ZRC

A MEMORABLE NEW LEASE OF LIFE

Dan Diaconu

Its curved lines come into view. Then it bursts forth, breaks through, and disappears. Before re-emerging. Like a wave, the Grands Fonds is back in its original form. ZRC pays a new tribute to its model that has become an icon of the seas since it was designed and EVERY DETAIL HAS BEEN adopted by the French Navy in the THOUGHT OUT TO REPRODUCE 1960s. Two new references have been added to the Réédition 38mm AS FAITHFULLY AS POSSIBLE line. What do they have in common? THE DESIGN OF THE Every detail has been thought out to HISTORICAL TIMEPIECES. reproduce as faithfully as possible the design of the historical timepieces. Being one with the water and also one with all wrists, male and female. This duo succeeds marvellously thanks to the emblematic monobloc case in 316L steel with hexagonal bezel, fitted with a crown at 6 o'clock, chiselled into a diameter of 39 mm. The proportions of the 2022 editions accentuate their versatility. The lines, both distinctive and timeless, the very prominent angles and the rounded shapes of the Grands Fonds once again defy fashion and trends. The Geneva-based brand opted for exacting reproductions in every detail. Even the glass box sapphire crystal has the same curvature as the Plexiglas of old. It sits on top of a dial that is also domed without a raised edge. Two Magnum-type hour and minute hands and a "lollipop" style second hand point to an hour circle composed of four cardinal numerals and elongated markers of the S2 model. The bezel is patterned with circles embedded in ceramic. This light, robust, scratch-resistant material replaces the original black epoxy for a longer life. The GF38163 has a sporty

THE GRANDS FONDS RÉÉDITION 38MM S2 AND S3 PICK UP THE LOOK OF THE 1960s MODELS.

WATCHES-NEWS.COM X ZRC chic character, perfectly complementing any item in a contemporary wardrobe. The S3 is reminiscent of the sporty diving and the Grands Fonds of 1968. The 60-minute scaling on the aluminium bezel is an extension of the numberless minute track on the dial's perimeter. The GF38263 is also distinctive due to its date at 3 o'clock. The thinner hands ensure excellent legibility on this beautifully composed watch. The ubiquitous Super-LumiNova® grade X1 ensures optimal time data legibility under any light conditions.

The Réédition 38mm also takes advantage of ZRC's research into programmed material deformation technologies. Their application to the design of the two-piece case back reinforces their ability to withstand underwater pressures. Tested to a depth of 1,000 metres, the case is uncompromisingly water-resistant to below 300 metres. An ideal resistance for protecting the Sellita SW200-1 automatic calibre in its elaborate version powering the time indicators. All models come with a steel wristband identical to the original, which is extremely robust. The presence of the four independent screws makes the Grands Fonds quite ambivalent. With a single tool, it can be fitted with a NATO colour from a wide range of options. These amphibious creatures never cease to amaze thanks to their adaptability.