The ZRC Grands Fonds
The ZRC Grands Fonds
I decided to finally pull the trigger on a ZRC after looking at them from afar for a long time. My delay came from the fact that it is unlike nearly every watch I've ever owned before. Here is my early, first impressions while on our honeymoon.
First thing about it is that it wears very comfortably - which I was uncertain as to whether that would be the case. It is legitimately 40mm across, and without a crown on the side, feels slim and easy. The effective lug-to-lug is just 47mm, with the hinged crown guard falling downward very much like a strap would. And its about 13mm thick, so in total the dimensions belie its 300M ruggedness. I can't read French, so I'm not sure if the case is a monobloc or not - the website seems to indicate it is, but the case back has what looks like caseback wrench lugs. I'm not going to risk scratching it up to see if it does screw down...The domed 4mm thick sapphire is just slightly above the bezel, about as high as a Sea Dweller's crystal. Its got an ETA 2428-2 that is keeping 5 secs a day vs NIST, so I can't complain about that! Bottom line: it wears really well on my ~7 1/4" wrist, and it won't snag on anything at all.
The design is not for everyone, but it appeals to my tastes. The extra sized paddle hands are super easy to read day or night (the lume is spectacular, staying bright all night), and I'm a sucker for the meatball sweep (or should I call it a lollypop?). Clean dial with just 3-6-9-12 and stick markers along with no date. One oddity is the inner ring of luminous dots around the dial; I'm not sure of their actual function but they are not intrusive. The dial and hands have a militaristic color scheme, with desert tan lume and an uncertain dial color. I think its dusky black, but it could be tropical brown; either way, I like how it looks and it is quietly subdued. The chapter ring is a dark copper color, making the dial color harder to pin down too. The rest of it is black PVD as this is the Black Phantom version of the French Navy Re-issue. The bezel turns easily, 60 clicks unidirectionally, and has only luminous dots on it (no numbers). This is one of my few complaints about it - while I can do the math, I'd rather have numbers on the bezel instead of dots. ZRC has an Easy Clean System for the bezel, with a small opening at 12 on it to allow you to flush out any sand or debris from the inner working of the bezel so it doesn't get jammed up. The large crown is at 6, and is guarded by a hinged metal piece that the strap is attached to. The 24mm lugs are screwed in, so they are very securely held. A second oddity is that the crown unscrews clockwise, which took me some figuring out with the French language manual... Works fine, though, and turns down very smoothly. I put an aftermarket two piece 24mm nylon strap on it which works perfectly - it came on a very substantial leather strap, but I prefer nylon. The watch came with a set of screwdrivers to make the changes a breeze.
Thats all for now - I am looking forward to a fuller trial to see it out beyond the honeymoon. Here are a few quick pics:
First thing about it is that it wears very comfortably - which I was uncertain as to whether that would be the case. It is legitimately 40mm across, and without a crown on the side, feels slim and easy. The effective lug-to-lug is just 47mm, with the hinged crown guard falling downward very much like a strap would. And its about 13mm thick, so in total the dimensions belie its 300M ruggedness. I can't read French, so I'm not sure if the case is a monobloc or not - the website seems to indicate it is, but the case back has what looks like caseback wrench lugs. I'm not going to risk scratching it up to see if it does screw down...The domed 4mm thick sapphire is just slightly above the bezel, about as high as a Sea Dweller's crystal. Its got an ETA 2428-2 that is keeping 5 secs a day vs NIST, so I can't complain about that! Bottom line: it wears really well on my ~7 1/4" wrist, and it won't snag on anything at all.
The design is not for everyone, but it appeals to my tastes. The extra sized paddle hands are super easy to read day or night (the lume is spectacular, staying bright all night), and I'm a sucker for the meatball sweep (or should I call it a lollypop?). Clean dial with just 3-6-9-12 and stick markers along with no date. One oddity is the inner ring of luminous dots around the dial; I'm not sure of their actual function but they are not intrusive. The dial and hands have a militaristic color scheme, with desert tan lume and an uncertain dial color. I think its dusky black, but it could be tropical brown; either way, I like how it looks and it is quietly subdued. The chapter ring is a dark copper color, making the dial color harder to pin down too. The rest of it is black PVD as this is the Black Phantom version of the French Navy Re-issue. The bezel turns easily, 60 clicks unidirectionally, and has only luminous dots on it (no numbers). This is one of my few complaints about it - while I can do the math, I'd rather have numbers on the bezel instead of dots. ZRC has an Easy Clean System for the bezel, with a small opening at 12 on it to allow you to flush out any sand or debris from the inner working of the bezel so it doesn't get jammed up. The large crown is at 6, and is guarded by a hinged metal piece that the strap is attached to. The 24mm lugs are screwed in, so they are very securely held. A second oddity is that the crown unscrews clockwise, which took me some figuring out with the French language manual... Works fine, though, and turns down very smoothly. I put an aftermarket two piece 24mm nylon strap on it which works perfectly - it came on a very substantial leather strap, but I prefer nylon. The watch came with a set of screwdrivers to make the changes a breeze.
Thats all for now - I am looking forward to a fuller trial to see it out beyond the honeymoon. Here are a few quick pics:
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Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Mike has owned a few and I’ve always liked them. Looks great in black too. Congrats Seth!
- mattcantwin
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Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Congrats; can't beat its cool factor.
- streetracer101
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Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
I like it alot. Solid pickup.
Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Congratulations on the cool new watch!
I’ve admired those as well. They are such a unique design.
I’ve admired those as well. They are such a unique design.
Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Like this is lot with a good history. Also probably easier to get than a Tudor MN.
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Pat McNamara.
Pat McNamara.
Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
I really like these. The SS comes with a bracelet, is there a bracelet option for DLC?
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Love it!
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Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Nice pick up and really like it on the nylon you picked... excellent choice... would be curious to know how their coating holds up also...
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Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Yes, a GIANT Grands Fonds congratulations here Seth !!!
From here it really seems like you made a terrific choice no doubt.
The watch genuinely isn’t like anything else. But that is a good thing,
or phenomenal thing actually. And what’s wonderful too, is that
it’s not just one thing that is different about the watch either. ..It
is the whole package actually. From the extraordinary case, along
with reverse bullhead type personality. To the out of this world
bezel, and dial, this beauty has it all.
Even the finish looks like some super secret material, or as if it came
from beyond the stars. I think you’re going to enjoy this more, and
more as time goes by. It’s just too cool to be honest. Beyond cool !
From here it really seems like you made a terrific choice no doubt.
The watch genuinely isn’t like anything else. But that is a good thing,
or phenomenal thing actually. And what’s wonderful too, is that
it’s not just one thing that is different about the watch either. ..It
is the whole package actually. From the extraordinary case, along
with reverse bullhead type personality. To the out of this world
bezel, and dial, this beauty has it all.
Even the finish looks like some super secret material, or as if it came
from beyond the stars. I think you’re going to enjoy this more, and
more as time goes by. It’s just too cool to be honest. Beyond cool !
Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Congrats-- been looking at ZRC's as well....
Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
interesting original design, cool in DLC... nice p/u, Seth!
‘I don’t worry about a thing, 'cause I know nothing’s gonna be alright’ Mose Allison
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Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Wish I could see one of these in the metal!
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- spring-diver
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Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Congrats
That’s a great choice
That’s a great choice
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Sinn: EZM9, T1, T1B, 836 & 857S
Sinn: EZM9, T1, T1B, 836 & 857S
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Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
it looks stunning in the dlc. congrats on it seth
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Re: The ZRC Grands Fonds
Not something you are going to see everyday. Definitely different. Congrats!
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