Geneva-based independent watch brand ZRC is making a new bronze version of their 1964 Spirit timepiece.
ZRC’s latest dive style timepiece comes in a forged solid bronze alloy (nonmagnetic bronze CuSn8) monobloc case with a circular middle combined with sharp-straight edged lugs and case flanks.
The Grands Fonds Vintage 1964 Spirit Bronze case measures 40.5 mm across, features a distinctive 6 o’clock crown placement, and a 60-click bezel with a shiny black insert, and circles instead of numeric markings on the bezel.
According to ZRC, “This new watch, named 1964 Spirit Bronze and produced in only 170 pieces, draws inspiration from its predecessor, the famous Grands Fonds 300 developed as early as 1960 by ZRC, officially adopted by the French Navy in 1964 and re-issued in 2015.”
For the bezel, a trademarked system called ECS™ is utilized for cleaning the inside of the bezel by circulating fresh water that dilutes and evacuates sea salt, which could otherwise crystallize in the gaps between the bezel and the case.
Another technical feature is the exclusive strap system which uses retractable lugs on the 6 o’clock side of the case and prevents the watch from going on the wrist if the crown is not screwed down first.
The marbled hand-patinaed matte black dial further adds to the unique look of the watch case and compliments the bronze metal, which will also patinate over time.
Two wide skeletonized Magnum hour and minute hands and the lollipop style second hand and applied Arabic numerals and markers, provide a highly legible display of the time.
A sandy beige shade of luminescent material referred to as “Old Radium” offers excellent nighttime and underwater visibility. The dial is protected by a 4 mm tall domed vintage-style sapphire crystal.
An elaborated version of the ETA 2824-2 elaborated, which runs at 4Hz, has 25 jewels, and a 38-hour power reserve drives the functions.
A brown aged leather strap with a signed bronze pin buckle completes the look. The Grands Fonds Vintage 1964 Spirit Bronze (Ref. GF44115) is limited to 170 pieces and retails for $3,390.
