Since 2018, Depancel has been inspired by 1970s car racing designs. The new Allure chronograph MecaQ, with its compact size of 36 mm, extends this connection even further. Not only are the red and orange hues on the three subdials and tachymeter scale quintessentially 1970s, but the integrated bracelet also reinforces this vibe.
Depancelle Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36mm
Let’s start with a little history. Despincelles was founded in 2018 by Frenchman Clément Menier, a former nuclear research engineer. Depancel is a contraction of the names of three French manufacturers: Delage, Panhard and Facel Vega, whose cars are built for driving pleasure. Inspired by their philosophy and creativity, Despancelles wants to share these values in watchmaking. Depancel watches are designed, assembled and quality controlled in France. The brand has started using a direct-to-consumer model and is closely tied to a dedicated online and offline community. Clément Menier recently decided to accelerate the development of the brand with a business model centered around two collections and a distribution split of 60% online and 40% physical stores.
70s motorsport and modern watchmaking
The Depancel Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36mm is an excellent example of the fusion of 1970s motorsport and modern watchmaking. The shape, size, color, etc. all give off the breath of motorsports, while the solid feel of the watch conveys the latest quality. With a diameter of 36mm, the new Allure Chronograph returns to the typical dimensions of 50 years ago. At a time when smaller watches are becoming more popular, the Allure 36mm is equally suitable for men, women, and young people. The one-piece bracelet design also makes it easy to wear on wrists of different sizes and shapes. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the combination of motorsport and watchmaking reflects the brand’s connection to the world of automobiles. Depenselle has participated in iconic events such as Rétromobile in Paris and Epoqueout in Lyon, and is also a partner of the Masters Historic Championship at Silverstone.
Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36mm Highlights
When you remove the watch from its essentially small box, its shape, size, solidity, and faded vintage color scheme all command attention. Although initially relatively small in size, the watch and integrated bracelet blend perfectly on your wrist. It fits your wrist like it was always there. The obvious flare of the bracelet to match the tonneau shape of the watch case looks organic. But the round, flat sapphire crystal immediately reveals the important parts of this device: the chronograph dial and hands. The Allure displays the time with minute, 12-hour, and 24-hour hands, and the chronograph displays elapsed seconds and minutes. The maximum time the chronograph can show is 60 minutes, and fortunately there is no date window. The ticking of the second hand also indicates that the clock is running.
tricompax
Depenselle advertises the Allure as a tricompax chronograph. But as Dave told me in the article here, describing it as a “tricompax” doesn’t seem to be historically accurate. The Universal Geneve Tricompax was originally named for its three functions: calendar, chronograph, and moon phase. However, today’s usage of the term is much more logical and too firmly established in the modern watch lexicon to ignore its original meaning.
elephant in the room
Depencers primarily use manual or automatic mechanical calibers, but occasionally switch to quartz. The first time I saw a Depenssele watch with a quartz movement was in the 2022 Serie A Stradale. Like that watch, the new Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36mm is powered by Seiko Instruments’ VK6X caliber. The nice thing about these mechaquartz calibers is that the chronograph seconds hand is mechanically driven and has a soft movement like a classic 70’s chrono. The VK64 does not have a quartz heart seconds hand, but the new Allure Chronograph MecaQ’s VK63 has a seconds hand at 6 o’clock. Fortunately, there are no distracting hash marks on its subdials. Only the text “Motor Racing Equipment” appears in a faded orange and red hue.
Advantages of mecha quartz
Of course, mechanical calibers are attractive, but quartz, especially mechaquartz, also has its advantages. As most of us know, mechaquartz movements use quartz technology for timekeeping in combination with a mechanical module for chronographs. This is a hybrid movement with features similar to a mechanical chronograph, such as a sweeping chronograph seconds hand and quick return to zero. The VK63 offers the best of both worlds: quartz precision in timekeeping and a satisfying mechanical feel when using a chronograph. Quartz was a suitable solution adopted by the most famous manufacturers in the 1970s and early 1980s, so it is also suitable for watches inspired by this era. Another important aspect of the Allure Chronograph Mecha-Q 36mm is the relatively small size of the Mecha quartz caliber. This allows the watch to be smaller and slimmer than most mechanical chronograph movements.
what else?
Now that we’ve introduced the main highlights of the Allure Chronograph MechaCue 36mm, what else should you notice? First, the chronograph combines a pulsating and tachymeter scale. The first quarter of the scale tells you your heart rate, while the remaining three quarters show your speed from 240 km/h to 60 km/h. The next thing to mention is the hexagonal crown with a red-orange ring. The Depancel chronograph’s standard features add a stylish element to your watch while providing superior grip. Third, there is a small inlaid nameplate on one side of the case. This feature can be divisive, but it’s beautifully refined on the Allure Chronograph Meca-Q 36mm. Last but not least are the polished chamfers on the mostly brushed watch case. Together with the polished ring surrounding the crystal, this watch further enhances its unique retro and elegant character.
Conclusion and pricing
Depancelle has added a strong contender to the vast world of mecha quartz chronographs with the Allure Chronograph Mekaku 36mm. It stands out in terms of design and construction, and in many ways resembles more expensive watches than its price suggests. At 595 euros (incl. EU tax), the Depancel Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36mm is a proposition that motorsport-loving watch fans can’t afford to ignore. The Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36mm will be available for purchase on the Depancel website or directly at the brand’s retail stores starting November 15, 2024.
What do you think about the Depancel Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36mm? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below.
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