, a direct descendant of the first 1964 model. The 316L steel case, with a diameter of 41.5 mm, comes in various colors, but always houses a Sellita SW-200 movement in an elaborate version while being waterproof up to 300 meters (and tested up to 1500m deep).
Contrary to the 38 mm version, which allows ZRC to (almost) play the dress watch card, the ultimate diver is the GF 3000. It embodies all the know-how of the Zuccolo and Rochet brand, with its monobloc titanium casing of 42mm, which reinforced 316L steel back can withstand 510 bars of pressure per cm².
Topped by a curved 5mm sapphire glass, it fully justifies the name of this Deep Sea, able to dive to 3000 meters deep without flinching.
Where to buy ZRC watches?
ZRC watches are distributed by many retailers throughout France and the brand also has a strong online presence. The Grands Fonds collections can be found at Emile Léon, Lepage, Ocarat…
The best ZRC watch deals
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