Angelus U51 Diver Tourbillon was presented this year at Baselworld. The high-tech piece uses modern design and manufacturing techniques. Its “tech” charm is doubled by a good looking appearance. The Angelus U51 Diver Tourbillon has real diver watch capabilities: unidirectional diver bezel set by an external crown, Helium escape valve and crowns protection.
Hands-on review Angelus U51 Diver Tourbillon
I was always fascinated by the Angelus watches. U51 and its predecessor U50 made no exception. I have met the U51 Diver Tourbillon in the flesh during the Basel show. Before I share with you some watch description and specifications, please have a look at the video below.
The case: two interpretations
The high-performance sports watch look starts with the case. The case is manufactured in titanium. The size is generous – 45mm. But is was surprised by how good it looks on my small wrist and how comfortable and pleasant feels. I consider that the 12.47mm thickness helps a lot in this smaller wear sentiment.
The case is rich in details. The diver’s case is adorned with sandblasted, brushed and polished surfaces. Considering how complicated is to get multiple finishes on titanium, Angelus gets my full respect for design and implementation.
The bezel is carved with an interesting pattern. Not sure if “pattern” is the right word in this case but certain is that the final shape reminds me of two things: the sea waves and the ratchet wheel design. So two interpretation: a romantic one – the infinite number of waves breaking at the shore and the ratcheting wheel that permits movement only in one direction – onto the future. Leaving the romanticism aside, the case design is beautiful: technical and aesthetical.
The U51 Diver Tourbillon has two crowns. The two o’clock crown is for the unidirectional 60minutes bezel. The four o’clock crown is a classic winding and set type. Both are screwed-in, as it is mandatory for a diver watch. The crowns are decorated with the Angelus logo and have good tactile feedback.
On the left side of the case, at 9 o’clock, the watch is fitted with a Helium escapement valve. The U51 Diver Tourbillon is specified for 300m/1000feet depths. The valve is nicely integrated in the case design. The valve is protected by two bumpers.
The skeletonised lugs contribute to the watch’s lightweight. Angelus fitted the diver with a blue rubber strap decorated with an embossed Angelus logo and a titanium folding pin buckle.
Dial: colourful and joyful, with an expected total legibility
The U51 offers an unusual diver display, with the remark that the skeletonized composition and construction is the trademark of Angelus. The brand’s language is recognisable without a doubt in the person of the U51 Diver Tourbillon.
The dial is governed by several entities, each with its unique form and factor.
The chapter ring features the same spectacular carving as the bezel, recalling the waves. The unidirectional rotating ring dresses up with bright colours. The brand names them stormy blue and striking orange. Good names, I would say…
The chapter ring is governed by the brand’s logo at twelve o’clock. The indexes use Arabic numeral in 5 minutes increments. In addition, there are Super-Luminova filled indexes.
The hands are another distinct elements in this set of entities. The hands also use bright colours Super-Luminova filling: orange for the hour hands and white for the minute hands. In low light, the dial spoils us with a special performance – excellent legibility.
As a diver watch, the U51 is provided with running seconds, mandatory to a diver watch as a witness of watch’s functionality. The small seconds sub-dial is placed at nine o’clock. The seconds’ hand is filled with orange luminescent, to signalise the “running seconds”
The last of the entities set is the one-minute flying tourbillon.
Calibre A-310 – a mechanical delight
Angelus U51 Diver Tourbillon is powered by the high-tech Calibre A-310. The hand-wound movement is capable of 5 days of autonomy. The single barrel design is depleted by the tourbillon at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Or 4Hz – as it is otherwise known.
The tourbillon is positioned on the dial at seven o’clock. Its construction is interesting. The cage uses ball bearing for better stability. That is a more complex construction as the classical pivots system but comes with certain advantages.
The flying tourbillon is appealing: an overall mirror polishing and bevelled edges enriched with fine polishing.
The skeletonised movement is well decorated. The bridges and the mainplate’ surfaces are sandblasted. This finish highlights the natural aspect and colour of the titanium. The movement’s gear train uses the six-spoke design exclusive to Angelus. The beauty of the Calibre A-310 can be observed on both sides of the watch.
Designed for perfection, entitled for admiration
I have to admit that I like Angelus U51 Diver Tourbillon a lot. The watch features not only impressive technical details but also an unexpected appearance.
Tourbillon on a diver watch? Why not?!? One can enjoy a fantastic tourbillon watch daily and use it as a sporty tool piece. I do enjoy the funny, joyful glance of the U51. The colour theme fits unexpectedly well on this tourbillon watch.
U51 Diver Tourbillon is a bliss on the wrist. Extremely light for its dimension, due to titanium construction, the watch feels right on the wrist. I consider it such a special piece that breaks the canonical rules. Honestly, I would wear this piece anywhere. I would even take it, as it is, to a black-tie event. And if someone looks badly at my wrist. I will know for sure that is just envy. Pure envy!
Angelus U51 Diver Tourbillon Technical Specifications
Functions
- Hours, minutes, small seconds,
- unidirectional rotatable 60-minute indicator
Movement
- Calibre: A-310, mechanical hand-wound, one-minute flying tourbillon
- Jewels: 23
- Diameter: 32.80 mm
- Height: 4.30 mm
- Power reserve: 120 hours (5 days)
- Frequency: 4 Hz / 28,800 vph
- Lever escapement: Silicon
- Decoration: Sandblasted plates and bridges, wheels with Angelus six-spoke design, tourbillon cage with chamfered and polished edges
Dial
- Openwork with blue and orange chapter ring.
- Hours’ indexes, chapter ring’s Arabic numbers and hands filled with Super-Luminova
Case
- Material: Grade 5 titanium, sandblasted, brushed or polished finishing
- Diameter: 45.00 mm
- Thickness: 12.47 mm
- Crowns: Screwed and engraved with Angelus logo
- Crystal: Box-shaped sapphire with anti-reflection coating both sides
- Back: Sapphire
- Water resistance: 300 m / 1,000 ft
Strap
- Material: Blue rubber embossed with Angelus logo
- Buckle: Folding, grade 5 titanium
Limited edition
- 25 pieces
Reference
- 0TDCT.E01A.K008D
World retail price
- CHF 32’800 without taxes (prices can be subject to change)
Angelus U51 Diver Tourbillon Photo Gallery
