Depancel cools things down with the new Série-R Chronograph Ice Blue Limited Edition
Tom Austin- Depancel introduces the Série-R Chronograph Ice Blue Limited Edition with a fresh vertically brushed blue dial.
- The compact 36mm x 40mm angular square case houses a Peacock SL-4801 automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch.
- Limited to 100 pieces, a sapphire display caseback, and a five-year warranty round out the French brand’s latest motorsport-inspired release.
Depancel has never hidden its passion for classic motorsport, but the French brand has gradually evolved beyond simply borrowing racing-inspired design cues. The Série-R has become one of its flagship collections, pairing purposeful proportions with an unusually ambitious movement for the price. The new Ice Blue Limited Edition introduces a fresh, icy look to an already well-established platform.
The stainless steel case retains its distinctive, tightly squared-off profile, measuring 36mm across, 40mm from top to bottom and 13.3mm thick, with a reasonable 48.5mm lug-to-lug span across the wrist. Brushed and polished finishing gives the case some welcome contrast, while a faceted sapphire crystal adds another layer of visual interest. Around the back, a sapphire display caseback reveals the movement, while water resistance is rated to 50 metres.
Like several of Depancel’s models, the dial is motorsport-inspired with an asymmetric touch. The vertically brushed glacier-blue dial is paired with recessed chronograph registers for a clean, high-legibility layout that leans into classic motor-racing style without feeling overtly vintage. The 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock is finished in a darker blue, breaking up the icy blue dial and making it catch your eye. Applied hour markers and faceted hands are filled with Super-LumiNova, while a discreet 60-second chronograph scale frames the outer edge of the dial.
Inside is the Peacock SL-4801 automatic chronograph movement, operating at 4Hz with around 55 hours of power reserve. Interestingly, it features a column-wheel construction rarely found at this price point and is paired with a blue bull leather rally strap fitted with quick-release tabs should you wish to explore other 22mm strap options and make an easy swap.
Rather than reinventing the Série-R, the Ice Blue Limited Edition simply broadens the collection with a colour that suits its sporting character. It makes for another well-specced addition to Depancel’s growing catalogue, and one that should continue to strengthen the brand’s appeal among enthusiasts looking beyond the usual names.
Depancel Série-R Chronograph – Ice Blue pricing and availability
The Depancel Série-R Chronograph Ice Blue is limited to 100 pieces and is now available from the Depancel online boutique. Price: US$1,495
| Brand | Depancel |
| Model | Série-R Chronograph Ice Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 36mm (W) x 13.3mm (T) x 48.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | 316L stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Glacier blue PVD dial |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Strap | Blue leather rally-style strap, available with pin buckle or deployant clasp |
| Movement | Peacock SL-4801, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph |
| Availability | Limited to 100 pieces |
| Price | US$1,495 |