Angelus: The Rebirth of a Historic Swiss Watch Brand

amanico · 2015-09-15T00:28:19Z

Explore the rebirth of Angelus, a historic Swiss watch brand, and the community's discussion on its new designs and connection to its rich past.

amanico

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

20 replies3134 views15 photos

Amanico's post delves into the fascinating revival of Angelus, a brand with a rich history that succumbed to the Quartz Crisis. This discussion highlights the challenges and excitement surrounding the reintroduction of a heritage name, particularly for a brand known for its innovative movements and designs. Collectors often debate how new iterations connect to a brand's historical DNA, making this a relevant topic for enthusiasts interested in watchmaking's past and future.

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Anthony had the good idea to post some excellent news in the " News Central ": " The rebirth of Angélus ".

http://news.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-112/pi-6844978/ti-978603/s-0/t-news-central-angelus-the-rebirth-of-swiss-watch-brand-angelus/

Angelus is a brand which was born in 1891, founded by the Stolz Brothers ( Albert and Gustave ), which ddidn't resist to the " Quartz Massacre " in the Seventies.

Who does remember this name, Angelus?

I guess a lot of Watch aficionados, and for some excellent reasons.

- They made 8 Days movements, for writswatches and clocks.

As soon as the early 1930's , they offered that small marvel. It is said that it houses the smallest 8 Days movement in the world.

The famous Sixsome in the Fourties, housing a Cal SF 240, with or without alarm ( combination of instruments such as a clock, a power reserve, an automatic calendar, a barometer and thermometer, an hygrometer, and a compass.

The same 8 Days movement Cal SF 240 has been used in a famous Watch, the Panerai 6152/1 " 4 lines ", in the late Fourties, early Fifties:

- Angélus had a nice collection of chronographs. Especially some date chronographs in the early and mid Fourties. I am not able to say who was the first to launch these Date Chronographs, Universal Genève or Angélus, but one thing is sure, they are very elegant!

They made some nice " Chronographs only ", such as this one:

Without forgetting this other legend, the prototype Mare Nostrum from Panerai using the Cal SF 215

- The Datalarm, in 1956. Date + Alarm +, sometimes, a world time configuration.

- The Tinkler, in 1958: The first automatic waterproof minute repeater:

I knew the Chronodatos, the Travel instruments, and the 8 Days Alarm Clock, but I discovered through the press release the Tinkler and the superb Datalarm.

This press release announcing the rebirth of the brand is also the promise of some interesting unveilings, at the Basel Fair.

For the moment, we have the U 10 Tourbillon Lumiere, launched at the last Basel Fair.

Daring, high end, it will please to those who are hunting on the Independants playground.

Everything is possible, and I must say that I am very intrigued and impatient to discover the collection to come. A more affordable offer, blending originality and DNA would be great!

Best,

Nicolas

PS: All pictures to be credited to Angelus, at the exception of the Mare Nostrum, which has to be credited to Christies.

This message has been edited by amanico on 2015-09-15 08:24:56

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Angelus tourbillon, while visually exciting, raises questions about its connection to the brand's historical identity, prompting skepticism about its long-term success if a clear link to the past is not established.
Angelus's historical production of original products, including 8-day movements and multi-display travel clocks, suggests a potential for the brand to unveil new products that align with its original DNA.
The case design of the new Angelus models draws inspiration from the multi-display travel clocks produced by the brand between the 1930s and 1960s, reflecting an industrial design aesthetic from that era.
The decision to relaunch Angelus with a tourbillon makes it difficult to predict the market positioning and pricing strategy for future chronographs, which could be positioned as either high-end or more accessible.
The design choice to offset the time dial to the 9 o'clock position, seen in brands like Lange 1 and AP Millenary, can make it difficult to read the time without fully moving one's cuff, especially for left-wrist wearers.

The Discussion

ifraher

Sep 15, 2015

I presumed they would make a Chronograph sooner or later.

I recently started seeing a series of teaser images on Instagram which go some ways to confirming this, it looks heavily skeletonised, no clues on case shape or any other details as yet, I am eager to see what they have done when it is ultimately revealed. Ian

amanico

Sep 15, 2015

I hope so, and I am expecting something interesting in terms of movement! [nt]

ifraher

Sep 15, 2015

I can't figure out their pricing structure.

Seeing as they relaunched with Tourbillon it's hard to gauge where they will market their chronograph? As an 'independent' hand wound chronograph with nothing else to base it on I guess it could possibly sit in the same bracket as it's contemporaries..., care to hazard a guess? Maybe this will be positioned as their key high volume piece and priced lower than expected.

amanico

Sep 15, 2015

In the same time, if I am not wrong, Angelus made their own movement Chronograph.

So, we can expect anything. High end, or more affordable... I have no idea, here. I ma just excited to see what they will offer to us. Best, Nicolas

Ares501 - Mr Green

Sep 15, 2015

That Tinkler made me tick :)

Excellent post dear Tourqemada Rich history even without famous Panerai caliber Let's see what future will bring Sincerely D the new UI is killing me

amanico

Sep 15, 2015

The Tinkler is not my favorite. The Datalarm WT stole my heart.

As for the new UI, hey, my friend, I had to fight with a new Cell Phone ( Sony Experia ) and a new Lab Top ( Mac Book 15, 4 ) I have no doubt you will soon get used to the new UI! ;) Come on, you cannot be dumber than I am. ;) Best, Nicolas

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