A deep dive into the ZRC Dive Test Center
Since June 2015, more than 9,000 dives were made in the waters of the Big Blue, offering professional and amateur divers from all walks of life the opportunity to test ZRC watches under actual conditions. Located on the Var coast in France, the Lavandou Diving Club, run by Laurent and Frank Augustin – CMAS 3-star level instructors, has thus become the brand’s primary Dive Test Center. On average, 900 underwater excursions are made each year involving the five watches supplied to the club, at depths of between 30 and 60 meters in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea renowned worldwide for its biodiversity, with each entrusted model returning to its natural environment. Instructors and club clients can strap on a watch of their choice over their neoprene wetsuit, from the Grands Fonds 300 collection. They can also test a GF 3000 able to withstand extreme pressure or even the brand new GF 38 Heritage. They are then able to assess the degree of comfort, the level of legibility, as well as the various functionalities.
Upon returning from a dive in the Port-Cros National Park, a change of scenery takes place. Here, these lovers of underwater explorations and beautiful watchmaking get together for an evening to appreciate the models tested in situ on the dive. In this relaxed setting, a ZRC watch is worn the same way one would expect on a daily basis. More than simply a dive club, the ZRC Dive Test Center provides a place for the general public to meet and exchange ideas with experienced users, whether or not they are diving professionals.
