ANGELUS Chronographe Telemetre x Massena LAB

In the sphere of collaborative watchmaking, certain partnerships resonate with a deeper understanding of horological history and design. The latest union between the historic Maison Angelus and the creative studio Massena LAB has produced such a piece: the Chronographe Télémètre x Massena LAB. This timepiece is not merely a new model but a carefully considered dialogue between past and present, encapsulated within an 18k yellow gold case. Limited to an exceedingly scarce run of only 10 pieces, it represents a convergence of mechanical ingenuity and aesthetic purity, drawing inspiration directly from the annals of watchmaking while being powered by a thoroughly modern, in-house caliber.



The Angelus name carries with it a legacy stretching back to 1891, when it was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland, by the Stolz brothers. For much of the 20th century, Angelus was a formidable force in the industry, renowned for its development and manufacture of complicated movements, particularly chronographs. The brand's calibers were not only used in their own watches but were also supplied to other prestigious watchmakers, cementing their reputation for quality and innovation. After falling dormant during the quartz crisis, the brand was revitalized, focusing on creating highly technical, contemporary timepieces that still honor the inventive spirit of its founders.



On the other side of this collaboration is Massena LAB, a horological creative studio founded in 2018 by William Massena. Massena, a well-known collector and industry figure, established the studio to partner with watch brands on special projects, often reinterpreting historical designs or creating new pieces with a distinct vintage sensibility. The LAB's philosophy is rooted in a deep appreciation for the details, proportions, and nuances that define classic watchmaking, making it a natural partner for a brand with a rich heritage like Angelus. This project is not their first; the two previously joined forces on the Chronographe Médical, which marked the inaugural release in Angelus's 'La Fabrique' family of special timepieces.



The Chronographe Télémètre is the next chapter in their shared story, a watch born from a specific piece in William Massena's personal collection: a vintage stainless-steel Angelus chronograph. The new model translates the spirit of that historical watch into a modern luxury context. The choice of a black dial, for instance, is a direct nod to Massena's vintage piece and represents a rare aesthetic for Angelus, which traditionally favored lighter dial colors. This decision immediately sets the watch apart and establishes a narrative of personal inspiration and historical reverence that underpins the entire project.



Visually, the timepiece makes a strong impression through its classic proportions and refined materials. The case is crafted from 18k yellow gold (3N) and measures a very wearable 37mm in diameter. With a thickness of just 9.25mm, it sits comfortably and discreetly on the wrist, defying the trend of oversized sports watches. The case architecture is deliberately understated, with a slim, polished bezel that maximizes the visual real estate of the dial, ensuring that legibility and the intricate details of the face are the primary focus. The case surfaces feature a sophisticated interplay of brushed and polished finishes, which catch the light in different ways and highlight the watch's clean lines and gentle curves.



At the heart of the watch's functionality and streamlined appearance is its monopusher chronograph system. Rather than having two separate pushers for the start/stop and reset functions, all operations are controlled by a single pusher cleverly integrated into the winding crown. This design choice is a tribute to early chronographs and results in a remarkably clean case profile, uninterrupted by additional push-pieces. The single, coaxial pusher maintains the smooth, rounded silhouette of the case, enhancing its dressier character while housing a complex and practical complication.



The dial is arguably the most captivating element of the Chronographe Télémètre. Presented in a deep, matte black, it serves as a high-contrast canvas for the golden elements. A domed profile, protected by a box-style sapphire crystal, enhances the vintage feel. The center of the dial features a stamped grained texture, a practical and beautiful choice that effectively mitigates glare and adds a tactile depth. This textured field is bordered by a satin-finished flange, or rehaut, creating a subtle shift in finish that frames the central portion of the dial. This play on textures is a recurring theme, demonstrating a meticulous attention to detail.



Two subsidiary dials are recessed into the main dial at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. The sub-dial at 9 o'clock displays the running small seconds, while the one at 3 o'clock is a 30-minute counter for the chronograph. Both feature a fine snailed, or radially grooved, pattern that distinguishes them from the grained center, aiding in legibility and adding another layer of visual complexity. The applied Arabic numerals and baton-style indices are finished in gold, matching the case and providing clear contrast against the black background. The hands, also gold-plated, are filled with Super-LumiNova for readability in low-light conditions.



A defining feature of the dial is its telemeter scale, printed on the outermost track. This scale has a fascinating history, originally developed for military use, particularly by artillery soldiers. It allowed them to calculate their distance from enemy cannon fire by measuring the time delay between the visible flash of the explosion and the moment the sound reached them. The chronograph is started at the flash and stopped at the sound, and the central chronograph hand points to the distance on the scale. This function remains useful in civilian life, most commonly for measuring the distance of a lightning strike during a storm, allowing the wearer to determine if the storm is approaching or moving away.



Powering the Chronographe Télémètre is the Angelus caliber A5000, a manual-winding movement manufactured in-house. Based on a design developed by the esteemed movement specialists at THA Ébauche, this caliber is a showcase of both traditional mechanics and modern finishing. It operates on a column-wheel and horizontal clutch system, a classic and highly regarded architecture for chronographs, prized for its smooth pusher actuation. The movement measures a compact 24mm in diameter and a slender 4.2mm in height, proportions that are perfectly suited for the watch's 37mm case.



