Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Depancel – ALLURE Chronograph MecaQ 36 mm

Depancel ALLURE Tri-compax Chronograph MecaQ 36 mm 2024

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 Depancel Reimagines the Allure Collection
…and powers up mechaquartz technology on the
Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36 mm

Precision-tuned passion 

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 Depancel’s strong ties to the automotive world are evident through its presence at iconic events like Rétromobile Paris and Epoqu’Auto Lyon, and its role as the Official Sponsor of GPX Racing – and, most recently, its partnership with the
Masters Historic Championship at Silverstone in the UK.
Beyond its creative roots in motorsport, this underscores Depancel’s commitment to excellence, elegance, and the ethos of Gentlemen Drivers.

2024: Depancel revs up!

Founded just six years ago by Clément Meynier, this independent watch brand is taking bold strides in 2024. Not only is Depancel expanding partnerships, but it’s also rethinking its selective distribution setup, and positioning itself for even greater visibility and growth.

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 Technical sophistication, sleek design, and a refined 36 mm case – Depancel revamps the Allure collection, transforming this tool watch into a bold statement of modern sportiness.

The new Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36 mm blends technical prowess, a refined 36 mm case, and a sleek contemporary design. With a bold new look, featuring an integrated bracelet with a striking geometry and a modern, subtly colorful dial, this watch will be setting the tone for future creations across Depancel's Allure and R collections.

And at a price point as competitive as ever when it comes to value.

With its high-quality finishings and sophisticated mechaquartz movement,
the Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36 mm is priced very competitively at €595, including VAT.

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This autumn, the spirit of 1970s automotive design returns in this exceptional motor racing instrument for the wrist, making high-end horology more accessible than ever.

Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36 mm:
Mechaquartz is back on the circuit.

Depancel has boldly reimagined its Allure collection, infusing this timepiece with a touch of audacious energy. The Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36, with its fresh aesthetic – a blend of modernity and subtly colored elegance – is designed to be the perfect watch for any occasion. Its integrated bracelet – a standout with its unique geometry – seamlessly pairs with a sleek case and vintage cues that evoke the spirit of 1970s motorsport. Powered by a hybrid automatic and quartz movement, this watch, featuring finely colored details, is priced at an accessible 595 euros, including VAT. Blending horological passion and the spirit of Gentlemen Drivers, this creation sets the artistic direction for Depancel’s future R and Allure collections.

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Depancel’s original creations are divided into two distinct collections, which form the brand’s pillars: the Série R line, known for its stately rectangular shape, and the Allure family, a tool watch with sporty roots.

With the Allure chronographs, Depancel not only celebrates a rich heritage and pays tribute to legendary drivers and iconic races, but also offers a contemporary option for Gentlemen Drivers seeking a functional, reliable watch — perfect for their outings on any road or track. This approach adheres to strict codes, particularly in terms of legibility and clarity, with well-placed counters and excellent light diffusion through a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Reminiscent of classic sports chronographs from the 1950s and 60s, the advantages are both aesthetic and technical.

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This philosophy of combining tradition with innovation allows Depancel to evolve its Allure models much like race cars, which improve in both design and technology over time, all while preserving the distinct identity of each marque.

Now, Depancel introduces the Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36 mm. This new model complements the classic Allure lineup with a redesigned case to house the brand’s first integrated metal bracelet, itself an aesthetic statement. The watch features bold decorative elements, with vivid red and orange accents on the three subdials and the tachymeter scale, both iconic colors of the 1970s. These vibrant colors perfectly complement the bold character of this tri-compax chronograph—a timepiece that would have felt right at home on the wrist of a 1970s racing driver.

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The 1970s marked a bold era of stylistic creativity, not only in motorsport but also in watchmaking, as quartz technology brought new levels of precision. Depancel couldn’t ignore this technological revolution in its tribute to the era, which is why Clément Meynier chose a mechaquartz movement. 

 Matching the best of traditional watchmaking with scientific innovation, the mechaquartz system blends the craftsmanship of mechanical gear trains with the perfect regulation provided by the consistent oscillation of a quartz crystal. This ingenious solution was embraced by prestigious manufacturers in the 1970s and early 80s, and Depancel brings this fusion of two worlds back into the spotlight with its neo-vintage Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36 mm.

2024: Depancel shifts into top gear

It’s no coincidence that Depancel, a brand created by a true enthusiast for fellow enthusiasts, has built a strong community of lovers of watches and automotive sports. Attuned to the expectations of this niche, Depancel has decided to take things up a notch and accelerate its development. The young watch brand is making several strategic moves this year, not only expanding its partnerships but also rethinking its selective distribution approach. 

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One example of Depancel’s growing momentum is the limited edition created for the Silverstone Classic festival. Drawing inspiration from the values and culture of automotive design, Depancel’s first collections were grounded in the classic styles of iconic cars from the 1930s to the 1950s. Just as race cars continued to evolve in both form and performance, Depancel continues to push the envelope, exploring new partnerships and opportunities. The brand’s presence at major events like Rétromobile Paris, one of Europe’s largest dedicated expos, and Epoqu’Auto Lyon, showcases this evolution. Depancel is also the official sponsor of GPX Racing, fielding 10 drivers across 5 cars in the Masters Historic Racing Championship.

