Hands-On Review: Depancel Allure D[R]IVER Calendar Watch

Depancel has introduced the Allure D[R]IVER Calendar as part of its 2025 collection, a timepiece designed to celebrate the heyday of powerboat racing from the 1970s and 1980s. Unlike the typical chronograph-inspired racing watches, this model offers a fresh twist, combining elements of a diver’s watch with a triple calendar and rotating bezel.

While its design may seem chaotic to some, it’s undeniably unique and offers a different kind of racing-themed timepiece in a competitive price range.

The Allure D[R]IVER Calendar stands out with its 39mm stainless steel case, featuring a cushion-shaped profile. The watch, with a gentle domed sapphire crystal, measures 13.5mm in thickness. The bezel, anodized aluminum with a 12-hour scale, rotates bidirectionally with a 60-click action, adding to its practicality for everyday wear

. The caseback is display-style, and the watch boasts a solid 100 meters of water resistance, making it quite versatile.

In terms of design, the watch’s most striking colorway features a black and red split-color bezel, reminiscent of the “Coke” Rolex GMT-Master II. However, the design is not a tribute to a tobacco brand but rather a nod to the Cigarette Racing Team’s iconic powerboats.

This color combination is complemented by yellow/gold printed details on the dial, red accents on the crown, and white Super-LumiNova hour markers for improved visibility. The lume on the seconds hand even features a green glow to enhance legibility in the dark.

At the heart of the Allure D[R]IVER Calendar is the Miyota Caliber 9122, a reliable automatic movement that offers a 40-hour power reserve and runs at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement is well-suited for this triple calendar setup, displaying the date, day, and month. The watch is available with either a stainless steel bracelet or a black rubber strap, both of which come with a slight taper, enhancing their overall appeal. However, some might find the stock bracelet slightly lacking in flexibility, and the clasp, while functional, could benefit from an extension system.

Despite these minor flaws, the Allure D[R]IVER Calendar’s distinctive look and practical features make it a strong contender for those seeking a versatile, race-inspired timepiece at a reasonable price point. At €895 EUR (around $1,035 USD), this watch offers a fresh take on the popular diver’s watch design, positioned as a unique offering in Depancel’s lineup.