Consider: Angelus Chronodate Titanium Silver
It’s unusual that I get to see a watch so precisely engineered and so lovely. Angelus is a fairly small mannequin inside the high-end horology world and their Chronodate line is a two-register panda-style chronograph with date arrow.
The Angelus Chronodate harkens once more to Angelus’ 1942 design for the Chronodato, a full calendar chronograph with month and day along with a date arrow pointing to the current date on the outer ring.
This piece, as you’ll see, sticks to the design fairly precisely although the fashionable Chronodate accommodates a far fancier alternative of provides and a nicer face.
Angelus, based mostly in 1891 by the Stolz brothers in Le Locle, Switzerland, has prolonged been acknowledged as a pioneer inside the watchmaking world. The mannequin gained acclaim inside the mid-Twentieth century for its enhancements in chronographs and sophisticated timepieces. Amongst its most iconic fashions is the Chronodato, launched in 1942 as a result of the world’s first chronograph with a pointer date and full calendar.
All by way of the Nineteen Forties and Fifties, Angelus produced high-quality watches that featured cutting-edge actions, akin to alarm watches and multi-complication chronographs. The company moreover offered precision actions to completely different renowned watch producers.
Nonetheless, like many standard watchmakers, Angelus struggled in the midst of the quartz catastrophe of the Nineteen Seventies, leading to a decline in manufacturing and eventual dormancy. In 2011, the mannequin was revived by La Joux-Perret, bringing new life to its legacy with a focus on updated designs and in-house actions.
At first look, the case construction of the model new Angelus Chronodate stands out. It’s crafted from a mix of lightweight titanium and carbon-fiber compositegiving it every sturdiness and a particular, high-tech aesthetic. The openworked titanium building integrates seamlessly into the lugs, making a unified, streamlined look. One issue to watch out for: the complete factor could also be very sharp, with machined edges which may clearly decrease in case you’re not cautious. Everytime you use the official metallic band a whole lot of the sides are hidden nonetheless you’ll positively uncover the sting on the bracelet itself, one factor I’ve not usually felt on a bit of this caliber.
One issue Angelus does is use an space tri-lobe screw on the band and lugs. This means you’ll’t merely resize this issue at dwelling and even swap out bands merely. That’s actually good because of after I attempted a nylon strap on this I uncovered the sting of the case which was a minimal of as sharp as a steak knife. Titanium truly holds and edge and Angelus has completed fantastic points with the material.
Completely different daring particulars embody angular carbon pushers marked with purple accents and a crown surrounded by a carbon composite ring, protected by hollowed-out guards. A titanium bezel with 12 massive notches is enhanced by a contrasting black rubber ring, together with depth to the design. Measuring 42.5mm in diameter and 14.25mm thickthe watch retains a sturdy however balanced profile. It’s paired with a satin-brushed titanium bracelet or a black rubber strap.
Dial Design and Construction
The Magnetic Silver sunray-brushed dial pairs sophistication with efficiency. Big, recessed metallic black counters at 9 and three o’clock assure optimum readability. These dwelling working seconds and a 30-minute chronograph subdial, respectively, every that features snailed interiors for texture. The peripheral pointer date—a trademark of the distinctive 1942 Chronodate—is retained, indicated by a purple arrow-tipped hand that circles the outer silver monitor.
Arabic numerals in a basic Nineteen Forties vogue and syringe-style arms full of Great-LumiNova reinforce the retro inspiration. Within the meantime, vibrant purple chronograph particulars pop in the direction of the muted tones, offering readability and a sporty edge.
Movement and Mechanics
Flip the watch over, and the sapphire caseback reveals the La Joux-Perret caliber A500a intently modified computerized movement based totally on the Valjoux 7750. Enhanced with a column wheel and tailored for the pointer date carry out, it delivers a 60-hour power reserve and operates at 28,800vph. The tungsten rotor, fashioned like a basic Angelus model, gives a nostalgic contact.
Price and Availability
Angelus positions the Chronodate Titanium Magnetic Silver Model at a daring CHF 25,100 or $29,000 with the titanium bracelet. It’s about $26,000 with the rubber bracelet.
The watch itself is beautiful and surprisingly gentle. That acknowledged, at $29K you even have to love the Angelus story and design. I personally uncover this piece to be placing and, when paired with an accurate band, very wearable.
Specs
FUNCTIONS
hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and peripheral date
CALIBRE A-500 – TITANIUM EDITION
CASE
42.5 mm monobloc bezel, crown and case heart in titanium, sub-case and push-pieces in carbon composite
DIAL
Magnetic Silver-coloured, appliques and hour arms with Great-LumiNova, black metallic counters
STRAP
satin-finished titanium with titanium folding clasp
WATER RESISTANCE
30 meters
