Angelus is a high-end watch brand based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the heart of Swiss watchmaking. Dating back nearly 125 years, Angelus has been one of the most influential horological manufactures of the last century. Connoisseurs of high-end watchmaking have universally hailed Angelus' pioneering, in-house developed movements and timepieces, which continue to be coveted by collectors all over the world.
Angelus – a byword for innovative watchmaking
Angelus is a high-end watch brand based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the heart of Swiss watchmaking. Dating back nearly 125 years, Angelus has been one of the most influential horological manufactures of the last century. Connoisseurs of high-end watchmaking have universally hailed Angelus' pioneering, in-house developed movements and timepieces, which continue to be coveted by collectors all over the world.
Angelus was founded in 1891 by the brothers Albert and Gustav Stolz with the establishment of the Angelus watchmaking manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland.
Over the past century, Angelus forged a fine reputation for creating exceptional chronograph and multi-complication wristwatches, multi-display travel clocks with long power reserves, and alarm watches. The brand marked several firsts along the way, including the Chronodato (1942), which was the first series wristwatch chronograph with calendar. The Chrono-Datoluxe (1948) featured the very first big date in a chronograph wristwatch; it was also the first series chronograph wristwatch with a digital calendar – years before such a display became a standard in watchmaking. The Datalarm (1956) was the first wristwatch ever featuring both alarm and date function, while the cult timepiece the Tinkler (1958) was both the first automatic repeater wristwatch and also the first fully waterproof repeater wristwatch.
The high precision of Angelus timepieces is evidenced by a series of first-class results at observatory timing competitions, while the superb craftsmanship of Angelus watches has been recognized by awards from international exhibitions including Paris (1902), Lille (1902), Liège (1905), Milan (1906), Bern (1914) and Philadelphia (1926).
Like many other prestigious Swiss watch brands, Angelus fell victim to the quartz crisis in the 1970s and production halted. However, in 2011 Angelus was revived by the well-known and highly innovative mechanical movement specialist Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA in La Chaux-de-Fonds and its CEO Frédéric Wenger and Head of Innovation Dr Sébastien Chaulmontet. Angelus now has at its disposal a skilled and enthusiastic team committed to putting Angelus back on the pedestal of high-end watchmaking.
Still enjoying the creative freedom afforded by having its own manufacture and using the brand’s rich history as a guiding principle and source of inspiration, Angelus has spent over four years developing the next generation of Angelus timepieces, which uphold the brand’s reputation for horological ingenuity. Featuring complications from classic watchmaking, ultra-modern materials crafted using cutting-edge techniques, highly visible movements and contemporary design cues, these innovative timepieces push the boundaries of contemporary watchmaking, while remaining true to the haute horlogerie traditions of the brand.
Brothers Albert and Gustav Stolz – distinguished watchmakers and former students of Henri Sandoz who was director of the Tavannes Watch Company – establish their Angelus watchmaking manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland, a city world renowned for high-end watchmaking.
1891
Brothers Albert and Gustav Stolz – distinguished watchmakers and former students of Henri Sandoz who was director of the Tavannes Watch Company – establish their Angelus watchmaking manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland, a city world renowned for high-end watchmaking. They began with just a room on the Rue du Marais, modest beginnings for what would become an important brand. In 1898, after qualifying as a watchmaker, the third brother, Charles Stolz, joins Angelus.
Angelus was awarded a gold medal at the International Exposition in Paris and the Médaille de Vermeil at the International Exposition in Lille, France.
1902
Angelus was awarded a gold medal at the International Exposition in Paris and the Médaille de Vermeil at the International Exposition in Lille, France.
The success of the company allows the brothers to employ 15 skilled artisans, with more and more work being carried out in-house. The brothers decide to start making their own movement blanks (ébauches) and to build their own manufacture.
1904
The success of the company allows the brothers to employ 15 skilled artisans, with more and more work being carried out in-house. The brothers decide to start making their own movement blanks (ébauches) and to build their own manufacture. Angelus’ specialty becomes complicated movements including repeaters and chronographs. The superb craftsmanship is recognized by prestigious awards at international fairs and expositions.
