Returning to Watches and Wonders this year, Swiss brand Angelus exhibited the latest updates to its Chronodate collection. Among them were three models, the Chronodate Red Gold and the Chronodate Titanium, with the latter available in two distinct colorways. Each of the watches makes reference to its history, especially to the early successes of the Chronodate in 1935, while also incorporating elements of contemporary and dynamic design.
Each of the new Chronodate references sport a 42.5mm exterior that maintains a sporty silhouette made from either 5N red gold or titanium. Housed within the case is a carbon fiber composite container that protects the movement and also attaches to the chronograph push pieces. This protective matte black material also appears as a buffer between the case middle and bezel. The case middle and lugs are organized into a single line via an open worked cradle design, which also holds the 12-notched bezel. As the modular case structure creates an interplay between multiple materials, the result is a harmonious balance of sloping and beveled lines, emphasizing its sportiness through its angles and curves.
Even at first glance, the clear focal point of the dial are the particularly large sub dials at 3 and 9 o’clock. The size and legibility makes strong references to the Angelus brand history, which has roots in creating chronographs with similarly oversized scales. The small seconds are displayed at 9 o’clock while the 30-minute chronograph counter sits at 3 o’clock. Behind the black counters the dial backdrop is a deep “velvet black” shade for the red gold and one of the titanium models, while the other has a “fern” green dial.
For the indices, Angelus opts for large Arabic style numerals coated with Super-LumiNova to further enhance the legibility of the dial. On the periphery of the dial is a date display which is indicated using a dedicated red arrowhead hand. The bright crimson detailing is continued throughout the watch with the markings on the chronograph push-pieces, the chronograph central seconds hand, and the 30-minute counter hand.
Powering the collection is Angelus’s chronograph movement, the caliber A-500. It uses a self-winding system with an oscillating weight that is shaped like a capital letter “A” above a star and visible on the reverse of the case. The movement includes a combination of sandblasted and satin-finished surfaces, creating a mechanism that is delicately made but also moves effortlessly.
The new Angelus Chronodate Red Gold is complete with a rubber strap and retails for CHF 42,900 (approximately $46,650). Pricing for the Chronodate Titanium is marked at CHF 22,900 (approximately $24,900) on a rubber strap and CHF 24,700 (approximately $26,860) on a titanium bracelet.
To learn more, visit Angelus here.
