SpotlightBack To The Track: The Angelus La Fabrique Instrument de Vitesse
Taking inspiration from the dashboard of vintage GT cars, the Angelus La Fabrique Instrument de Vitesse, to be unveiled at the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, is a limited-edition steel sport watch that brings back the thrill of vintage racing
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Swiss watchmakers Angelus launched the all-new La Fabrique collection in 2023. Created in collaboration with design studio Massena LAB, the Angelus Chronographe Médical X Massena LAB drew inspiration from a 1960s’ doctor’s watch. Hungry for all things vintage, back then the watch market received the Angelus 39mm steel wonder with arms wide open. To be showcased at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, the La Fabrique collection will see its second timepiece. Being a La Fabrique watch, it effortlessly achieves the brand’s aesthetic legacy, by combining the historical design elements with the modern horological technologies in the latest chronograph timepiece. One look at the dial of the latest La Fabrique watch—the Instrument de Vitesse—and you are instantly reminded of the dashboard from an English or Italian vintage GT car. The Angelus La Fabrique Instrument de Vitesse is available in two colour versions, with 25 pieces of each variant.
Born Out Of Vintage Velocity: The Angelus La Fabrique Instrument de Vitesse
The mono-pusher Angelus La Fabrique Instrument de Vitesse is a faithful tribute to the vintage era racing tournaments. Encased within a 39mm steel case, its 4.2mm manual-winding manufacture calibre guarantees the final timepiece remains under 10mm thickness, which is 9.27mm. It resembles a typical timepiece sporting three central hands, but the tachymeter scale on the periphery makes it stand apart.
Functioning as a measuring instrument, the mono-pusher chronograph is tailored for taking average speed readings within a 60-second timeframe. This design renders a fresh perspective for the crown, which surrounds the single push-piece for the chronograph, initiating the central chronograph seconds hand. The case features a domed dial with two functional zones.
Focusing on the outer rim, the indicators for the tachymeter scale range from 60 to 500 with a base metric of 1,000, which typically symbolises a kilometre. The inner rim, on the other hand, displays the time, featuring a finely graduated minutes circle. A fine example of attention to detail, the contrasting typography is especially curated for the La Fabrique collection ensures a clear presentation.
The first version of the Angelus La Fabrique Instrument de Vitesse is offered on a caramel calfskin strap and features an ebony-black dial with rhodium-plated applied Arabic numerals. This execution offers a striking contrast when clubbed with the black of the watch face. The second version comes with a midnight blue nubuck strap. Its ivory-white dial features raised Arabic numerals outlined in black, lending the watch face added dimension. Both the hour and minute hands, along with the hour markers have applied lume coating.
The Chronograph Movement Of The Angelus La Fabrique Instrument de Vitesse
The A5000 chronograph movement powering the Instrument de Vitesse is presented in a manual-winding version without totalisers. Offering a classic chronograph experience, the A5000 utilises a column wheel and horizontal clutch, and operates at a frequency of 3Hz. This beautifully finished movement offers a standard power reserve of around 42 hours.
With its refined vintage sports chic aesthetic, the Instrument de Vitesse appeals to collectors who have a profound appreciation for the rich heritage and cultural significance of watchmaking. Combining vintage craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities and materials, the Instrument de Vitesse embodies the perfect blend of classic charm and modern sophistication.