Angelus awarded gold medal at the International Exposition in Liège, Belgium.
1905
Angelus awarded gold medal at the International Exposition in Liège, Belgium.
Angelus awarded the Grand Diplôme d’Honneur in Milan, Italy.
1906
Angelus awarded the Grand Diplôme d’Honneur in Milan, Italy.
Angelus’ first advertisement.
1913
Angelus’ first advertisement.
Angelus awarded the Grand Prix at the Swiss National Exhibition in Berne.
1914
Angelus awarded the Grand Prix at the Swiss National Exhibition in Berne.
1914
Gustave Stolz takes over the reins at the renowned manufacture of Le Phare, while still carrying out his duties for Angelus, further strengthening the already good relations between the two companies. This relationship explains why Le Phare movements can be found in some Angelus pocket watch chronographs and repeaters.
1914-1918
The First World War proves an obstacle to the development of Angelus, but does not prevent it from creating a repeater timepiece for blind people that is offered to returning soldiers who have suffered facial injuries. This gesture earns the Stolz brothers a letter of thanks from French army general Marshal Joffre.
1920
The world of watchmaking starts to harness the luminescent properties of radium-based materials to create glow-in-the-dark indications. Being able to read the time in the dark signals a decline in the popularity of repeater watches, one of the jewels in Angelus’ crown. In light of this, the brand decides to diversify its production with alarm watches, and alarm and repeater table clocks, a move that helps Angelus ride out the Great Depression.
Angelus launches the first of its beautifully crafted in-house monopusher chronographs 29.3 mm and 31.6 mm (13 and 14 lines) in diameter, which are activated by pressing a single pusher in the crown.
1925
Angelus launches the first of its beautifully crafted in-house monopusher chronographs 29.3 mm and 31.6 mm (13 and 14 lines) in diameter, which are activated by pressing a single pusher in the crown.
As confirmation of the quality of its timepieces, Angelus is awarded a gold medal at the Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia, USA.
1926
As confirmation of the quality of its timepieces, Angelus is awarded a gold medal at the Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia, USA.
The precision of Angelus movements is highlighted by the awards of three first-class certificates for accuracy and three certificates for complications from the observatory in Le Locle.
1929
The precision of Angelus movements is highlighted by the awards of three first-class certificates for accuracy and three certificates for complications from the observatory in Le Locle.
Angelus starts selling the smallest – only 32 mm x 21 mm (10.5 lines) – 8-day movement in the world with an excellent precision of +/- 1 minute per week. This movement actually has a potential power reserve of 10 days. It remains the smallest 8-day movement in the world to this day.
1930
Angelus starts selling the smallest – only 32 mm x 21 mm (10.5 lines) – 8-day movement in the world with an excellent precision of +/- 1 minute per week. This movement actually has a potential power reserve of 10 days. It remains the smallest 8-day movement in the world to this day.
Angelus’ first advertisement for the chronograph wristwatch.
1933
Angelus’ first advertisement for the chronograph wristwatch.
Angelus begins making two-pusher chronographs based on 29.33 mm and 33.84 mm (13 and 15 lines) manufacture movements with 30- or 45-minute counters.
1935
Angelus begins making two-pusher chronographs based on 29.33 mm and 33.84 mm (13 and 15 lines) manufacture movements with 30- or 45-minute counters. The first two-pusher chronographs appeared in 1933 and were made by Breitling, however the complication only becomes widespread after 1935, with Angelus and Universal prominent exponents of this type of chronograph.
Angelus launches calibre SF240, the smallest 8-day alarm movement then available. This movement is also produced without alarm function.
1936
Angelus launches calibre SF240, the smallest 8-day alarm movement then available. This movement is also produced without alarm function.
