+++ things you need to know before you buy a zrc grand fonds +++

here are some things you need to know before you buy one of these watches new or pre-owned.


this watch comes with proprietary screws that hold either the bracelet or strap.

in order to change the strap you must have their proprietary screwdriver that fits their screw in lug bars. if you didn't buy the add-on toolkit you cannot change the strap. this toolkit costs $190 eu. this is must have and doesn't come with the watch. it really needs to be included in any package when you buy the watch but it isn't.

if you happen to buy this watch on a bracelet, you're basically fυcked and have to wear in on THEIR bracelet unless you buy the add-on link that goes around the crown so you can put it on a strap. i believe the cost for this 1 link is over $100/150 eu as well.

get this. they also have 2 kinds of screws/screwdrivers. some of their newer watches need a deeper version of their proprietary system. awesome. 2 different types made special for zrc to double your fun.

what zrc chose to use is not a triangle or hex. what they chose is to make you buy their toolkit and is a combo of both that looks like a japanese rice ball. notice their mouth is covered up because they're frowning







you might think you can bypass this by finding a like screwdriver, but i didn't have much luck.

so i had to buy the toolkit which consisted of 4 screwdrivers. two of their proprietary and two flat head. when the toolkit arrived you're in another dimension of hell. if you thought changing your strap on those occasional pesky spring bars is a pain in the ass, you haven't seen mr howdy and this system.



zrc's system requires you to use both screwdrivers at once. you have to hold one screw in place while unscrewing the other as it's connect to the other.

sounds simple enough but these screws are the the size of a piece of lint and you need 3 or 4 hands to do it. it's virtually impossible for 1 person to make a simple strap change. thinking you can do it individually will only succeed in one thing. scratching the surrounding case holding the screws,....bravo, zrc..even if it's a light scratch it's impossible to avoid.

even with 2 people and 4 hands it's difficult. one hand has to hold the case and the other has to hold the screwdriver perfectly in the screw, while the other person need to apply pressure so you can take unscrew it. but in order for the pressure to apply means you have to hold the case a certain way making it harder to do for one of the parties, thus making it much easier to slip and scratch your watch....double face palm..

i'm really surprised zrc doesn't have their own proprietary case holder that they can charge more money for. but i really don't even think it would make it easier for 1 person.

another thing. this process has to be done on a desk with a large white surface or done inside a clear larger ziplock bag so you will not lose the lint size screw once it comes loose.

once you get the one screw out the other screw is connected to the lug bar, so you're not out of the woods yet. it just doesn't simply come out once you remove he one screw. i tried using one screwdriver to remove it...nope, doesn't work and spins once again. i then tried to use my index finger and thumb to grab the leather strap and lug bar gently trying to pull it out. nope..didn't work.

only thing that worked was using a pair of pliers to grab both the leather strap and lug bar and pull to loosen it. obv this leaves a big mark on the leather strap that doesn't fit a 7" wrist to begin with and you risk further damage in scratching the case. but there is no avoiding it if you want to change the strap.

now you're done, right? nope. after you put your new strap your watch you have to screw the screws back in. while it's easier than removing them it's no picnic as well and you need another party or 2 more hands once again to help you with this as well.

just in case you strip the screws or buy one that somebody tried to use a like screwdriver it costs $20 eu for one screw.

i'm really dreading changing the strap on this the next time. this process is absolutely ridiculous and it should be a major decision/consideration for anyone to buy one of these watches



and here is the finished product on a chocolate barton with a khaki underbelly

zrc grand fonds 7" wrist..... 40.5mm .....49.5 L2L



bob kraft approves

it's rough sledding to get that 73 posts in 48 minutes..and a simple "i lol'd @ ur story" would have sufficed

on your bike, zippy

I like the watch but the lug to lug is too long for my wrist. I was looking at a vintage ZRC a while back but just don’t think it works on all wrists

i'm a flat 7" and i can barely rock it. but it's not really a preferred L2L length for me.

they really should make one with vintage specs

good news is that it's much smaller than my ex frickers and i can easily tell the time

I lol'd @ur story

Totally understand your frustration, something simple made complicated.

Haha this was pretty funny to read. Although i imagine it is not funny if you own one of these watches.
I think the vintage ones are a bit cooler than these new ones to be honest.

I had a good laugh, sounds like a great system to use on a daily basis, especially in the morning half awake.👍

Just joined this group last week under the suggestion of another member based on his experience of knowledgable and mature interactions with its members (Not always the case in other watch forums). This post gave me a headache already.. I've got ZRC #7 in route and preordered an 8th. My mini ZRC collection dates back to 2018 and EVERY one of them came with the proper tools to change the straps and bracelets. Admittedly the first time changing straps, like any watch with a system outside of spring bars, had a slight learning curve. But I can't imagine struggling with it enough for this rant 😀

The brands service is amazing. You could have just emailed them and asked for the tool in about 1/18 the time it took to write this post. I bought a rare release of theirs on the preowned market and emailed them asking how many were actually made. Not only did they thank me for supporting the brand, they transferred the registration and remaining warranty to my name, added a year to the warranty and free of cost sent me a package with a beautiful ZRC display box via DHL. It's not even about the freebies, anytime I've needed anything... they go out of their way to help.

I see this is a pretty old post now, but wow... hahahahaha

The freedom of a digital soapbox offers value, headaches, entertainment and sometimes... all of the above. 😀

Thanks Dave!

Ha! The one in route is just a variant of a couple already in my box, but the preordered ZRC (I have to wait until October) will be something all new for the brand. It's based on the Serie 1 from their early days in the 60s. Not as accurate as many ZRC enthusiasts would ask for but at 39mm, I think it will cater to more of a crowd than if it were 36 like many are asking.

But yeah, by all means... don't bother reading the initial post. It's a bit dramatic.

My actual and third ZRC