Depancel is a young French microbrand watch manufacturer that offers a wide range of timepieces inspired by the world of automobiles. The name Depancel is composed of the names Delage, Panhard, and Facel Vega, three luxury French car manufacturers from the past that closed over the years. In celebration of their 5th anniversary, Depancel, which was established in 2018, is unveiling a new watch in their most popular and iconic Serie-R collection, a limited edition watch with a fresh design – the Depancel Serie R 5th Anniversary.
In 2019, Depancel launched a Kickstarter campaign, during which the company introduced its [Re]Naissance watch, which became very popular and put the company on the map of microbrand watchmaking and watchmaking in general. This watch was the inspiration for the company’s Serie-R collection, which comes in a square watch case design similar to the original watches from 2019 – a body with a design inspired by the radiator grilles of vintage cars. While the inspiration of vintage car radiator grilles can certainly be one of the reasons for the success and popularity of the company’s watches, it may also be the obvious resemblance to Tag Heuer’s Monaco watches that contributed to Depancel’s success.
Depancel Serie R 5th Anniversary
The new watch from Depancel comes in a square stainless steel case with dimensions of 43mm by 36mm. The watch case is subtly brushed with vertical lines, and the Depancel logo can be found on the bezel at 12 o’clock.
Compared to the original watches from 2019, the new watch offers a more dynamic and sporty design. The watch case comes with sharper angles and a sapphire crystal with a beveled cut, crown guards. The overall look is of a more refined watch case, with sharp lines. The watch is water resistant up 50 to meters, and is 12.95mm in thickness.
Although at first glance one can be mistaken and think that the watch is actually a chronograph, with the Dial with its two sub-dials and what looks like chronograph buttons on the right side of the watch body, in fact it is a watch with a calendar display. The small clock at 3 displays the month, and across from it, the small clock at 9 displays the day of the week – in French. Between them, at 6 o’clock, we find the date window, which displays of course the day of the month.
The watch’s dial is stunning. In the center of the watch dial, we find a main circle with a pattern and texture reminiscent of Audemars Piguet’s Tapisserie pattern. On this main circle, we find white-orange indexes that blend beautifully with the overall look of the watch and upgrade its sporty direction.
The small sub-dials on this ring come in a brushed finish, while in the outer part of the circle, we find a minute ring in white font. This circle is surrounded by a brushed surface, on which diagonal white lines continue the clock indexes from the central circle.
The clock hands come with touches of orange color, which as mentioned adds to the sporty look of the watch.
Depancel will offer the new watch with a five-link stainless steel bracelet, with a central band of three narrow straps, reminiscent of the Rolex Jubilee bracelet. In addition, the watch will be available with a blue leather strap with embossed pattern and orange stitching.
The interesting combination of surfaces in different finishes, with plays of light and depth, upgrades the overall look of the watch and gives it a particularly luxurious appearance.
Inside the watch we find Caliber 9122, manufactured by Miyota. Caliber 9122 beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of 40 hours.
One can admire the beauty of this caliber through the transparent case-back of the watch, where you can find the rotor with its fine details. with the text FRANCE and Depancel logo, with three stars in blue, silver (symbolizes white) and red, homage to France flag.
The watches are being assembled by Depancel in France.
Depancel’s new watch is being released in a limited edition of 300 numbered units. The presale of the watches will begin on May 9th, and the watches will be delivered to buyers during October 2023.
If you want to buy the watch with only the leather strap, you will need to pay $750. If you prefer to receive the watch with the stainless steel bracelet in addition to the leather strap, you will need to pay $850.
The price includes free shipping worldwide but does not include taxes. Depancel offers a 30-day return policy with no questions asked, in addition to a warranty that covers any manufacturing defects.
All In All
In our opinion, even if you’re not a fan of square watches, it’s hard not to be impressed by Depancel’s new watch. Although the French company won’t say it’s an homage to TAG Heuer’s Monaco watches, we think it’s a great homage that pays tribute to the iconic design and offers a new, sporty, and youthful interpretation of the watch, at a reasonable price. Whether it’s an homage or a new design by Depancel, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the impressive finishing and the elegant combination of blue-orange-white colors that give the watch a clear identity and convey a sense of sportiness and power.
If you ask us, it’s reasonable to assume that the new watches will be sold out quickly. So if you’re considering buying such a watch, let us recommend that you don’t hesitate too much, as it’s very likely that these watches will be sold out as soon as they start selling …