1936
Angelus creates the Dateclock, the first alarm clock equipped with full calendar – day, date and month. It comes in a compact, easy-to-fold format and is the perfect accompaniment for the ever-increasing number of globetrotters that have been empowered by commercial air travel and affordable private automobiles, as well as high-speed roads and railways.
Angelus launches the Foursome compact table clock, featuring an 8-day power reserve, automatic calendar, barometer, and thermometer.
1937
Angelus launches the Foursome compact table clock, featuring an 8-day power reserve, automatic calendar, barometer, and thermometer.
The Hungarian Air Force chooses Angelus as its supplier of chronographs.
1940
The Hungarian Air Force chooses Angelus as its supplier of chronographs.
For Angelus’ 50th anniversary, the brand moves to a superb new manufacture in Le Locle on Rue Piaget. By now, Angelus is employing approximately 90 people. On this occasion, Angelus unveils an astonishing mini-clock: the Naveo.
1941
For Angelus’ 50th anniversary, the brand moves to a superb new manufacture in Le Locle on Rue Piaget. By now, Angelus is employing approximately 90 people. On this occasion, Angelus unveils an astonishing mini-clock: the Naveo. Taking the form of a ship’s wheel, the Naveo has an 8-day power reserve, automatic calendar, barometer, thermometer and hygrometer. In the same year, Albert Stolz’s son André takes over the reins of the company.
Angelus causes a sensation in the world of watchmaking by launching the world's first series chronograph with date.
Angelus causes a sensation in the world of watchmaking by launching the world's first series chronograph with date. Initially christened Chronodate, then Chronodato from 1943 onwards, this remarkable chronograph is equipped with the 32.8 mm (14 lines) calibre SF217, which was derived from the calibre SF215 launched earlier in the year – and features 17 or 19 jewels and a 45-minute counter.
Chronodato’s date is indicated by a central hand pointing to a chapter ring on the periphery of the dial; day and month are respectively displayed in windows at 6 and 12 o’clock. The Chronodato rapidly becomes Angelus’ top selling watch and goes on to become an icon of Swiss-made chronographs.
With the exception of a few non-production models made by Patek Philippe featuring a calendar in 1937 and perpetual calendar in 1941, this was the first time that the date appeared on a production chronograph wristwatch.
Launch of the TELECO. A watch designed to record the duration of long-distance telephone calls.
1943
Launch of the TELECO. A watch designed to record the duration of long-distance telephone calls.
1943
Panerai equips its legendary Radiomir Mare Nostrum chronograph with Angelus’ calibre SF215, however, the watch stays in the prototype stage.
Angelus launches a waterproof sports watch. Its generous 40 mm in diameter size is remarkable for the era.
1943
Angelus launches a waterproof sports watch. Its generous 40 mm in diameter size is remarkable for the era.
Angelus creates its most sophisticated travel instrument yet, the Sixome, featuring an 8-day power reserve, automatic calendar, barometer and thermometer – like the Foursome – in addition to a hygrometer and a compass.
1945
Angelus creates its most sophisticated travel instrument yet, the Sixome, featuring an 8-day power reserve, automatic calendar, barometer and thermometer – like the Foursome – in addition to a hygrometer and a compass.
With commercial air transport becoming more and more popular, Angelus creates “Planète avion” (“Planet aircraft”) which is both a timepiece and a sculpture.
1946
With commercial air transport becoming more and more popular, Angelus creates “Planète avion” (“Planet aircraft”) which is both a timepiece and a sculpture.
Angelus launches the Folioluxe travel clock featuring a full calendar, alarm and 8-day movement and stands out for its moonphase indication.
1947
Angelus launches the Folioluxe travel clock featuring a full calendar, alarm and 8-day movement and stands out for its moonphase indication.
1947
Intercontinental transport is well and truly a reality now so Angelus creates Multitime, an alarm travel clock featuring date and world time.
Angelus launches a new chronograph movement, the 27 mm (12 lines) calibre SF250 with 30-minute counter. This development paves the way for the brand’s masterpiece, the Chrono-Datoluxe.
