The story started in 1904 with the association of two outstanding figures: Joseph Rochet and Edmond Zuccolo. The innovation and know-how of the two associates – both technicians and inventors – was recognized as early as 1917, when they received the 1st Prize in the New Industries Competition, in Geneva. Over the decades, their knowledge was handed down from generation to generation, becoming enhanced and enriched as it passed from great-grandfather to great-grandson. Through decades, a subtle balance established itself between old and new, tradition and modernity, endurance and change.

Throughout its century of existence, ZRC has witnessed a stable progression and a sustainable development. Today, ZRC is a united group, with manufacturing facilities and distribution affiliates spread across the world:
· SIBRA, in Besançon, France. This affiliate encompasses ZRC‚/Jean Rochet Paris‚ replacement watchbands and original watchbands for timepieces. In 2003, the plant was enlarged and an analysis laboratory was set up.
· SIBRAMA, a unit based in Noïda, India: since its new plant was built, Sibrama has contributed in tripling the production capacity of the ZRC Group.
· ZRC Hong Kong. The Asian affiliate was built up to encompass all operations in China.
· ZRC Paris. Based in Paris for over 50 years, this unit is a showroom for the ZRC brand.
· With its three distribution affiliates, ZRC Brussels (Belgium), Comercial ZRC (Spain) and ZRC Corp in the United States, bolstered by a large number of exclusive distribution partnerships on the five continents, the brand is represented globally.

ZRC’s entry into the 21st century, symbolically marks its diversification as it moves into the jewellery market. As a genuine metals specialist, ZRC was already producing pocket watch chains and clawed watchbands. Its hundred-year expertise, combined with a culture of quality, enabled the launch of the Rochet‚ Bijoux brand in 2000, now the HBJO standard on the top-range steel jewellery market. Rochet‚ Bijoux offers a uniform line of exclusive patent-protected models, from rings and earrings to soft and rigid watchstraps, not to mention necklaces and pendants.

Source: April-May 2004 Issue
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