Depancel Allure D[R]IVER Calendar

In the confluence of roaring engines and crashing waves, a particular aesthetic was born. The 1970s and 80s represented a period of unbridled ambition and stylistic bravado, an era where the sleek, powerful lines of a race car were mirrored in the audacious design of high-performance Cigarette boats. It was a time defined by speed, freedom, and an unapologetic flair for the dramatic. French watchmaker Depancel has distilled this potent spirit into its latest creation, the Allure D[R]IVER Calendar, a timepiece that navigates the thrilling space between the asphalt of the racetrack and the open water of the sea.

Depancel itself is a brand forged from a deep and abiding passion for the golden age of motoring. Its very name is a portmanteau, a tribute to three legendary French automotive marques: Delage, Panhard, and Facel Vega. This heritage is not merely a marketing footnote; it is the foundational ethos of the company. Founded by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, Depancel has carved out a distinct niche by blending the precision of watchmaking with the heart-pumping soul of motorsport. The brand’s commitment is twofold: to create mechanically sophisticated and visually compelling timepieces, and to do so at a price point that remains accessible to a broad community of admirers. Designed and assembled in France, each watch is a testament to this philosophy, offering a slice of high-octane history for the modern wrist.



The inspiration for the Allure D[R]IVER Calendar is drawn directly from that adrenaline-soaked epoch of the 70s and 80s. This was a time when limits were seen not as barriers, but as invitations to go faster, push harder, and live louder. The Cigarette Racing Team, with their impossibly long and powerful boats, became synonymous with a lifestyle of glamorous excess, slicing through the waves with the same aggressive grace as a supercar on a coastal highway. These vessels weren't just for transport; they were statements of intent, symbols of power and a carefree, sun-drenched existence. The Allure D[R]IVER Calendar channels this specific energy, acting as a salute to those who live life at full throttle, who chart their own course, and who understand that style and performance are two sides of the same coin.

The physical presence of the watch begins with its 39 mm case, a dimension that strikes a deft balance between vintage proportions and contemporary wearability. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the case architecture is defined by clean, muscular lines that flow with a confident sense of purpose. The design eschews overt bulkiness in favor of a refined, athletic profile. A careful interplay of brushed and polished surfaces creates a dynamic visual texture, catching the light in a way that accentuates the case's sophisticated geometry. This isn't just a container for the movement; it's a piece of sculpture designed for action, equally at home under the cuff of a shirt as it is exposed to the elements on the deck of a boat.

A key element of its design is the integration of the bracelet and strap directly into the case. This seamless transition eliminates the traditional lugs, creating a cohesive and ergonomic form that hugs the wrist. The result is a watch that feels both secure and exceptionally comfortable, a crucial attribute for a timepiece intended for an active lifestyle. This integrated approach enhances the "sport-chic" character, giving the watch a streamlined and purposeful look. The inclusion of a screw-down crown is a functional detail that underscores its robust nature, ensuring the integrity of the case and protecting the movement from dust and moisture intrusion, a practical necessity for any watch with nautical aspirations.



The dial is where the narrative of land and sea truly comes alive. It features a distinct texture that immediately captures the eye, a finish that evokes the granular surface of sun-bleached asphalt and the undulating patterns of a rolling sea swell. This intricate surface provides a captivating canvas for the time-telling elements. The Allure D[R]IVER Calendar is presented in two distinct variations, each telling a slightly different story. One version features a deep, oceanic blue on both the dial and the bezel, a monochromatic scheme that speaks to the freedom of the open water and the endless horizon.

The second, more aggressive variant boasts a striking two-tone colorway. Its dial is a deep black, providing a stark backdrop for a bezel that is split between a vibrant, fiery red and the same stealthy black. This combination is a direct and unmistakable homage to the signature liveries that adorned the powerful Cigarette boats in their heyday, a visual shorthand for speed and high-performance engineering. This version carries an assertive and competitive spirit, a clear nod to the racing world, whether on water or on pavement.

Legibility is paramount in a sports watch, and Depancel has ensured that the Allure D[R]IVER Calendar excels in this regard. The dial is furnished with applied indexes, which add a sense of depth and dimensionality. These markers, along with the uniquely shaped hands inspired by the gauges of a classic car's dashboard, are treated with a generous application of luminescent material. This ensures that the time can be read at a glance, regardless of the lighting conditions—a critical feature whether navigating a poorly lit racetrack corner or enjoying a twilight cruise. The dial is not merely a face, but a highly functional and thematic instrument panel.



