43

Classic in size, rich in heritage, and built with purpose, the Chronographe Télémètre is Angelus at its most honest. It’s a quiet nod to the golden era of chronographs, brought back with just the right amount of modern edge.

Angelus continues creating refined, vintage-inspired timepieces with the latest release of the Chronographe Télémètre. These watches form part of the La Fabrique collection and celebrate Angelus’ historical roots in chronograph watchmaking. The Chronographe Télémètre models are an elegant tribute to Angelus’s century-plus legacy. With just 25 pieces each in two steel variants and an exclusive 15-piece run in 18k yellow gold, this limited edition timepiece is a compelling nod to the golden age of mechanical watchmaking.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Angelus (@angelus_watches)

Having already introduced the Instrument de Vitesse and Chronographe Médical in recent years, Angelus adds another chapter to the La Fabrique story with the addition of the Chronographe Télémètre. Though these timepieces may be small in size, the watches still carry immense historical weight. It’s a timepiece that speaks to both collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the complexity and artistry of traditional Swiss horology.

The Télémètre, which is the main function of this timepiece, is a measurement that is used to measure the distance of an event. It’s certainly a unique function in watchmaking, but one that can prove useful in certain situations. How it works is the chronograph is first started when the event is seen, then stopped when it’s heard. The Télémètre scale on the dial is finely graduated in kilometres and corresponds to the duration divided by the speed of sound (approximately 1,240 km/h). This measurement can be useful in knowing the distance of an event such as lightning and thunder, fireworks and their explosive sound. It was, however, especially useful during wartime to calculate the distance of artillery fire.

Angelus is presenting the Chronographe Télémètre in three different variations. Firstly, we get the two steel models in either a titanium grey or the stunning rose colour for the dial, while the yellow gold timepiece gets a white colour, which evokes the subtle shine of nickel.

Case Design

The case of these new Angelus Chronographe Télémètre timepieces measures 37mm, making it the smallest modern model in the brand’s lineup. The case design has distinctive features, such as the case middle having curves that run from lug to lug. Angelus has also given varying finishes to the Chronographe Télémètre timepieces, with the side profile being polished, while the surfaces of the lugs feature a horizontal satin-brush finish.

The 18-carat yellow gold edition brings a warmth and vintage luxury, perfectly suiting the Chronographe Télémètre’s nostalgic spirit. While the steel models present a story of dynamic versatility. The dials of the timepieces were chosen to perfectly complement the case materials, while the vintage charm of the watches are laid on through the calfskin straps.

The monopusher chronograph design also gives the case a minimalistic approach while making it easy for the wearer to operate the Chronographe Télémètre with ease. Having the pusher integrated into the crown keeps the overall look clean and understated. It’s a nice throwback to vintage chronographs but still feels practical and refined for today’s wearer.

Dial Design

The Chronographe Télémètre models feature the signature design elements of the brand’s La Fabrique collection; however, they now feel more complex due to the Télémètre scale and chronograph counters. All three dials are packed with detail and texture. The central portion is grained, adding depth, while the outer flange is satin-finished to mirror the case. A diamond-polished thread separates these two areas with finesse, while snailed subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock provide further visual texture.

The watch features a mixture of Arabic hour indices (6 and 12 o’clock) and baton-style indices, while the hands are sharp and refined with SuperLumi-Nova. The dial colours used offer variety; however, the standout model for me is certainly the rose gold, which Angelus states “borders on the colour bronze”. Unlike the other two models, which feature 3N gold indices and hands, the rose gold model features a black rhodium finish, which gives it a better contrast.

Movement

Inside the Chronographe Télémètre beats the in-house Calibre A5000, a hand-wound movement that’s as elegant as it is refined. The Calibre A5000 is quite slim, measuring just 4.2mm thick, and finished beautifully with gold bridges and palladium-toned chronograph components that give it a classy, vintage edge. The use of a column wheel and horizontal clutch is a nod to traditional chronograph architecture. At the same time, its 42-hour power reserve and movement frequency of 3Hz (21,600 VpH) make it just as reliable as it is good-looking.

Initial Thoughts

The new Chronographe Télémètre models from Angelus have quite a powerful appeal about them. The timepeices don’t beg for attention but rather draw you in with their vintage charm, refined craftsmanship and the real sense of purpose with the télémètre function. From the telemeter scale to the hand-wound monopusher and compact 37mm case, every detail feels intentional and true to the Angelus legacy. These aren’t just any ordinary chronograph timepieces but rather a piece of history that you can wear on your wrist.