ashion is all about cycles, with a perennial return to the standards of previous generations. But amid this never-ending revolution, some icons are immutable, never falling out of favour. They continue to meet with unanimous approval, standing out as items that never go out of fashion.

The world of cars has long been identified as one of the major sources of these stylistic feats that stand the test of time with impertinent ease, and the Ferrari Testarossa is the epitome of this phenomenon – albeit one that’s particularly divisive and distinctive. Its straight, clear-cut lines and legendary side gills made their mark on the 1980s, a time when speed, insouciance, style and power were all of a piece. The whole car was just as much a beast as its engine. Paradoxically, its radical nature met with universal acclaim. A similar textbook case is Lamborghini’s achievement with its Countach (of which the firm is also producing a new limited-edition version that’s already sold out even before a single one has been made).

The same styling and upstart state of mind have inspired Depancel’s new 80s Série-R whilst staying true to the original ethos of its square bestseller. Based on this, the brand has kept its recognizable steel case measuring 43 x 36mm that embodies all the outrageousness of 1980s design, with edgy lines and a complete absence of soft curves that’s very much a rarity in watchmaking. On the contrary, the angles are sharp, with the case revelling in a square shape housing two crown-protectors shaped like the rear of the Testarossa. The imposing, unashamed dimensions are reminiscent of the spirit of the muscle cars and turbo engines of the Eighties. As was the custom 40 years ago, the flexible bracelet is horizontal and features satin-finish links. An additional leather strap, its insert sporting the same iconic horizontal lines, comes with it.

There’s no shortage of hallmarks on the dial, either. The dominant colour – a very sporty orange – is identical to that used throughout the Testarossa’s dashboard. The font is inspired by those popular in the 1980s: an ‘LED numeral’ style resembling that used on the first electronic Casio watches. The applique hour markers are in the finest watchmaking tradition – but with a square design, an unusual choice that contributes to the overall coherence of a watch in which sharp angles are everywhere.

The use of orange places the emphasis on readability. The colour floods the entire dial, even spilling over onto the crown insert and the topstitching on the leather strap. The dial – a positive invitation to race – is framed by a brushed anthracite surface indented with the same aerodynamic, horizontal lines following on from the lines on the strap, with the result that wearers have the impression of being behind the wheel of their Testarossa, looking at their watch (dashboard) as they turn the key (crown) to bring the engine to life.

The caseback is of course transparent: just like the engine covers on some Ferraris. The glass reveals all the muscle of a very well-known movement in watchmaking, the automatic winding Miyota 9110. This is new to the Série-R, making this piece the first reference to use this version. For the 80s Série-R, the movement’s oscillating weight has been decorated with the brand’s signature.

An invitation to go back to the future!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

MECHANISM • Miyota 9110 automatic movement • Power reserve : 40h

CASE • Material: 316L stainless steel • Sapphire crystal • Dimensions: 43x36mm • Thickness: 12.95mm • Water resistance: 50 m / 5 ATM • Finishes: polished, brushed • Transparent caseback

FUNCTIONS • Hours, minutes, seconds • Date and day • 24h function • Power reserve

STRAP • Comes with a leather strap and a metal bracelet • Pin or deployant buckle • Lug width: 22mm

PRICE 795€ for preorders