SpotlightAngelus Unveils Latest Chronodate Editions At Watches And Wonders 2023
Angelus introduces three new models to its Chronodate collection at Watches and Wonders 2023, including a neo-retro chronograph and two titanium options with black or fern-green dials
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Watches and Wonders 2022 marked the unveiling of the highly-anticipated Angelus Chronodate, featuring three unique limited edition models, each limited to just 25 pieces. Angelus has returned to Watches & Wonders 2023 to wow fans with three new versions of the legendary Chronodate. While these new models share many characteristics with their 2022 counterparts, they feature unique and exclusive colour schemes that pay homage to the original limited-edition references. With options for 18-karat red gold or grade-5 titanium, these latest releases represent a remarkable combination of Angelus’ storied past and innovative present. The Chronodate Gold and Chronodate Titanium boast jet-black dial aesthetics, while the latter version also comes in a captivating fern-green dial, complementing the satiny grey of the titanium case.
The Definitive Chronodate
The latest Angelus Chronodate model is a perfect blend of the brand’s historical influence and contemporary design. Paying homage to its predecessors, the Chronodate incorporates a two-counter layout on the dial, maintaining a pleasing sense of symmetry. The snailed counters have golden accents, while the chronograph register has a vibrant red hand. The subdial at 9 o’clock signifies running seconds, and the hour markers have a plump shape reminiscent of the past.
However, the Chronodate also has modern-day features, such as Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour markers, making it both functional and fashionable. The case dimensions are also distinctly modern, with a 42.5mm diameter and a thickness of 14.25mm, appealing to contemporary tastes. The case has intricate open-worked lugs and is secured with Angelus’s signature three-point design screws. A black rubber strap or a matching metal bracelet is available. Angelus has combined carbon composite with the dominant case material to create the bezel ring and push-pieces. The push-buttons are labelled appropriately with ‘Start,’ ‘Stop,’ and ‘Reset’ in red text, and the satin-finished surfaces are enhanced with polished chamfers, adding a touch of elegance.
A box sapphire crystal above the dial illuminates the Chronodate’s plane, enhancing readability, and pays tribute to the 1942 model. A sapphire crystal on the back provides a view of the self-winding movement, the A-500 calibre, making it a sight to behold.
The Shell In Grade-5 Titanium
Angelus Chronodate offers two variants in titanium in addition to the red gold option. The Swiss manufacturer has chosen Grade 5 titanium for the case, which is a high-strength alloy that can be polished to a brilliant shine, as demonstrated by the polished chamfers. The material is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, strong, and hypoallergenic. Despite its hardness, the production time required to mill a case in this alloy and the associated production costs are significant, but the benefits it provides justify the extended creation and expense.
A Robust Movement
The Angelus Chronodate comes with the automatic A-500 calibre, which is a fully integrated movement with a column wheel and horizontal coupling. The traditional configuration will undoubtedly impress watch enthusiasts, and it has allowed Angelus to produce a comparatively slim movement measuring only 7.90mm in height. The column wheel is presented in black and can be viewed from the rear of the watch, controlling the start, stop, and reset to zero functions. Horological enthusiasts can observe levers dropping into the space between the flutes or resting on the upper surface of the column wheel. The A-500 calibre has a contemporary appearance, with a sandblasted and NAC-treated main plate, micro-blasted and NAC-treated bridges with satin-finished edges, and circular gained and rhodium-plated wheels. Depending on the case material, the oscillating weight is either tungsten or tungsten with 18-carat red gold. The movement is finely finished and is an exemplar of Swiss craftsmanship.
The blend of traditional and modern design elements in the movement showcases Angelus’s commitment to both respecting the past and embracing the future of watchmaking.
