ZRC Grands Fonds 300 1964 'French Navy' Re-issue

While you may never have heard of ZRC, the French Navy has long put the brand’s watches to good use.

Founded in Geneva in 1904, it developed the Grand Fonds dive watch in 1960, which would go on to see service on the wrists of Marine Nationale divers between 1964 and 1982. With its monobloc case, 6 o’clock crown, and slightly off-kilter aesthetic, it’s an odd timepiece, to be sure — but a wildly effective dive watch. 

Produced in a molybdenum-reinforced stainless steel case, it featured antimagnetic properties that ensured EOD divers wouldn’t accidentally set off a stray mine when wearing one. In 1970, ZRC added a retractable lug that prevented the watch from being worn if the crown was opening, ensuring that the wearer had first to screw it down.

This particular Grand Fonds is a 1964 French Navy Reissue. Housed in a 40.5mm stainless steel case, it features the classic ZRC rotating dive bezel with a black luminous insert, a screw-down crown at 6:00, and a luminous matte black dial with a matching oversized 'paddle' handset. Paired to the case is an interesting expanding 'ladder-link' bracelet with a signed locking clasp.

Within the watch beats an ‘elaboré’-grade ETA 2824-2 automatic workhorse movement — a long-time stalwart of robust but affordable dive watches everywhere.

This is an excellent option for someone searching out a tool watch devoid of the ‘same-sameness’ inherent in Submariner copies the world over!

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.