
DEPANCEL: MOTORSPORT-INSPIRED TIMEPIECES !
Depancel is a French independent watchmaker founded in 2018 by engineer Clément Meynier.
The name “Depancel” is an homage to classic French automobile makers Delage, Panhard and Facel Vega, reflecting the brand’s deep roots in automotive culture.
The brand specialises in motorsport‑inspired timepieces, blending retro aesthetics (vintage car dashboards, grille‑motifs, racing colours) with modern watchmaking.
Depancel’s watches are designed and assembled near Besançon, in France, reinforcing its commitment to French watchmaking tradition.
One of its key distinguishing features is its community‑driven design and sales model: Depancel engages its followers in choices of designs (e.g. case styles, movements, colours), uses pre‑orders to avoid overproduction, and offers good value for money.
Among its collections are Série‑R (often more bold, square case designs) and Allure (more classical / vintage racing chronographs).