Baselworld 2016 – Introducing the Angelus U40 Racing Tourbillon Skeleton

The Angelus U40 Racing Tourbillon Skeleton is housed in a grade 5 titanium case that measures 42mm in diameter and a reasonable 10mm thick. The design is highly complex and features a variety of curves and lines combined with alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces and a see-through back. The lugs are hollowed out to further increase lightness. As usual with highly skeletonized watches, this watch is characterized by its absence of real dial but the racing theme is enhanced by a black and grey inner flange, with red accents – color that can be found on the hands (even if a second edition with white hands will also be available). To complement the look, the watch is secured to the wearer’s wrist by a black rubber strap bearing a three-dimensional motif and Angelus logo and fastened by a titanium pin buckle.

The piece-de-resistance remains of course the movement, visible from every angle and designed to be lightweight. The Angelus U40 Racing Tourbillon Skeleton is featured with an in-house calibre, exclusive to this watch; the Calibre A-300. When most of the skeletonized movements tend to be cut-out versions of existing models, the U40 was designed to be a skeleton from the start. The difficulty here is to have the appropriate resistance, required by a sports-watch, with the delicate look of an openworked movement. It has maximum rigidity from its beam-type bridges and the fact that all the movement’s main elements, such as the wheels and barrel, are firmly secured between two plates. This design replaces the conventional main plate and bridges construction and massively increases the mechanical resistance of the movement.

Calibre A-300 features few indications – hours and minutes – but comes with a one-minute flying tourbillon, located at 6 and beating at 4 Hz / 28,800 vph frequency – a guarantee for high performance and precision. It boasts 60 hours of power reserve. This slim (4.3mm) but resistant movement has painstakingly executed contemporary haute horlogerie finishing with snailed black ADLC coating and chamfered edges. The design is enhanced by a skeletonized ratchet and barrel in the exclusive Angelus six-spoke design.

Price and availability to be confirmed later, after our meeting with the brand during Baselworld 2016. More details on www.angelus-watches.com.