Returning to Watches and Wonders this year, Swiss brand Angelus showcases the latest updates to its Chronodate collection. Among them are three models, Chronodate Red Gold and Chronodate Titanium, with the latter coming in two distinct colors. Each watch references its history, especially the early successes of the Chronodate in 1935, while incorporating modern and dynamic design elements.
Each new Chronodate model has a 42.5mm case that maintains a sporty shape and is made from 5N red gold or titanium. Housed in the case is a carbon fiber housing that protects the movement and also attaches to the chronograph pushers. This protective matte black material also appears as a cushion between the middle of the case and the bezel. The middle of the case and lugs is arranged in a single line through an open bracket design, while also holding the 12-knurled bezel. Because the modular case structure creates an interaction between multiple materials, the result is a harmonious balance of slopes and chamfers, emphasizing sportiness through angles and curves.
At first glance, the clear focal point of the dial is the exceptionally large sub-dials at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. The size and legibility are reminiscent of the Angelus brand’s history, which traces its origins to the creation of chronographs with similar oversized scales. The small seconds are displayed at 9 o’clock while the 30-minute chronograph counter is located at 3 o’clock. Behind the black dial, the dial background is a rich “velvet black” for the red gold model and one of the titanium models, while the other model has a “fern” green dial.
For the indices, Angelus chose 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 indicated by a dedicated red arrowhead hand. Bright crimson detailing is continued throughout the watch with markings on the chronograph pushers, central chronograph seconds hand and 30-minute counter.
Powering the collection is Angelus’ chronograph movement, the caliber A-500. It uses a self-winding system with an oscillating weight shaped like a capital “A” above a star and visible on the case back. The movement includes a combination of sandblasted and satin-finished surfaces, creating a mechanism that is delicately crafted but also moves easily.
The new Angelus Chronodate Red Gold is finished with a rubber strap and retails for 42,900 CHF (about $46,650 USD). Pricing for the Chronodate Titanium is marked at CHF 22,900 (about $24,900) on the rubber strap and CHF 24,700 (about $26,860) on the titanium bracelet.