ZRC Phoenix Q157 limited-edition diving watch

Press release

November 2024

As the main partner of the Phoenix Q157 expedition, the Genevan brand sponsors a team of experienced divers on a mission to locate the wreck of a French Navy submarine that vanished in Vietnam in 1939, and has released a limited edition of the GF300 to commemorate the endeavour.

ZRC Phoenix Q157 limited-edition diving watch

Press release

November 2024

ZRC Phoenix Q157 limited-edition diving watch

or its 120th anniversary, ZRC is launching a search for the submarine Q157 Phenix that disappeared in Cam Rahn Bay in Vietnam on June 15, 1939, in order to shed light on an 85-year-old mystery. On this occasion, ZRC is offering a limited edition of 200 pieces of its Grands Fonds MN64 1000M, to pay the ultimate tribute to the 76 sailors who disappeared during the shipwreck.

In 1939, the world is boiling. France is surrounded by conflicts. Tensions between nations are escalating. A year earlier, Austria was annexed by Germany. Japan attacked China. The Spanish war ended with a fatal epilogue with the beginning of the Franco dictatorship. Mussolini approached Hitler, who signed a pact with Stalin. Fascism unfolds its shadow. The dark hours put the armies in motion for the belligerents, in a state of alert for the States at peace.

The French navy was then one of the most modern. It consisted of multiple buildings, including 78 submersibles. One of them, on June 15, crosses off the Indochinese peninsula. With its 93.2 m long, 8.2 m wide, two diesel engines with a total power of 6,000 horsepower usable on surface, its electric thrusters developing 2,000 hp when diving, the submarine Le Phénix Q157 is one of the flagships of the fleet. On this spring day, the weather conditions are ideal...

An immersion exercise in the bay of Cam-Ranh where the seabed exceeds 150 meters of depth, is programmed. Radio silence. The ship is not going up. The alert is given quickly. With the exception of an oil stain on the surface of the China Sea, there is no indication of the causes of the ongoing incident. The following day, the submarine was located northeast of Hon Chut Island.

Refloating operations began on 22nd of June. On several occasions, attempts were made to pass a chain around the vessel to tow it to a depth at which divers could act. In vain. A rescue ship arrived on 28th of June, but the excessive depth of the wreck, still floating between two waters around 95 metres, prevented any intervention. The search was halted. 71 crewmen disappeared during the sinking. It now lies at a depth of 105 metres.

The investigations conducted at the time and reported by the press gave nothing. Impossible at the time to locate precisely the wreck of the Phoenix whose secret will remain hidden in the archives of the National Navy.

Eighty-four years have passed… The memory of the tragedy remains. Tributes are regularly paid to the disappeared, highlighting the risk of being a sailor. On this shipwreck, different theories exist, none are corroborated.

In 2020, the law on documents classified as “secret defence” allows their declassification beyond a period of 50 to 75 years. The idea of an expedition using modern tools is emerging. Better yet, it was created by history-loving divers and the association “La Voix du Souvenir” in order to find the submarine and provide clear answers to families.

Thus, during the first phases scheduled for 2023‑24, a survey will be conducted to limit the search area. If the wreck is located, from the following month, dives will be carried out with the logistical support of the Maritime Institute of Haiphong and the local authorities.

This expedition is mainly supported by ZRC. By assisting divers, the Swiss brand is once again involved in an extraordinary human adventure.

To ensure the success of the operation, a dynamic synergy comes into action. Erwan L’Her, scientific diver, photographer in charge of the expedition, and Alain Gastrin, former mine clearance diver, surround themselves with experienced men, to carry out the research: Chris Trebaol (bathymetric engineer, diver), Stéphane Lameynardie (logistician, diver), Julien Leblond (dive director), Joel Casset (assistant diving director), Armel Ruy (underwater director), Emmanuel Gouin (doctor, diver), Emmanuel Dugrenot (scientific diver, DAN Research), Jérôme Descamps (diver and photographer).

French and Vietnamese institutions cooperate and put their resources at the service of this sharp and motivated team. The French Institute of the Sea, AGASSM, the Historical Service of Defence - Brest section, “Souvenir Français” France and Vietnam. The expedition also receives the support of Breton politicians, the Deputy of Finistère Jean-Charles Larsonneur, member of the Defence Committee in the National Assembly and Jean-Yves le Drian, former Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Special advisor to the President of the Republic as well as former soldiers such as Admiral Rogel, former Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic.

The expedition is also supported by the Foundation of the University of Western Brittany in Brest as well as various equipment manufacturers, SUEX (loan of 4 underwater scooters), AVATAR (dry diving suits) RT-Sys and Armor-Hydro for the search for the wreck and bathymetry (using underwater robots), DAN Research for physiological monitoring of divers.

For this expedition, a limited edition numbered 200 pieces of the GF300 are unveiled. This model has the technical characteristics inherent to the collection (patented ECS system and Crown Protection System). It is nevertheless distinguished by its machined 316L stainless steel case waterproof up to 300 meters depth.

A luminescent SLN Old radium X1 paint adorns the hour and minute hands as well as the hour markers on the unidirectional bezel with a bright blue insert coordinated with the dial. Its casback is also decorated with a specific engraving representing a mythical phoenix.

The GF42168PH diving watch is powered by the Sellita SW-300 calibre. This self-winding movement delivers 56 hours of power reserve. Efficient, this mechanism is also very precise with a 5-position adjustment.

The whole will be magnified by an exceptional enhancement in an Alcantara packaging featuring stunning accessories:
• Phoenix submarine replica.
• A miniature Phoenix mouthtap.
• A tool for changing wristbands and a watchmaker’s magnifying glass.
• 1 additional bracelet in organic leather.

In 2024, ZRC will celebrate its 120th anniversary. Like the chimeric bird, the brand has been reborn with its most beautiful attire. The Phoenix Q157 expedition “La voix du souvenir” will surely write one of the most beautiful chapters of this story.