Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Fresh And Truly Accessible Depancel Serie-A Allure Chronograph (Live Pics & Price)
An affordable racing watch co-created with the brand’s community, and the brand’s first Swiss-made chronograph.
Engaging customers in co-creation can open a world of possibilities for brands. In 2021, Depancel asked their community how they would envisage the perfect chronograph. A year later, after compiling no fewer than over 10,000 feedbacks, Depancel presents the Serie-A Allure Chronograph, a cool bi-compax racing chronograph offering excellent value for money. Let’s take a closer look.
The result of this co-creation project, the Depancel Serie-A Allure, is a no-nonsense racing chronograph that makes a great first impression. The automotive inspiration is not a surprise, given the brand’s penchant for motoring. And if the design is classic in many respects, the model has its own personality with cool twists.
The stainless steel case is 43mm in diameter and 15mm in height. The vintage racing inspiration is evident with mushroom-type chronograph pushers, a scratch-resistant glare-proofed box sapphire crystal and a bezel with a tachymeter insert in polished ceramic. Water-resistance is rated at 100m. Considering the price range at which the model is offered, the execution is quite pleasant. The case, mostly brushed, has polished bevels on the sides of the lugs.
Combining batons with Arabic numerals, the dial is nicely finished. Its contrasting textures and layered design provide a sense of depth. The original honeycomb pattern in the centre is paired with a circular brushed surface at the periphery of the dial. The markers and the two registers are applied. The date is displayed via a rectangular aperture at 6 o’clock. Last but not least, the legibility is good, even in the dark, thanks to the use of luminescent material.
The Serie-A Allure is the first Swiss-made Depancel chronograph, and as such it is built around a modified version of the ubiquitous Valjoux 7750, the legendary automatic workhorse, here in a bi-compax version. This robust, reliable cam-and-lever chronograph beats at 4Hz and boasts 48 hours of power reserve when fully wound. It comes with a personalized rotor visible via the exhibition caseback.
On the wrist, the Depancel Serie-A Allure has a pretty bold presence. Obviously, it is rather on the large size with its 43mm diameter and 15mm thickness (which you would expect with the Valjoux chronograph) but it wears quite comfortably.
The Depancel Serie-A Allure chronograph is available in three dial variations – Ion Blue, Jet Black or Storm Grey (with panda design). It comes either on an H-link steel bracelet with a folding buckle or, on a padded leather strap reminiscent of car seats with a pin buckle.
Thanks to their direct-to-customer strategy with no middle men, Depancel is able to provide the Serie-A Allure chronograph at a price offering excellent value for money – to say the least. Price is set at EUR 1,595 (subscription price and then EUR 1,895) for a Valjoux-powered chronograph with a sapphire crystal, opened caseback, ceramic bezel and a personalized-steel bracelet. The price is kept low, but overall the fit and finish are excellent, and the looks speak for themselves…
For more information, please visit www.depancel.com.
3 responses
Considering I was part of the consultation I am a little surprised that I see it first in the Press. I shan’t be buying.
What’s the lug to lug measurement for this model? Also, the clasp of the watch is missing from the review (including the watch’s website). Seems like a genuinely likeable time piece though.
@william just checked with the brand, the watch is 48,5mm lug-to-lug