Depancel unveils it’s latest retro-inspired big-eye chronograph, the Allure Mono Eye
Tom Austin- French brand Depancel has revealed a new 5-watch collection, combining retro styling with bold, vibrant dials and a reliable Seiko mechaquartz movement.
- Five dials are available: blue, red, orange, off-white and mint green, all encompassing a 60-sec sub-dial, an internal pulsometer and a tachymetre scale outer ring.
- Inside the 316L stainless steel case sits a Seiko VK64 mechaquartz movement, offering all the advantages of quartz power, with the mechanical feeling of the chronograph pushers.
Depancel are a French microbrand known for bringing a unique approach to chronographs, introducing bold, vibrant colours into watches with a distinct retro flair. Its latest model, the Allure Mono Eye, is no different, offering a fresh take on a neo-vintage style, blending classic proportions and 70s-esque dial design with vibrant colours, just in time for summer. Depancel’s use of mechaquartz movements leaves plenty of scope to play with materials and details, putting these watches well above their station and offering good-quality watches with a unique design language that delivers serious bang for buck. So what makes this Allure Mono Eye tick? Let’s take a closer look.
As with any watch like this, if it’s designed with retro style in mind, you’d better be sure it’s sized correctly, and Depancel has done just that. The 316L stainless steel case is 39mm in diameter, 11.5mm thick including the crystal, and just 45.8mm across the lugs. This puts the Allure Mono Eye firmly in the contemporary-proportioned space; not too big, not too small, and thin enough that it goes unnoticed. Without the K1 mineral crystal, the case measures just 10.7mm thick, which is fairly impressive, and makes for a comfortable wear. Water resistance is fair at 50 metres, as you can’t really expect much more for a sub-€500 wristwatch with chronograph pushers. The finishing, however, does appear to exceed that of a watch at that price level, thoughtfully combining brushed and polished surfaces well, and finishing off with a touch of red on the crown to make it stand out.
Another thing that will certainly make this watch stand out is the dials. Five are available for the Allure Mono Eye: bold, vibrant red, blue and orange, and then a more understated mint green and monochromatic white. These colours are laid in a large ring that spans across the dial, with a central black sunburst section displaying a pulsometer scale for the chronograph, alongside a 60-second sub-dial at 9, hence the “Mono Eye” moniker. The dial is framed by another black ring that features a tachymetric scale, a nod to Depancel’s love of all things automotive, and then each dial is finished with polished, applied hour markers, lume-filled hands and a striking red chronograph hand.
Powering the watch is the ever-reliable Japanese Seiko VK64 mechaquartz movement, which offers a 36-month power reserve so long as you’re not smashing the chronograph function non-stop. Mechaquartz chronograph movements are cool because they offer the flexibility and accuracy of quartz regulation, where you simply do not need to worry about timekeeping whatsoever, but also offer a bit of mechanical flair that enthusiasts love. They make use of a mechanical module, usually to operate the chronograph functions, and this gives you a satisfying clunk each time you press a pusher. Much better than a beep, that’s for sure. Plus, the chronograph module is also as accurate as the rest of the movement, too, and they can often be serviced, just like their fully mechanical counterparts.
Each Allure Mono Eye is available with a choice of either a textured black FKM rubber strap or a black bull leather strap, which is perforated, supporting that retro styling. Finally, each watch arrives in a collector’s box with a leather travel pouch, with each watch individually numbered on a plate affixed to the side of the stainless steel case.
Depancel Allure Mono Eye pricing and availability
The Depancel Allure Mono Eye is available for purchase from Depancel’s online boutique and through its network of retailers. Price: €495
| Brand | Depancel |
| Model | Allure Mono Eye |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm (D) x 11.5mm (T) x 45.8mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | 316L stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Hardened K1 mineral crystal |
| Dial | Blue, red, orange, off-white, mint-green |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Black FKM rubber or black perforated bull leather strap, pin buckle |
| Movement | Seiko VK64, mechaquartz |
| Power Reserve | ~36 months |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, chronograph |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | €495 |