1948
Angelus launches a new chronograph movement, the 27 mm (12 lines) calibre SF250 with 30-minute counter. This development paves the way for the brand’s masterpiece, the Chrono-Datoluxe.
The Chrono-Datoluxe is the world's first series chronograph featuring a digital date display. It was at the same time the first wristwatch chronograph with a big date – two Arabic numerals, each one on a discrete, coaxial disc, displayed in a window at 12 o’clock, with the day also displayed in a window next to the date. A moonphase at 6 o’clock completes the indications.
Angelus also made non-chronograph calendar watches both with moonphase (the Datoluxe) and without (the Dato 12) derived from the Chrono-Datoluxe calendar complication.
Angelus develops its own date window display for automatic winding movements, enabling the brand to make even thinner watches.
1954
Angelus develops its own date window display for automatic winding movements, enabling the brand to make even thinner watches.
Angelus 8-day calibre SF240 is chosen by Panerai to equip watches for the Italian navy. Panerai watches equipped with the Angelus calibre SF240 can be recognized by the small seconds at 9 o'clock.
1955
Angelus 8-day calibre SF240 is chosen by Panerai to equip watches for the Italian navy. Panerai watches equipped with the Angelus calibre SF240 can be recognized by the small seconds at 9 o'clock. This now iconic Panerai design element can be directly attributed to the Angelus calibre SF240.
Angelus launches the Datalarm, the first wristwatch ever featuring both alarm and date function, the latter displayed in a window at 3 o’clock. The Datalarm comes in different versions, including a world-timer with 24-hour chapter ring on the bezel and, inside on the dial, the names of 24 cities, each representing a world time zone.
1956
Angelus launches the Datalarm, the first wristwatch ever featuring both alarm and date function, the latter displayed in a window at 3 o’clock. The Datalarm comes in different versions, including a world-timer with 24-hour chapter ring on the bezel and, inside on the dial, the names of 24 cities, each representing a world time zone.
Angelus launches an extraordinary wristwatch, the Tinkler, which is both the first ever automatic repeater wristwatch as well as the first waterproof repeater wristwatch.
1958
Angelus launches an extraordinary wristwatch, the Tinkler, which is both the first ever automatic repeater wristwatch as well as the first waterproof repeater wristwatch. The Tinkler’s repeater mechanism – activated by a ‘pump’ pusher similar to that used in Angelus’ waterproof chronographs – strikes on the hour and quarter hours.
The Tinkler is so ahead of its time that only approximately 100 pieces were produced. This rarity means that the Tinkler becomes highly sought-after by watch collectors years later.
Angelus creates the Globe Mystère, a remarkable table clock with a double-sided dial appearing to float within a globe. The whole movement is hidden in the base of this timepiece.
1959
Angelus creates the Globe Mystère, a remarkable table clock with a double-sided dial appearing to float within a globe. The whole movement is hidden in the base of this timepiece.
Angelus makes its final chronograph of the 2oth century – a monopusher for doctors featuring scales around the periphery of the dial between 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock for measuring breathing and pulse rate, with the displays magnified by special optics integrated into the glass.
1960
Angelus makes its final chronograph of the 2oth century – a monopusher for doctors featuring scales around the periphery of the dial between 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock for measuring breathing and pulse rate, with the displays magnified by special optics integrated into the glass.
Angelus presents yet another notable striking wristwatch, a five-minute repeater, developed in collaboration with Dubois Dépraz.
1978
Angelus presents yet another notable striking wristwatch, a five-minute repeater, developed in collaboration with Dubois Dépraz.
Angelus is bought by Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA, committed to putting Angelus back on the pedestal of high-end watchmaking.
2011-2015
Angelus is bought by Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA, committed to putting Angelus back on the pedestal of high-end watchmaking.
After four years developing the next generation of Angelus timepieces at its manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, a stone’s throw from the Stolz brothers’ first watchmaking manufacture, Angelus unveils its first collection of the 21st century, upholding the brand’s reputation for innovation.