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Founder Clément Meynier envisions his watches as a reflection of his dedication and a way to share his passions with as many people as possible.

In 2018, Meynier made a strategic choice to keep production limited and exclusive, increasing desirability by ‘dropping’ limited-edition models, a modern distribution approach inspired by the fashion world, primarily through online pre-orders. This agile, targeted approach is perfectly suited to a young dynamic brand like Depancel.

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Building on the collections’ success and growing brand recognition – further cemented by its role as an official horological partner for the Masters Historic Racing at the Silverstone Festival Meynier has deliberately rethought his approach to distribution.

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Since personal connections are vital in watchmaking, just as in motorsport, Meynier now aims to expand Depancel’s distribution through a broader network of qualified retailers. The brand had never been 100% digital, as 20% of sales came from select watch retailers. Now, the goal is to strike a better balance, and foster more interaction and engagement through physical retail spaces. As Meynier says, “Human connection, shared passion, and storytelling – they form the foundations upon which you can build an increasingly international brand.”

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With innovative new models, an expanded presence and partnerships, as well as a rethought and reinforced distribution strategy, 2024 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Depancel – a year in which the brand is truly stepping up its game!

Clément Meynier, Founder of Depancel: A Visionary Inspired by Motorsport Competition

For vintage car lovers, Depancel has become the go-to watch brand for those seeking a daily ‘wearer’ that reflects their passion for driving.

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With its distinct style, Depancel offers watches that are both reliable and functional—perfect for participating in favorite events, whether it’s road rallies, circuit races, or even automotive elegance competitions.

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Beyond performance, Depancel places a strong emphasis on understanding and celebrating automotive history. The brand’s name, a combination of three iconic French carmakers—Delage, Panhard, and Facel Vega—carries the legacy of a technical and aesthetic heritage that has symbolized freedom, societal transformation, and joy throughout the 20th century, while also bringing countless innovations to the world of transportation.

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 These core values are particularly significant to Clément Meynier. Immersed in automotive culture since childhood, the founder of Depancel sought to take his creative vision further by developing his own watch brand. “As an engineer, I’ve always been fascinated by mechanical beauty, and passionate about cars and watches,” shares Clément Meynier. “I originally studied engineering and worked at the CERN research lab in Geneva. I’m also from the Jura region, which explains my connection with fine watchmaking. I was curious and wanted to understand how mechanical watches are made, so, alongside my day job, I trained in watch repair.”

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Equipped with this invaluable experience, Meynier set out to develop his own watch concept – and launched Depancel in 2018 with a clear mission: “I wanted to create an alternative brand that would make fine mechanical watchmaking more accessible – not just in terms of the price point, but also in terms of sharing the wonder of watchmaking. The idea was to make watches that offered the best possible price-performance ratio.” This ambition remains unwavering in its commitment to detail and quality, ensuring that Depancel watches stand for precision and reliability.

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About Depancel

 As a French independent watchmaker, Depancel draws direct inspiration from the automotive world, offering high-quality watches at accessible prices. Founded by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, the brand's name is a blend of three legendary car brands: Delage, Panhard, and Facel Vega. Each watch, designed and assembled in France, reflects excellence in artisanal craftsmanship with Swiss precision.
Depancel stands out by offering sophisticated motor racing instruments for the wrist at fair prices. The Depancel collection features two lines—Série R and Allure—both of which are chronographs that evoke the automotive heritage with a distinct style. A chronograph is the quintessential timekeeping instrument for motorsport enthusiasts, representing a perfect blend of sporty spirit, elegance, legibility, and reliability. Suitable for the wrist of a gentleman driver, whether in the city or on a weekend with friends, Depancel has become a reference for those who appreciate a refined, sleek style in their watch for everyday wear.

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TECHNICAL DETAILS

Collection: ALLURE
 
Model:  ALLURE Chronograph MecaQ 36 mm  

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MECHANISM
Calibre: Tri-compax chronograph
Seiko (SII) VK63 (mecaquartz)


Frequency: High precision, quartz crystal
Power: Battery
Height: 5.10mm
Finishes: Standard
CASE
Material: Brushed and polished 316L stainless steel
Dimensions: Diameter 36mm, height 10.95mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 meters)
FUNCTIONS
Indications: Hours, minutes, running seconds,
Chronograph seconds, 60-minute chronograph, 24 hours
DIAL
Colour: Matte black with racing orange and red accents
Hands and applied indices: Enhanced with Super-LumiNova®
STRAP
Material: Integrated stainless steel
Lug width: 20mm
Total Weight:  130g (with bracelet)

⚠️WARRANTY5 YEAR

  🔴Price   595 CHF / $ 595 US / EUR 595 💰


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Press Release - 2024
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International Press Contact
289 Consulting (Switzerland)
mailto:cloe.biessy@289consulting.com
+41 78 656 40 29
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