ZRC Geneve 3000m TITANIUM GF50608

The Legend of the Grands Fonds: From 1958 to the Depths of the Oceans

The GF50608 is now very hard to come by. Here is one still available. In the Special Bundle additionally with red & white rubber strap! 

The Grands Fonds, originally developed by ZRC in 1958 and recognized as the official watch of the French Navy in 1964, has secured a place in history due to its exceptional robustness and technical sophistication. Specifically designed for diving operations up to a depth of 300 meters, it impresses with its distinctive silhouette featuring the prominent, screw-down crown positioned at 6 o'clock. These features, combined with its durable construction, ensured that the Grands Fonds never lost its relevance over decades. With its reintroduction in 2015, the watch was enhanced by technological innovations such as the Crown Protection System™ and the Easy Clean System (ECS™), which further increased its reliability and longevity.

OFFICIAL APPROVAL BY THE FRENCH NAVY

The technical department of the French Naval Commissariat (STCM), which was directly subordinate to the Central Command of the French Navy (DCCM) in Paris, was the department at the level of the Central Command responsible for conducting preliminary studies and the approval of new equipment. It was the "Marine Nationale" department of the French National Codification Bureau (NCB) within NATO. The fleet procurement department of the arsenal in Toulon, which had requested the new equipment, had to fill out an identification form for the new ZRC® watch it wanted to procure (trade name of the item, brief technical description, selling price of the item, name, address, and code of the manufacturer, reason for procurement, intended use of the equipment within the Navy, etc.). This completed identification form was then sent along with a request for approval of the watch to the STCM in Paris for review, in order to prepare the allocation of a "Numéro de Gestion Marine" (Marine Management Number - NGM), which would then enable processing.

Evolution of a classic: The Grands Fonds 3000 GF50608

The last of your kind... 

ZRC preserves the puristic elegance of the Grands Fonds 300 while harnessing the power of its iconic design without altering its clarity and simplicity. With the Grands Fonds 3000 GF50608, the brand now presents a new, powerful interpretation of this classic – a watch that embodies not only ZRC's technical expertise but also the avant-garde spirit of the brand. Although this nearly indestructible timepiece shows a clear kinship to its predecessor from the 1960s, it impresses with a distinct character and a bold personality.

Breaking records: The first watch of its kind

The Grands Fonds 3000 is a true pioneering achievement and represents a milestone in the history of watchmaking. It is the world's first watch that withstands a pressure of up to 5,000 meters (3000.m tested, tested to 5,000m) without a helium valve and with a case thickness of less than 20 millimeters. This technical marvel is made possible by the precise processing of its case made of Grade-2 titanium, which is characterized by lightness, strength, and corrosion resistance. The components of the 42 mm large and 19.5 mm thick case compress under pressure so perfectly that no gas can penetrate. Additionally, the 316L steel case back with double titanium sealing and clamp ring withstands extreme loads and absorbs deformations.

Technology and Design in Harmony GF50608

The Grands Fonds 3000 resembles a shark in its aerodynamic shape, reigning unchallenged over the depths of the ocean. The case is topped with a unidirectionally rotating bezel featuring 60 clicks and a ceramic inlay. This nearly scratch-resistant and UV-resistant ceramic emphasizes the technical sophistication of the watch. The deep black, marine blue color scheme creates a strong contrast to the phosphorescent markings coated with Super-LumiNova® – essential for deep diving.

A dial that tells the depth

Behind a 5-millimeter thick, curved sapphire glass that guarantees optimal readability, the dial unfolds an impressive color dynamics. The color scheme starts at the top in a bright indigo and gradually darkens to a deep black, reflecting the diminishing visibility in depth. Traditional, skeletonized Magnum hands with Super-LumiNova® hover over an hour ring with luminous indices and three white numerals. While a silver hand indicates the hours, a brightly painted red hand marks the minutes. The ensemble is complemented by a "lollipop" seconds hand with a luminescent dot and a red accent.

Precision for the highest demands

The Grands Fonds 3000 is powered by a Sellita SW200-1 caliber, a proven automatic movement with 4 Hertz and a power reserve of 38 hours. This reliability and precision make the watch an ideal companion for adventurers who want to explore the uncharted.

Born for the Depth GF50608

With its specially developed natural latex strap, secured by a custom titanium clasp, the Grands Fonds 3000 is ready to conquer the most mysterious depths of the oceans. This watch is not only a masterpiece of watchmaking but also a symbol of the spirit of exploration and adventure. It combines technical perfection, iconic design, and unparalleled performance – perfectly encapsulating ZRC's slogan: "Life is an adventure".

Specifications

• Case: Titanium Grade 2, diameter 42 mm, thickness 19.5 mm, precisely processed for pressure resistance
• Case bottom: 316L stainless steel with double titanium seal and clamp ring
• Lens: One-sided rotatable, 60 notches, ceramic inlay, scratch-resistant and UV-resistant
• Krone: Screwed, with Crown Protection System™
• Glass: 5 mm curved sapphire glass, scratch-resistant and anti-reflective
• Dial: Gradient from indigo to black, indexes and numbers coated with Super-LumiNova®
• Hands: Skeletonized magnum hands, hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova®, "lollipop" second hand with luminous dot and red accent.
• Water resistance: Up to 5,000 meters (without helium valve) (3000m tested, tested up to 5000m)
• Movement: Sellita SW200-1 caliber, automatic movement, 4 Hertz, power reserve 38 hours
• Wristband: Natural latex wristband with specially designed titanium clasp
• Features: Easy Clean System (ECS™), exceptional pressure resistance and robustness