Angelus introduces the new U41, in two brilliant and vibrant colours of orange and blue, with an openworked dial, skeletonized movement with tourbillon.
Press Release with commentary in italics.
Angelus U41
The graphic structure of the movement equipping the U41 characterises its style. Enclosed in a 42 mm titanium case, the U41 showcases its own architecture. Unfolding in a series of black and transparent sections, this frame is both minimalist and graphic. Technical aspects merge with the aesthetic signature in an optimal combination of stability, design and ergonomics. The network of openworked plates and bridges thus forms and defines the very identity of the U41.
Dual expertise
On the one hand, we have Angelus’ in-depth knowledge in designing and developing complication and skeleton calibres. On the other, the search for a committed style, accompanied by a comfortable and proportionate wearing experience on the wrist. The U41 is a sporty watch, as exemplified by its sculpted rubber strap, notched bezel, titanium case and movement designed in a metallic ‘mesh’ format.
Dual requirements
Angelus was seeking to create a light, yet sturdy watch. This pressing need for solidity requires a movement architecture that is capable of withstanding impacts and cushioning shocks without breaking or being deformed. A compromise between flexibility and rigidity. By enclosing all the main elements, including the wheels and the barrel, between two plates, the movement delivers maximum stability.
Dual beams
The A-300 calibre is a skeleton design and was developed as such. In order to strike the perfect balance between structural solidity and openwork detailing, Angelus opted for a ‘dual-beamed’ plates and bridges design. The void that separates the two arms from these supporting elements is studded with jewels that accommodate the wheel axes. All of these components are treated with black ADLC to add contrast and texture.
Dual resistance
Angelus movements frequently exhibit 90-hour autonomy, enabled by a balance oscillation speed of 3 Hz. For the A-300 calibre, the frequency has been set at 4 Hz for 60 hours of power reserve. This higher frequency safeguards the accuracy of the movement during impacts, and thus reduces its power reserve. This compromise is a natural continuation of the technical choices Angelus has made for the U41.
Dual colours
The U41 comes in two versions: one dressed in orange hues, and another in a range of blues illuminated by flashes of yellow on the minutes hand and minute circle. White Super-LumiNova coats the hours and minutes hands. The rubber straps work beautifully with the dominant colours.
Dual results
Despite its technical intensity and sporty feel, the U41 remains reasonably sized: a 42 mm diameter case with a thickness of 10 mm. Angelus sought the perfect harmony between substance and form: the U41 delivers.
Commentary
The watch looks very similar to the earlier generations which Angelus designated as U51, except that the U51 and U50 are dive watches meeting water resistance ratings of 300m, and feature a inner uni-directional rotating bezel for dive functions. This inner bezel is operated by a second crown at 2 o’clock. The new U41 is a rather more standard time only interpretation, but no less sporty, though without the diving aspirations of the U50/U51. The A-310 movement is derived from the base A-300 used in the U41.
The use of eyecatching brilliant and vibrant colours of blue and orange is a key feature of the U41, bringing to life the sporty character.
We look forward to receiving a sample for extended testing and photography.
Angelus U41 Technical specifications
References
Orange U41: 0TSBT.O01A
Blue U41: 0TSBT.U01A
Functions hours and minutes
Movement
Calibre A-300, hand-wound mechanical, one-minute flying tourbillon
Jewels 23
Diameter 32.80 mm
Thickness 4.30 mm
Power reserve 60 hours
Frequency 4 Hz / 28,800 vph
Finishes main plate: chamfered, polished and treated with black ADLC
bridges: chamfered, polished and treated with black ADLC
wheels: chamfered and polished
tourbillon carriage: chamfered and mirror-polished
Dial
Flanges lower: anthracite with orange or yellow minute circle
upper: orange or blue, with hour indicator treated with Super-LumiNova
Hands orange or blue/yellow, treated with white Super-LumiNova
Case
Material grade 5 titanium
Diameter 42.00 mm
Thickness 10.00 mm
Crystal box sapphire, with an anti-reflective treatment on the inner surface
Case back sapphire crystal
Water-resistance 30 metres/3 ATM
Strap
Material orange, blue or black rubber with Angelus logo in relief
Buckle pin buckle, grade 5 titanium
Limited edition 25 timepieces in each colour
