The Depancel Série RO1 x DAMS Lucas Oil Limited Edition brings a twist to an iconic look
Zach BlassThe rise of microbrands and independents has led to more watch options than ever to choose from. With more and more watchmakers and designers, it is naturally becoming harder and harder for brands to stand out and present watches that are completely devoid of characteristics you might find from prior established brands, particularly in categories with a very established design rhetoric, like dive watches or racing watches. Depancel, a French watchmaker specialising in automotive-inspired timepieces, has partnered with the racing team DAMS Lucas Oil for the 2026 season. This collaboration produced the Série RO1 Depancel x DAMS Lucas Oil, a limited edition watch capped at 200 numbered pieces, and it at first may feel like a homage, but, as you dive a bit deeper, it has clear, distinct characteristics and features.
The case
The Depancel Série RO1 x DAMS Lucas Oil Limited Edition features a 50-metre water-resistant stainless steel case, 36mm in width, 12.9mm thick, and 50mm lug-to-lug with a distinct twist on a squared design. At first, parallels of the Monaco will, of course, come to mind for seasoned watch lovers. However, the nature of the squared case is by no means a 1:1 doppleganger of the Monaco. Looking at the upper segment of the case is where the first clear and distinct element can be found, a sloped, brushed surface engraved with the Depancel shield logo.
More subtly, though 36mm in width, the width or length of the case, excluding the lugs, is 43mm, giving a more rectangular sensibility than the Monaco would. Ultimately, it is narrower, but longer lug-to-lug. Despite being a watch priced under US$1,000, an attractive array of brushed and polished surfaces is well executed throughout, primarily satin finished, accentuated by edges and thinner lines of the case rendered in a mirror polish.
The dial
The sunburst PVD blue, DAMS Lucas Oil co-branded dial may at first feel familiar in its racing style, but, as a twist, rather than chronograph registers, you instead have day and month registers joining the date window at 6 o’clock that bring fresh functionality to a familiar aesthetic. This brings the same sense of balance you would find on a chronograph dial, without actually being a chronograph.
Furthermore, in regard to the dial’s sense of distinction, the circle within the square real estate of the dial is sunken, with the outer minutes track placed on the sloped outer edge. Once out of the sunken circle of the core dial, a teaked, vertical-striped finish enters the mix, its lines, interrupted by the inner dial, picking up where they left off by the time you reach the opposite end.
The strap
Buyers can choose between quick-release FKM rubber or Bull leather straps. We had a chance to go hands-on with the rubber option, which, interestingly, has a sort of flapped channelling that both brings the automotive aesthetics even further while creating an opportunity to better aerate the wrist. It feels supple yet tough, and certainly would be the option of the two straps during warmer, summery months. At a 22mm lug width, however, these days you have plenty of aftermarket strap options you could explore as well, should you want to go beyond the factory pair.
The movement
Inside the Depancel Série RO1 x DAMS Lucas Oil Limited Edition, you have a cost-effective yet reliable automatic Miyota 9122 calibre, offering a 40-hour power reserve with hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, and month complications. Depancel has integrated the smaller, circular movement well into the squared case design, but it is really the decorated rotor that makes the movement worthwhile for exhibition, plus, watch fans simply enjoy seeing a calibre at work.
The verdict
For US$895, there is a lot of attention to detail being paid in the design of this watch, particularly the alternating finishes of the case, their placement, and the bevelled surfaces of the glass and case edges. We even have moments of cohesive colour injection, with the red second hand matched with a red ring embedded within the crown. Some may get hung up on the visual parallels of this design and the Monaco, but it is important to remember the price-positioning and complication twist the Depancel Série RO1 x DAMS Lucas Oil Limited Edition does offer.
Depancel Série RO1 x DAMS Lucas Oil Limited Edition pricing and availability
The Depancel Série RO1 x DAMS Lucas Oil Limited Edition is available now as a limited edition of 200 pieces. Price: US$895
| Brand | Depancel |
| Model | Série RO1 x DAMS Lucas Oil Limited Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 36mm (D) x 12.9mm (T) x 50mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Blue PVD dial |
| Strap | FKM rubber strap Bull leather strap |
| Movement | Miyota 9122, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, month |
| Availability | Now, limited to 200 pcs. |
| Price | US$895 |