Encircling the dial is a bi-directional 12-hour graduated bezel, a feature that adds another layer of practical utility. While a traditional diver's watch uses a unidirectional bezel for safety, the 12-hour bezel offers a different kind of functionality. It can be used to track a second time zone with ease—simply by aligning the desired hour with the main hour hand—or for timing events up to 12 hours in duration. It's a simple, intuitive tool favored by pilots and drivers. The bezel's insert is made of aluminum, colored to match or contrast with the dial: a solid blue for the ocean-themed model and the bold red-and-black split for the racing-inspired version.

At the heart of the Allure D[R]IVER Calendar beats the Miyota 9122 automatic movement. This Japanese-made caliber is a well-respected workhorse in the watch industry, celebrated for its robust construction, unerring reliability, and impressive feature set. As an automatic movement, it is powered by the motion of the wearer's wrist, eliminating the need for a battery and creating a tangible connection between the owner and the intricate machine. The choice of the 9122 is a testament to Depancel’s commitment to providing high-performance mechanics that are built to last and are serviceable for years to come.

The Miyota 9122 offers a comprehensive suite of indications that elevate the watch beyond simple time-telling. In addition to the standard hours, minutes, and central seconds, it provides a full calendar complication. The day of the week and the current month are displayed in two distinct sub-dials positioned at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions respectively, while the date is presented through a window at the 6 o'clock position. This "triple calendar" layout is both highly practical and visually balanced, reinforcing the dashboard aesthetic of the dial. An exhibition caseback, crafted from sapphire crystal, allows a view of the movement within, showcasing the decorated rotor and the intricate dance of gears and springs that power the watch.



To complement its versatile character, the Allure D[R]IVER Calendar is offered with two distinct attachment options. The first is a fully integrated stainless steel bracelet that continues the fluid lines of the case. Its links are engineered to provide a comfortable and secure fit, and it fastens with a deployant clasp that ensures the watch remains firmly in place during vigorous activity. This option lends the watch a more formal and substantial feel, suitable for an evening out after a day at the track.

Alternatively, for a more overtly sporty and casual look, the watch can be paired with a high-quality FKM rubber strap. This material is known for its superior durability, resistance to saltwater and UV rays, and comfortable flexibility. The rubber strap is textured, echoing the patterns on the dial, and secures with a traditional pin buckle. This choice transforms the watch into a more rugged, go-anywhere tool, perfectly suited for a spontaneous swim or a day spent in the sun. The ability to choose between these two options allows the owner to tailor the watch's personality to the occasion.

The watch is engineered to withstand the rigors of an adventurous lifestyle. The case, as mentioned, is machined from 316L stainless steel, an alloy prized for its high resistance to corrosion. Protecting the intricate dial is a pane of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which has been treated with an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare and maximize legibility in bright conditions. With a water resistance rating of 100 meters (10 ATM), the Allure D[R]IVER Calendar is more than capable of handling surface water activities, from swimming to high-speed crossings on a boat, making it a true companion for both land and sea.

Its overall dimensions contribute significantly to its versatile nature. The 39 mm diameter is a modern sweet spot, while the 13.5 mm thickness gives it enough presence to feel substantial without being cumbersome. These specifications combine to create a watch that is robust without being bulky, a piece of functional engineering designed for real-world wear. It confidently bridges the gap between a pure tool watch and a refined daily accessory.



The Depancel Allure D[R]IVER Calendar stands as a compelling proposition for those who appreciate the intersection of mechanical art and high-speed history. It is a watch that doesn't just tell time; it tells a story of an era defined by bold aesthetics and a relentless pursuit of performance. It successfully captures the spirit of its dual inspirations, blending the rugged freedom of the sea with the focused precision of the racetrack.

The watch is positioned with a retail price of €895, a figure that reflects Depancel's core mission of delivering exceptional design and reliable mechanical performance at a fair and transparent price point. This combination of evocative design, robust specifications, and a trusted automatic movement makes it a noteworthy contender for anyone looking to add a piece with a unique story to their collection.

Case: 316L stainless steel with brushed and polished finishes; 39 mm diameter; 13.5 mm thickness; Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating; Bi-directional 12-hour bezel with aluminum insert; Screw-down crown; Water-resistant to 100 meters (10 ATM).

Movement: Japanese automatic Miyota 9122; Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, month, day, and date.

Dial: Available in blue or a two-tone red-and-black; Features a textured finish, applied indexes, and luminescent hands.

Strap: Integrated stainless steel bracelet with a deployant clasp or an FKM rubber strap with a pin buckle.

Price: €895

Notes: The design inspiration comes from 70s and 80s motorsport and Cigarette powerboats. The watch features a triple calendar complication. It is set to be available starting June 19, 2025.