ZRC Grands Fonds 300 [perfected for 2021]

Perfecting a legend doesn’t come easy; it takes a level of fastidiousness and downright single mindedness that few brands possess. 

It is all too easy to flit (like the proverbial butterfly) from one new model to the next, but for the Franco Swiss brand, ZRC whose whole brand’s identity has been focused on a single point in time and history –

1964 when the final version of their Grands Fonds 300 was approved for use by the French Navy, there is only one way for them to truly evolve, and that is by perfecting what is already considered perfection. ZRC doesn’t want to only specialize in diver’s models – they want to specialize in just one (maybe two) diver’s model(s), the GF 300 which they have taken back to the drawing board; delivering it for 2021 with a whole host of technical improvements as well as a wider range of looks.

One key area where ZRC has improved the watch is with its case screw system which has evolved with improved pressure resistance all the while allowing its wearers the ability to change straps quickly and easily using a single-action tool. 

In addition, ZRC has increased the GF 300’s crown circumference for an improved level of ergonomics – which btw already benefits from ZRC’s Exclusive CPSTM crown protection system.

Like its big brother the GF 3000 Titanium, the 2021 GF 300 now comes with a reinforced two-piece case-back that further increases the watch’s level of water-resistance but also allows the back engraving to be perfectly aligned each time the watch is opened for its service.

Of course this is the Grands Fonds 300, so in name the watch is still rated to 300 meters, but I’m sure it is capable of far greater depths. 

For example the GF 3000 Titanium in fact has a water-resistance to 5’000 meters.

ZRC has also improved upon the GF 300’s bezel system which already boasts ZRC’s patented Exclusive bezel cleaning system ECSTM – by including a ceramic inlay which is highly scratch and corrosion resistant. In addition this will introduce the possibility of new and exciting bezel colors for the future. It has also been reengineered so that there is even less chance of accidentally changing your set dive-time. Okay, so we now know that the Grands Fonds 300 is technically better than ever but I think what everyone wanted to see from ZRC was more diversity within the range – which ZRC now offers in abundance. Heading up the new collection is an updated version of the Spirit 1964 model, cosmetically enhanced with red “1964 SPIRIT” dial text and a matching red lollipop seconds indicator and the inclusion of a handsome new black textile strap with grey stripes and gold and red pinstripes.

Next up is ref. GF 41118 with its blue sunburst dial and black ceramic bezel inlay and dial matching rubber diver’s strap the design of which is based upon the ZRC’s steel bracelet. 

In addition the new collection includes: two variants with black DLC cases as well as two models with 100% luminous dials.

ZRC are slowly rolling out all the new GF 300 additions over the course of 2021 but have also added (for the moment) a couple of new color variants of their depth defying GF 3000 Titanium one of which now has a carbon-fiber dial.

Thoughts? We have the GF 3000 Titanium to thank for many of the new improvements that have filtered down to the 2021 GF 300 and it is now all the better for them but what I found most exciting was all the new looks that the watch now has. 

For me it has to be ref. GF41128 with its all black DLC case paired with the sand colored all lume dial – this watch is absolutely killer imo but what do you think; do you have a favorite, do you see one of these new models in your future???