Angelus Chronograph, 1950s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

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.