THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ZRC
MODEL: GRAND FONDS
YEAR: c1972
CASE DIAMETER: 36MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

ZRC, short for Zuccolo Rochet & Cie was founded in 1904 by Edmond Zuccolo and Joseph Rochet. The company began as a specialist manufacturer of watch chains and metal bracelets, and it was credited with creating the world’s first expandable metal watch bracelet. Their craftsmanship and expertise in precision metalwork soon led to an unexpected twist: they discovered that the French Navy was tendering a contract for purpose-built dive watches.

ZRC’s answer was the Grands Fonds, a true tool watch, purpose-built for durability, legibility, and water resistance. The present example is a Series 3, the final iteration commonly issued to the Marine Nationale. This watch is packed with innovation. It features a uniquely designed screw-down crown placed at 6 o’clock, which can only fit into the cutout in the bracelet when fully screwed in.