Angelus, renowned for its heritage in precision timekeeping, has expanded its esteemed La Fabrique collection with the introduction of the Chronographe Tachymètre. This new timepiece seamlessly marries the aesthetic of classic motoring with sophisticated watchmaking, presenting a compact 37mm chronograph that echoes the brand's iconic designs from the mid-20th century. The watch’s design is centered around a prominent tachymeter scale, tailored for accurately calculating speed, reflecting a blend of historical reverence and contemporary elegance.
Tracing its origins back to 1891 in Le Locle, Angelus boasts a rich legacy of crafting functional timepieces, including a notable range of chronographs, alarm watches, and repeaters. The new Chronographe Tachymètre stands as a testament to this enduring tradition of utility-focused horology. Its launch also builds upon the brand's recent success at the 2025 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, where the Chronographe Télémètre was honored with the prestigious Chronograph Watch Prize, further solidifying Angelus's reputation in the world of high-end watchmaking.
The Chronographe Tachymètre distinguishes itself as the most slender and compact offering within Angelus’s current lineup, measuring a mere 37mm in diameter and a svelte 9.25mm in thickness. Its case is meticulously sculpted, with a distinctive curve that extends gracefully from lug to lug, while the elongated lugs sweep downwards, creating a subtle twisting effect along the sides. These design elements collectively imbue the watch with a pronounced vintage character, evoking the golden era of motoring and classic design.
The collection offers three distinct iterations, each meticulously blending case materials with dial colors, all inspired by automotive aesthetics. One model features a warm 3N yellow-gold case complemented by a vibrant yellow dial accented with British racing green details. The two steel variants include a coral-pink dial with steel-gray accents and a sophisticated pearl-gray center framed by a striking petrol-blue flange and counters. Each grained dial is further enhanced by finely snailed small-seconds and 30-minute subdials. For optimal readability, especially in low-light conditions, the applied hour markers, Arabic numerals, and syringe-style hands are all treated with luminescent material.
At the heart of the Chronographe Tachymètre lies Angelus’s in-house A5000 hand-wound chronograph caliber. This movement, just 4.20mm thick, perfectly complements the watch’s compact 37mm case. It offers a 42-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 3 Hz. The caliber’s architecture and meticulous finishing, including gilded main plates and bridges, along with a rhodium-plated chronograph mechanism, create a subtle yet captivating contrast. The chronograph function is precisely controlled by a column wheel and horizontal clutch, showcasing Angelus’s commitment to traditional, high-quality watchmaking.
The tachymeter function is the quintessential feature of the Chronographe Tachymètre. Calibrated to a base of 1,000 and situated on the flange, this scale enables wearers to determine the speed of a moving object over a known distance. The chronograph is initiated by a pusher seamlessly integrated into the crown as an object passes a reference point and is stopped after a kilometer or mile. The central chronograph seconds hand then directly indicates the speed on the tachymeter scale, with readings beginning at 500 km/h, highlighting the watch’s deep connection to high-speed automotive pursuits. A 30-minute counter, located at 3 o’clock, diligently tracks elapsed time.
The new Chronographe Tachymètre is available in three exclusive limited editions. The luxurious 3N yellow-gold model with its striking yellow dial is restricted to just 15 pieces. The steel version featuring a charming pink dial is limited to 30 pieces, while the steel variant with a classic gray dial will see a production of 50 pieces. The yellow-gold Chronographe Tachymètre (ref. 0CHCQ.H01A.V1168Q) is priced at approximately $41,600, whereas both steel versions (refs. 0CHCS.P02A.V1156S and 0CHCS.U01A.V1155S) are offered at around $22,240, making these timepieces a coveted acquisition for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
