Depancel has made a name for itself with a wide collection of chronographs inspired by car racing.
In its latest endeavor, the brand has teamed up with a real racing team, becoming an active partner in modern motorsport. The R01 Depancel × DAMS Lucas Oil series combines the retro silhouette of the Série R01 model with the colors of the DAMS Lucas Oil racing team. I had the opportunity to take a closer look at this collaborative project.
The History of the Depancel Brand and Collaboration with DAMS Lucas Oil
Since its debut in 2018, Depancel has come a long way. The French brand has won loyal fans with its retro-styled racing chronographs. Now, Depancel is taking the next step by officially entering the world of motorsport, joining forces with a successful team competing in the Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships. To celebrate this collaboration, the brand has created a special version of the Série-R in the colors of the DAMS Lucas Oil team. It's an interesting way to mark the new partnership.
In 2024, I reviewed the automatic chronograph Depancel Série-R Tangerine and shared the history of the model. Let me remind you that the Série-R first appeared in 2019 under the name Depancel (Re)Naissance. Despite external associations with the famous Heuer Monaco, the case design is inspired by the radiator grille of the Delage D8-120 car from the 1930s. Delage is one of the three French car companies that gave the name to the brand Depancel, which is formed from the combination of names Delage, Panhard, and Facel Vega. The Tangerine model, which I examined, became the first mechanical version of the Série-R Chronograph and marked a new stage in the development of the series, beloved by fans.
The DAMS Lucas Oil team, with which Depancel is currently collaborating, actively participates in the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships - important stages in young drivers' paths to Formula 1. Since its founding in 1988, DAMS has helped launch the careers of many famous drivers, including Olivier Panis, Romain Grosjean, Pierre Gasly, and Nicholas Latifi. It is one of the most famous teams for developing young talent in single-seater racing.
Design and Technical Specifications of Série R01 Depancel × DAMS Lucas Oil
The new R01 Depancel × DAMS Lucas Oil series features a stainless steel case measuring 36 × 43 mm, with a thickness of 12.9 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 50 mm. This is slightly larger than the 2024 model I previously reviewed. However, the characteristic case design with rounded corners softens the overall look, making the watch not appear bulky, especially on a 22 mm wide strap.
The case profile is designed to ensure the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, avoiding the common issue of discomfort when wearing large rectangular or square models.
The dial is done in a rich dark blue with light blue elements - a nod to the DAMS Lucas Oil team's color scheme. The dial is two-tiered: the outer part features vertical stripes and a slightly recessed sunburst pattern in the center. Around the perimeter are large applied hour markers filled with white Super-LumiNova luminescent material. Inside is a second row of applied markers and the brand's signature logo at the "12 o'clock" position.
The indices at "3" and "9" are shifted due to the subdials' placement, and at "6" instead of an index, there is a date window. A vertical stripe in the colors of the French tricolor - blue, white, and red - enlivens the central part of the dial. Above the date is the DAMS Lucas Oil logo, emphasizing the limited edition of only 200 pieces.
Calendar with Chronographic Aesthetics
Unlike the previous model with a three-sector chronograph, the new R01 Depancel × DAMS Lucas Oil series has a two-sector subdial arrangement. However, this is not a typical racing chronograph for timing laps. The subdial at "3 o'clock" shows the month, and at "9 o'clock" - the day of the week. The date window at "6 o'clock" completes the calendar functions. This is convenient for racers, allowing them to keep track of a busy schedule.
The Dashboard hands are Depancel's signature design, inspired by automotive instruments. The large red central hand shows the current seconds, though at first glance it might be perceived as a stopwatch.
The watch comes with a blue leather perforated racing-style strap with red, white, and blue stitching and a steel classic clasp. There's also an option with a blue FKM rubber strap and the same clasp with the brand logo.
Miyota 9122 Movement with Decorated Rotor
Through the sapphire caseback, you can see the automatic Miyota 9122 movement. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 26 jewels, and provides a power reserve of up to 40 hours. The rotor is decorated with the Depancel logo and stars in the colors of the French flag. The caliber belongs to the premium Miyota 9000 series and has an accuracy of -10/+30 seconds per day.
Pulling out the crown to the first position allows setting the day of the week, and in the second position - the time. A small corrector button in the upper crown guard at "2 o'clock" adjusts the month. The lower button is a decorative element that protects the crown and visually balances the design, maintaining a chronographic style.
Wearing and Impressions of Série R01 Depancel × DAMS Lucas Oil
On the wrist, the watch shows excellent proportions. Despite its impressive size, it sits comfortably on my 18.5 cm wrist. The model is not suitable for very slim wrists, but as a racing watch, it stands out in both size and color. It's a successful joint product for racers, mechanics, engineers, and fans of the DAMS Lucas Oil team.
The thoughtful case design is particularly noteworthy. The second time I wore the Série R01, the watch surprised me again. The rounded case shapes make them less sharp and more comfortable to wear.
Final Evaluation of Série R01 Depancel × DAMS Lucas Oil
The calendar functions make this watch an interesting and useful tool, differing from classic racing chronographs. They are perfect for tracking the race calendar, which is more important than timing laps since modern systems record time to the millisecond.
The limited edition of 200 pieces priced at €895 is likely to quickly find its fans.
The R01 Depancel × DAMS Lucas Oil series is already available on the brand's official website. Deliveries will begin on March 9, right after the first race weekend at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia.
