Angelus

1950s Angelus Chronograph

$ 2,950

While certainly not a household name today, Angelus was a highly respected Swiss watchmaker before succumbing to the Quartz Crisis in the '70s. 

Originally founded in 1891 by two brothers in Le Locle, Angelus started out as a manufacturer of clocks and watches but eventually began producing their own in-house movements in the mid-30s. This gave them the ability to build complete wristwatches that, at least in some instances, would prove to be ahead of their time.

While many wristwatch manufacturers were making their pieces in the 32-34mm range, Angelus was going larger with watches that were 35-37mm, and sometimes even bigger. While this was a trend-bucking move, they actually did it because they wanted their watches to be as legible and usable as tools as possible.

Sitting at the smaller end of that range, this 1950s-era chronograph is still a great example of that legibility, with its white dial and easy-to-read numerals. Even today, this is a piece that stands on its own. 

SPECS

Stock # AGLSCH
Brand Angelus
Style Chronograph
Model N/A
Serial 18XXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Silver
Millimeters 35
Bracelet NATO Strap

CASE & BRACELET

The stainless steel case is in excellent condition overall for its age. It retains its original unsigned crown and square pushers, the latter of which show some patina. The stainless steel case back is clean, showing minimal signs of use for its age. The watch will be supplied on a NATO strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The bright brushed silver  dial features two silver chronograph registers at 3 and 9 o'clock. The hour dots and Arabic numerals around the dial are gas gold color which gives the dial a lovely contrast and increases the overall readability of the watch. On the outside of the dial is a tachymetre with blue printing. Inside of that is a telemetre track with red printing. Finally, the minute track is black. The original hands are a dark blued steel and remain in excellent condition.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, previous service history is unknown.

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