The world of watchmaking is a fascinating realm, where history and innovation intertwine. Today, we delve into the story of the Angelus Tinkler, a watch that bridges the gap between the past and the present.
A Historical Brand Revived
Angelus, a Swiss watchmaker with a rich heritage, has made a remarkable comeback. Founded in 1891, the brand is renowned for its technical prowess, having crafted award-winning chronographs and intricate multi-complication watches. After a period of dormancy during the quartz crisis, Angelus is back, drawing inspiration from its archive.
What makes this revival particularly intriguing is the brand's focus on its classical, heritage-inspired timepieces. The La Fabrique collection is a testament to this, with the Tinkler being the latest addition.
The Tinkler: A Golden Oldie
The Tinkler, originally released in 1958, was a pioneer in its time. It boasted an automatic, water-resistant quarter-repeater mechanism, a rarity in the late 1950s. Despite its technical excellence, only a limited number of these watches made it to the market, making them highly sought-after today.
The new Tinkler models retain the charm of the original, with a compact and understated design. The case, available in steel or yellow gold, is polished to perfection, and the dial, with its subtle dome and sunburst pattern, is a nod to modernist aesthetics. The distinctive 'exclamation-shaped' markers at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock are a unique feature, highlighting the key positions of the quarter repeater.
Technical Excellence
Under the hood, the new Tinkler is powered by the automatic Angelus A600 movement. Beating at an impressive 28,800vph, it offers a robust 70-hour power reserve. The movement is a work of art, with intricate decorations, including snailing, Côtes de Genève, and blued, chamfered screws. The sunburst tungsten rotor adds a modern touch.
Vintage Spirit, Modern Appeal
To complete the vintage look, the Tinkler is paired with classic alligator straps. The deep inky blue strap for the gold version and the warm saddle brown for the steel model are a perfect match. The attention to detail, from the screw-down caseback featuring the 'A' monogram to the retro-inspired box sapphire crystal, ensures that this watch is a true collector's item.
A Limited Edition, A Limited Price Tag
With only 15 pieces in yellow gold and 25 in steel, the Angelus Tinkler is a rare find. The price reflects its exclusivity and technical excellence, with the gold model retailing at CHF 56,300 and the steel at CHF 37,900.
In my opinion, the Angelus Tinkler is a masterpiece that blends history and innovation seamlessly. It's a watch that tells a story, a story of a brand's resilience and a testament to the art of watchmaking. This revival is a reminder that sometimes, the past holds treasures that are worth rediscovering.
