ngelus has recently introduced the Chronodate, the first collection that pays tribute to its famous chronograph calibre presented 80 years ago, in 1942. The Chronodate is available in three limited series of 25 pieces whose aesthetics are inspired both by historic Angelus references and the sleek, openworked lines of its recent pieces. With its modular 42.5 mm case, the Chronodate combines red gold, titanium and carbon. Its bicompax automatic chronograph movement is encircled by a peripheral date in reference to the original model.

The Chronodate collection presents a fusion of Angelus styles, with both the historical brand that is part of the Swiss watchmaking landscape and the technical brand with its ultra-dynamic designs of recent years. The choice of chronograph movement and peripheral date is reminiscent of the brand’s glory days and contrast with the multi-structure and multi-material exterior.

Chronodate is presented in a 42.5 mm case. The movement sits within a container made of carbon composite, chosen for its rigidity and lightness. The chronograph’s push-pieces and the ring inserted between the case middle and the bezel are also cut from this matt black material.

Around this container, Angelus has designed a complex case with six main components that brings the case middle and lugs into a single line and houses the bezel marked with twelve notches. The ensemble is available in red gold or titanium.

This modular case opens up possibilities for playing with materials. The same is true forthe large-diameter crown that extends beyond its casing and features a band of rubber inits centre for easier handling. The bevelled profile, alternating straight and curved lines,and the energy that it conveys contribute to the sporty credentials of the Chronodate.

Angelus was a pioneering manufacturer in the development of chronograph watches fromthe 1940s to 1960s. They had a small diameter but the counters on the dial stood out asthey were especially large and legible. In the same spirit, the displays on today’s Chronodate dials are imposing, structured and three dimensional.

The counters and applied Arabic numerals are placed on matt dials, like frosted glass.This is a first in watchmaking, further accentuating the effect of depth and elegantlycomplementing the sporty case. The red gold Chronodate features a blue PVD dial whilethe titanium versions are available in opaline white or blue PVD.

Inside, Angelus has installed its latest Calibre A-500. The bicompax format displays thesmall seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock. Encirclingthe dial, a hand sweeps over the peripheral date display. The openworked red arrowheadannounces the colour theme of the secondary displays on the Chronodate: the markingson the chronograph push-pieces, the chronograph hand and its 30-minute counter handare all finished with a touch of red lacquer.

The 4 Hz chronograph operates using a column wheel with horizontal coupling to avoidexcess thickness. The automatic self-winding mechanism functions with an oscillatingweight made to a historic design, reminiscent of Angelus’s earliest triumphs.