Ep #46: Driving A Vintage Watch Past Into A Modern Watch Future with Pascal Béchu from Angelus

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The infamous Quartz Crisis in the 1970s forced a lot of great historical watch brands to close their doors, with Angelus probably being one with the most heritage. However, today, Angelus has been reinvented in a more modern incarnation, and at the helm is its engaging and driven Managing Director, Pascal Béchu, who we shoot the breeze with in our latest episode.

Find out how Pascal deals with retaining the DNA of vintage Angelus in the new watch company whist keeping it relevant and up to date with its sports chronograph history. Hear about how releasing complications from the past need to be done alongside adding complications never used previously in its heyday.

Talking of complications we also discuss how the monopusher on the amazing Instrument de Vitesse (Speed Instrument) was inspired but the collective artisan genius of F.P Journe, Vianney Halter, both famous for their eponymous brands, and Denis Flageollet, the watchmaking genius behind De Bethune. Not to mention the chronograph history of the Chronodate (formerly known as the Chronodato) and the incredibly important Doctor’s Watch complication.

So buckle up and enjoy the ride as we rev up and talk sport watches, sports cars and the future of a brand whose future is very strategically steeped in the past.

First up, the wristwatch checks: We start with Pascal and his Angelus Instrument de Vitesse Indianapolis Blue. Then, Andy shares his vintage Rolex 1625 Turn-O-Graph. Lastly, Parm concludes with his Rolex 116710 GMT-Master II, better known as the Batman.

Here, we take a closer look at the U10, the first release from Angelus as the reimagined brand, followed by the later release of the Gold & Carbon Flying Tourbillon.

Next, we take a look at the original Chronodato, which Parm was lucky enough to try at The Limited Edition Angelus event. He also had the opportunity to try the new Chronodate Titanium with the Magnetic Silver dial. The next image captures a fun moment when Parm met Pascal at the event. The final images showcase more of the Chronodate collection.

A closer look at the Chronodate Titanium with the Magnetic Silver dial in action.

Now, we take a look at an original Panerai example (Marina Militare), which featured the 8-day power reserve powered by the Angelus SF 240 movement. Could we see a modern-day collaboration between Angelus and Panerai? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Here is the Piece Unique Radiomir Guido Panerai & Figlio Creation, which featured the original Angelus SF 240 movement. The piece achieved a remarkable price at Phillips, selling for 355,600 CHF. The final image shows the very cool vintage Angelus Tinkler.

Now, we take a look at the beautiful La Fabrique Instrument de Vitesse collection, which features the legendary movement by THA, now named the A5000 and owned by Angelus, followed by the Cartier Tortue Monopusher, which shares the same core movement. The last image showcases the fascinating La Fabrique Chronographe Medical x Massena Lab (Dr's Watch).

That concludes today’s episode show notes. Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed the show—we always value your feedback. Until then, you'll hear us on the next one.