The new Depancel Serie-R Tangerine Chronograph Automatic

A young French brand with a name derived from Delage, Panhard and Facel Vega (three of the most respected French car manufacturers), Depancel has specialized in racing-inspired watches and has recently focused on developing its chronograph collections. Mostly seen in the 1960s-inspired, traditionally round Allure range, Depancel has used several well-known calibres, ranging from an accessible hand-wound Seagull to a premium automatic Sellita. Today, the Depancel Serie-R Tangerine Chronograph Automatic marks the first chronograph in the square-shaped collection fitted with a new movement. 

Sitting alongside the more classic Allure collection with a round case design, the Depancel Serie-R is important for the brand for two reasons. First, it comes with a rather bold case design inspired by the front grilles of glorious vintage cars (those that inspired the name of the brand). Second, this shape was the one used for the creation of the brand when it first used Kickstarter to come to life. From there, we’ve seen this originally shaped collection equipped with Miyota movements and several complications to animate its dial. This year, however, it’s time for a chronograph – something you’d expect from a motorsport-inspired brand…

Classic for the collection, this new Serie-R Tangerine Chronograph is housed in a case with an almost rectangular shape, measuring 36mm in width, 40mm in height (excl. lugs) and a relatively restrained 13.3mm thickness. The overall length of the case is 48.5mm, making it comfortable yet with presence. The case is characterized by its curved line on the top, a direct reference to the radiator grilles of vintage cars such as Delage. The case is flanked by two nicely integrated rectangular pushers and a crown with an anodized orange insert. Satin-brushed with polished surfaces and equipped with a sapphire crystal, there’s clear attention to detail and design in this watch – specifically considering the price.

Following the design of the successful Allure Tangerine released in 2023, this new model relies on a cool dial combination of blue and orange. The periphery sports a grille-like engraved pattern, while the centre uses a circular module – necessary for decent legibility on a chronograph. The lower part is sunray-brushed, bringing nice reflections, and a bright orange stripe traverses the dial from 11 to 7 o’clock. The orange theme continues on the chronograph hands and even on the circular frame of the slightly off-centred 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. Applied markers are found all around and the overall look is original, fresh and makes an impact. The racing theme is undeniably present, even on the perforated leather strap in matching blue with orange stitching.

Under the see-through caseback is a Chinese movement, the Peacock SL-4801. We’re looking at a modern, integrated automatic chronograph equipped with a column wheel, a vertical clutch and a transversal balance bridge. Measuring 30.5mm x 6.5mm, it runs at a 4Hz frequency and stores 60 hours of power reserve. A closer look at this movement reveals an architecture strongly influenced by the Rolex 4130 movement (same dimensions, same overall construction, identical position of the off-centred counters), with less refinement in the decoration and technical solutions.

Availability & Price

Released as a limited edition of 300 pieces, the Depancel Serie-R Tangerine Chronograph Automatic will be available for order on June 11th, 2024, on the brand’s website, with deliveries in December 2024. It will be priced at EUR 995 or USD 995. For more details, please visit depancel.com.