Up for sale is this large and beautiful circa 1940s-50s Angelus chronograph in all-stainless steel case with stunning dark brown tropical gilt dial, powered by the in-house Angelus cal. 215 movement. A famed maker of movements for others, Angelus came into their own in the middle of the twentieth century, when the demand for chronographs for military and civilian use reached a fever pitch. In addition to their famed Chronodato models, Angelus also produced aviator & military-style chronographs to meet the demand of the WWII and post-War era, like this one, which is exactly the same model as the “L.E.” marked Hungarian Air Force-issued version. This example has no issue marks but is notable not only for the large and sought after 38mm case but the stunning original gilt dial with “big eye” sub-dials and original radium luminous Arabic numerals that has also aged to a very beautiful and even deep brown tropical tone. This oversized Angelus military-style chronograph is pure vintage charm on the wrist.

Overall, this classic Angelus aviator’s chrono is in Excellent vintage condition with a stunning Excellent+ original gilt dial with complex, finely printed minute and tachymeter outer scales and luminous Arabic numeral layout. The case has some marks from age, as one would expect from a 70/80-year-old tool watch, but it still appears to retain its original brushed & polished finish and facets. The venerable Angelus cal. 215 movement was serviced last year and is operating well, ready for years’ more faithful service for its lucky new owner.

This hard-to-find, highly attractive vintage Angelus chronograph with stunning gilt dial is now on special HOLIDAY SALE for just $3,475 USD OBRO, including fully insured domestic US shipping. International shipping will be +$100 due to increased shipping fees. Bank Wire greatly preferred on this watch, other forms of payment such as Paypal upon application. Payment must be made in US DOLLARS. Watch will ship upon full clearance of the funds, as well as any necessary bank vetting. Feel free to contact me via DM or at tomvox1@gmail.com or tomvox1@hotmail.com

CASE & BACK: Classic all-stainless steel two-piece chronograph case with faceted lugs and integrated stepped bezel measures an oversize 38mm wide (not including crown) by 45mm long by around 12mm tall to the top of the crystal This case is kind of a hybrid water resistant case with round pump pushers but a snap back, exactly like the “L.E.” models issued to the Hungarian Air Force (for Légi Erő). The case shows wear and marks from the years, particularly to the side where one pries open the back, but the original brushed matte finish appears present on the sides and the polished faceted lugs and stepped bezel are all very crisp - Excellent condition for a more than 70-year-old tool watch. The exterior of the shiny snap-in caseback shows some light marks, likewise Excellent cosmetic condition, with all external nomenclature — ANGELUS logo, complete serial number & “Acier Inoxydable” — present and crisp. The inner back and the back of the case have minimal corrosion and the inner caseback does not have any branding or hallmarks, merely the original attractive perlage finish and some watchmakers’ marks from different years of service.

DIAL & HANDS: All-original and absolutely stunning gilt dial with complex outer calibrated minute/seconds and Tachymeter scales that has aged to wonderfully warm dark chocolate tone best admired in sunlight. This dial also features large, “big eye” engine-turned sub registers for constant seconds at “9” and the 45-minute recorder at “3”, also with gilt numerals. The original red lines for the three three-minute markings have faded with time but can still be made out under close inspection. This handsome dial is very clean with only minor signs of aging to the surface and all the original radium luminous material still present on the Arabic numerals. Overall, Excellent+ original condition for this wonderfully warm and complex vintage git chronograph dial. Original gold “syringe” hour & minute hands are Excellent and contains their original radium lume, which has aged a bit darker/more brown than the lume on the dial. The gold sweep seconds chrono hand two gold subdial hands are likewise Excellent. This Angelus military-style chrono represents beautifully on the wrist and the organic, even, warm dark chocolate tone is especially appealing.

MOVEMENT: The famed Angelus caliber 215 movement was one of the great chronograph calibers of the era, with its characteristic 45-minute counter complication and robust and reliable construction. This nicely finished 17-jewel movement looks very bright and clean and was fully serviced by my watchmaker last year. Therefore, it runs well, with a decent power reserve and all chronograph functions performing properly. All timekeeping, setting and winding aspects also work as they should, of course.

CROWN & PUSHERS: Oversized unsigned steel-clad crown might be a service replacement, as it just has that appearance to me. But it matches the watch just fine, is in Excellent cosmetic condition and operates perfectly well, winding the movement and setting the time when pulled out as designed. The smallish pusher caps show only minor wear and, as is most common, the top pusher starts & stops the timer and the bottom resets it. The operation of both pushers is quite crisp and all counters reset to zero with firm finger pressure on the bottom pusher.

CRYSTAL: Older domed acrylic crystal has some very faint residual scratches from the years even after being polished, but no chips or cracks, and is quite clear — Excellent.

STRAP: This cool Angelus chrono comes on a lightly used distressed Italian leather aviator’s strap in a very complementary espresso color, with rugged off-white stitching at the lug ends that suits the watch perfectly. This large Angelus has a lug width of 20mm.

As a matter of policy, I make absolutely NO guarantees for the water resistance of this watch in any way, shape or form.

This great collector's Angelus military chrono with amazing gilt dial is offered with a 3-day inspection period from the date of receipt and may be returned for a full refund (less any shipping costs incurred by the buyer). This refund is unconditional and once I get the watch back in exactly the same condition as it was sent to you, your money will be refunded. Of course, once the 3 days are over the sale will be considered FINAL.

Thanks for looking,
T.
tomvox1@gmail.com
tomvox1@hotmail.com