Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition Watch Review
The Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition is the latest addition to the Swiss marque’s chronograph portfolio. It builds on the model’s recent success with its titanium case, impressive automatic movement and bewitching blue dial. Angus Davies explains why he thinks this watch is deserving of your attention and respect.
Watch journalists
The problem with watch journalists is that we are voracious consumers of newness and frequently dismiss a different dial colour or case material as simply an ‘animation’. However, the notion of ‘luxury’ is that it is underpinned by design, quality and longevity, three characteristics much in evidence with the new Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition. The dial is executed in a new, vibrant shade of blue, while the remaining elements are tried and tested. In my opinion, true luxury should confer lasting joy and products should be conceived with forethought. It is with this in mind that I believe it is only fair to look at this latest creation from the high-end Swiss brand.
Angelus was founded in 1891
In 1891, Angelus was founded by Albert and Gustav Stolz and seven years later, their brother, Charles, joined the family firm. Over the subsequent years, the marque gained a reputation for making ébauches and would later provide movements to Panerai for its military watches. Indeed, the Angelus calibre SF240, a movement with a prodigious power reserve of eight days, was famously employed in the Panerai Ref. 6152/1, a series of approximately 80 watches that remain much sought after by members of the Paneristi and cognoscenti alike.
Manufacture La Joux-Perret acquired Angelus in 2011
Acquired by Manufacture La Joux-Perret in 2011, the new owners embarked on a journey making incredible, highly original tourbillons. However, as any Angelus historian will rightly point out, the firm’s back catalogue is rich and diverse, encompassing a vast array of additional complications. Chronographs, calendar watches, alarm and chiming watches, nobody could ever accuse Angelus of being typecast.
The modern-day Chronodate first released in 2022
Since unveiling its inaugural modern-day Chronodate in 2022, a trio of limited edition models (25 examples of each), the Swiss marque has released additional variants of the watch. Grade 5 titanium or 18-carat red gold versions as well as a selection of dial colours ranging from black, fern green, navy blue and opaline white have successfully seduced the unsuspecting horophile with their prepossessing features and impressive mechanical intellect.
Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition – a bi-compax dial with pointer date
With the Chronodate, Angelus has skilfully reimagined the brand’s vintage of the 1940s to produce a fresh, contemporary expression of watchmaking. The bi-compax dial features two counters, a 30-minute chronograph register and a small seconds display. The date is shown with a pointer, circumnavigating a date track at the dial’s edge. Openworked lugs, prominent pushers and the widespread use of carbon composite all serve to showcase the firm’s creative spirit.
Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition – Calibre A-500
Turn the watch over and a pane of sapphire crystal grants sight of the eminently refined automatic movement, the Calibre A-500. It pairs an ultra-desirable column wheel with a horizontal coupling, a combination that will evoke tears of joy on the face of any self-respecting purist.
Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition – dial colour
This particular version of the Chronodate unites a titanium case with an achingly gorgeous dial. I’ve worn this watch as well as some of its older siblings and, to be honest, the Storm Blue Edition is my favourite to date. The dial colour frequently flits from one shade to another depending on the brilliance, proximity and position of the light source. The black snailed counters deliver contrast yet look at ease with their surroundings; everything is harmonious.
Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition – closing thoughts
Would-be wearers can specify their Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition with a black rubber strap or pay a modest premium and specify their watch with a matching titanium bracelet which, incidentally, also includes a rubber strap. The bracelet’s smooth links and the cosseting fit it confers make a compelling case for selection.
A telling sign of success is when a watch brand chooses to release additional versions of the same watch. Back in 2022, the Swiss firm released the Chronodate in three limited-edition references and subsequently unveiled additional dial colours. The new Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition is not limited, a clear sign of the brand’s high hopes for its sublime creation.
Just don’t call the Titanium Storm Blue an ‘animation’, it deserves more respect.
Further reading
https://www.angelus-watches.com
Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition – technical specification
- Model: Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue Edition
- Reference: 0CDZF.U02A.K009B (rubber strap)
- Reference: 0CDZF.U03A.M009T (titanium bracelet & rubber strap)
- Case: titanium, diameter 42.5 mm, height 14.25 mm, water resistance 3 ATM (30 metres) sapphire crystals to the front and back
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, peripheral date
- Movement: Calibre A-500, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), contains 26 jewels, power reserve 60 hours
- Price: rubber strap – CHF 22,900 incl. VAT (RRP as of 20.9.2023)
- Price: titanium bracelet & rubber strap – CHF 24,900 incl. VAT (RRP as of 20.9.2023)