The New Editions Of The Angelus Chronodate (Live Pics & Video)

Launched in 2022, the Angelus Chronodate is a tribute to the brand’s 1942 Chronodate, a classic bi-compax chronograph featuring a central pointer date. The brand now introduces three new versions of this modern re-interpretation of the model: a jet-black dial available in gold or titanium and a fern green dial available in titanium only. 

If the modern aesthetics of the Angelus Chronodate are quite a departure from the classic Chronodate of the 1940s, these are in line with the current, contemporary style of the brand. Indeed its shaped, angular case features taut lines that adopt the same aesthetics as several other Angelus timepieces, such as its diving collection. Available in red gold or titanium, it is a rather complex architecture built around six main components: the two hollowed sides, the two central links, the notched bezel and the case back. Inside, and partially visible through the cut-outs, is a carbon-fibre composite container. The right-hand side of the case construction holds the carbon composite chronograph pushers and a large, shaped crown with a contrasting rubber ring.

With a diameter of 42.5mm and a height of 14.25mm, it is rather on the large side but should fit most wrists. As you would expect, the titanium version wears light and comfy while the gold version has more heft.

Originally available with blue or silver dials, the model now comes with a jet-black or fern-green dial with two large registers. Surrounding the dial is a sloped black minutes track and, of course, the trademark date ring on the perimeter. The large applied Arabic numerals are filled with white Super-LumiNova. The applied Angelus logo is filled by hand with black lacquer. The red triangular-tipped pointer hand is a nod to the original Chronodate. The central chronograph seconds hand also has a red tip. The syringe-style central hour and minute hands feature a Super-LumiNova insert for optimal legibility in all conditions. 

The Angelus Chronodate is powered by the calibre A500 made with La Joux-Perret, a sister company of Angelus. This automatic movement is based on the tried-and-tested 7750 architecture, yet, the chronograph command is a column wheel instead of a cam and lever mechanism. It has been also modified to show the date via a central pointer hand, just like for the original 1942 Chronodate. It ticks at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour or 4Hz and it comes with a comfortable autonomy of 60 hours when fully wound, versus 48 hours for a standard Valjoux. 

Turning the watch over, the A500 calibre can be seen through the sapphire crystal slightly protruding from the case back. The finishing fits within the contemporary design of the watch and includes sandblasted and micro-bead blasted and NAC treated plates and bridges, circular-grained rhodium-plated wheels and more. The rotor features the Angelus logo and is made of tungsten or gold and tungsten.

The watch is available on a rubber strap embossed with a fabric pattern or on a titanium bracelet that is nicely integrated to the case. It features large horizontal rectangular links slightly tapering to the buckle. If these links are rather tall, the bracelet follows the curvature of the wrist with comfort. Both the straps and bracelet are fitted with folding buckles. The interchangeability system allows you easily swap the bracelet and straps, and, to change the personality of your watch in seconds with no tool. 

These new Angelus Chronodate models are not limited. Price is set at CHF 22,900 (incl. taxes) for the titanium version on a rubber strap, CHF 24,700 (incl. taxes) for the titanium version on a titanium bracelet, and CHF 42,900 (incl. taxes) for the red gold version. For more information, please visit angelus-watches.com.