From a performance standpoint, the Caliber A5000 is robust and reliable. It is composed of 23 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 3 Hz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour, a rate that balances precision with durability. When fully wound, it provides a respectable power reserve of 42 hours. The true spectacle of the movement, however, is revealed through the sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. Angelus has applied what it describes as an "exemplary finishing" to every component, creating a mechanism that is as beautiful to behold as it is mechanically proficient.



The aesthetic treatment of the A5000 is a study in color and texture. The mainplate and bridges are adorned with a 3N gold finish, with the bridges further decorated with traditional Côtes de Genève stripes and carefully chamfered edges. This golden landscape provides a warm, luxurious backdrop. In striking contrast, the functional components of the chronograph—the levers, return mechanisms, and hammers—are crafted from stainless steel and have been coated in palladium, creating a cool, silvery counterpoint that highlights their intricate forms. These parts are finely brushed, while the gear wheels feature circular graining and the screws are polished to a mirror shine, adding further depth and visual interest to the movement's architecture.



On the wrist, the watch's thoughtful design comes to life. The 37mm diameter hits a sweet spot for a classically styled chronograph, making it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. The modest 9.25mm thickness allows it to slide easily under a shirt cuff, reinforcing its versatility as a piece that can be worn in both formal and casual settings. The 18k yellow gold case provides a satisfying warmth and weight, a constant reminder of the precious materials and craftsmanship involved in its creation.



The watch is secured to the wrist by a black Saffiano calfskin strap. Saffiano leather is known for its distinctive cross-hatch texture, which is not only visually appealing but also highly resistant to scratches and scuffs, making it a practical choice for a watch strap. The strap is completed with hand-stitching and an 18k yellow gold pin buckle that matches the case, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality presentation from every angle.



The prestige of this new collaboration is further bolstered by the recognition received by its sibling model. The Angelus Chronographe Télémètre Yellow Gold, which shares the same movement family, was nominated for the Chronograph Watch Prize in the 2025 edition of the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). This nomination serves as a powerful testament from the wider watch industry to the quality of the engineering and design inherent in this watch's platform.



The choice to produce only 10 examples of the Chronographe Télémètre x Massena LAB places it in the realm of true horological rarities. This is not a watch intended for mass consumption but rather for a select group of enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of collaborative design, historical inspiration, and high-end independent watchmaking. Each of the ten pieces is individually numbered on the caseback, affirming its status as a unique creation within a highly exclusive series.



This timepiece also continues the narrative of the Angelus 'La Fabrique' collection. This series is dedicated to special projects and collaborations, allowing the brand to explore different creative avenues and produce unique, small-batch watches. The first 'La Fabrique' piece was the Chronographe Médical, also made with Massena LAB, and this Télémètre now builds on that foundation, solidifying a partnership that successfully blends Angelus's technical prowess with Massena LAB's curatorial design eye.



The tactile experience of the watch is as considered as its visual appeal. Winding the manual movement provides direct feedback from the mainspring, a satisfying ritual for many enthusiasts. The actuation of the monopusher chronograph is crisp and decisive, a hallmark of its quality column-wheel construction. The textures of the grained dial, the smooth sapphire crystal, and the patterned Saffiano leather strap create a varied sensory experience that complements the watch's mechanical soul.



Every design choice feels deliberate and purposeful. The pairing of a black dial with a yellow gold case creates a classic, high-contrast look that is both striking and sophisticated. The 37mm dimension is a confident rejection of modern sizing trends in favor of proportions that have been proven to be perfectly balanced for decades. Even the smallest details, like the diamond-polished thread that crisply separates the outer tracks on the dial, speak to a level of finishing and dedication that is rarely seen.



The ANGELUS Chronographe Télémètre x Massena LAB is a masterful execution of a collaborative vision. It draws from a rich brand history, channels the specific inspiration of a collector's personal timepiece, and delivers it through contemporary high-end watchmaking. The combination of its classic design, precious metal case, intricate dial, and beautifully finished in-house monopusher movement makes it a compelling proposition for the discerning collector. Given its extreme rarity, with only 10 pieces being produced, it stands as a testament to exclusivity. The price is available upon request from authorized dealers, a common practice for timepieces of this caliber and limited availability, underscoring its position as a significant and collectible piece of modern horology.



Case: 18k yellow gold (3N), 37mm diameter, 9.25mm thickness. Box sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Sapphire exhibition caseback. Water resistance of 30 meters (100 feet).

Movement: Manual-winding Angelus caliber A5000 monopusher chronograph. 42-hour power reserve, 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency, 23 jewels. Features a column wheel and horizontal clutch. Finished with 3N gold, Côtes de Genève, and circular graining.

Dial: Black domed dial with a stamped grained center and snailed counters. Gold-plated hands with Super-LumiNova. Gold-finished applied indexes and Arabic numerals. Features a 20 km telemeter scale.

Strap: Black Saffiano calfskin leather with hand-stitching. 18k yellow gold (3N) pin buckle.

Price: Price upon request.

Reference Number: 0CHCQ.B01A.V1271Q

Notes: A limited edition of only 10 pieces created in collaboration with Massena LAB. The monopusher chronograph is fully operated by a single pusher integrated into the crown. Design inspired by a vintage Angelus from William Massena's collection.