Angelus Two Register Chronograph

Why We Love It

This two register beauty has so many desirable elements to it, we're barely know where to begin!

From its glossy gilt dial, to its in-house manufactured column wheel chronograph movement - on paper it sounds like a much more expensive timepiece. Turning the watch over reveals the "L.E." engraving - confirming that this watch was issued to the Hungarian Airforce.

Starting in the late 1940s, Angelus began producing chronographs for the Hungarian Air Force. Hungary had been banned from having a military air force by the Treaty of Trianon in 1920. So the Royal Hungarian Air Force (Magyar Királyi Honvéd Légierő or Légi Erő) started covertly as civilian flying clubs. But by the 1930s the Légi Erő was officially established and recognized. As World War II began and Hungary's neighbors to the north--Poland and Czechoslovakia--fell, the L.E. added their airplanes to their air force, proving worthy foes to the encroaching Soviet forces in the East. 

Whether its the beauty of the dial, the brilliance of the movement, or the genuine military heritage, there are many aspects to this timepiece to connect to and love. 

The Story

In the world of chronographs, those made by Angelus are among the most desirable.

Unlike Rolex, Breitling, Heuer, or Omega, who all relied on other manufactures for their movements, Angelus made theirs completely in-house. But that wasn’t always the story.

Angelus was founded in 1891 by the Stolz brothers in Le Locle, the home of brands like Tissot and Universal Genève. Though the brothers at first assembled watches from parts manufactured elsewhere, in 1925 they released their first in-house mono-pusher chronograph movement. And by the middle of the next decade, after Breitling released the first two-pusher chronograph, Angelus followed suit.

However, unlike Breitling, who almost exclusively used movements manufactured by Venus, Angelus’s were made in their own workshop.

The brand has been resurrected in recent years, in concert with movement manufacturer La Joux Perret. Like its historical namesake, the new Angelus focuses on technical excellence. As the brand continues to release watches, the name will be pushed farther and farther into the limelight; however, as it still has a little ways to go, now is the best time to snatch up one of these beautiful and technically-significant watches.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.