I wanted to come back to one of my favorite watches from the last Watches & Wonders show. It is the Angelus Speed Instrument. This piece, available in a limited series of 25 pieces per dial color (black or ebony) is a continuation of the Medical Chronograph presented last year. The Speed Instrument uses the same movement, namely the manual-winding Chronograph caliber A5000 which is an evolution of the famous THA movement found in the original Cartier Tortue Monopusher. La Joux-Perret owns the rights to this movement and in fact the A5000 caliber contains some modifications compared to the original THA caliber.
The Instrument de Vitesse is a chronograph watch that looks like a three-hand watch. Quite simply because it is a one-minute chronograph, that is to say that the dial has no minute counter and therefore only the central second hand is operational. Its name comes from the presence of a peripheral tachymeter scale which becomes the main reason for using the chronograph. In this aesthetic context which tends to make the watch as simple as possible, the use of a monopusher is quite appropriate. It would have been a shame to find two side pushers with such a dial.
The classic neo-retro style is assumed. The steel case has a diameter of 39mm (for a thickness of 9.27mm). This size is ideal because it makes the tachymeter scale readable and it is consistent with the spirit of the design turned towards the past. A larger size would not have suited the movement either. Even if this is not felt on the dial side due to the absence of the minute counter, the THA movement is relatively small. It would have been a shame if it appeared lost in the middle of the case when turning the watch over. For these different reasons, the diameter is optimal in my opinion.
In any case, I really like the presentation of the dial, very neat and precise. My favorite version is undoubtedly the ivory one, which better highlights the raised numbers and the small touches of color in blue and red. In addition, the ivory dial, due to its clarity, increases the perceived size. Of course, the second hand only works when the chronograph is engaged. The black dial is also very attractive and offers a slightly more sporty atmosphere. In any case, whatever the version, these dials are charming and refined.
The movement is visible on the back and the finishing work that is done respects the same spirit. There is nothing truly spectacular but the rendering is clean, sharp and flawless. The A5000 caliber offers here a very nice continuity of the Côtes de Genève and I appreciated the sobriety of the execution as well as the monochrome rendering and the finishing of the screws. Even if it is a rather thin chronograph caliber (4.2mm), it nevertheless offers some depth effects. Its traditional architecture is its best asset and it is very pleasant to observe it. Its performances are classic, namely a power reserve of 42 hours for a frequency of 3hz.
I really fell in love with this watch, which has a simple appearance but stands out for its refinement, its sobriety and the legendary dimension of its movement, given the watchmakers who studied its origins. When wearing it, I had the impression of returning to the glory days of classic chronographs from the 1950s due to its design and the use of a single pusher. It thus constitutes an ideal context for the use of the A5000 caliber that collectors are very happy to find again, a year after the Medical Chronograph.
The Speed Instrument is available in a limited series of 25 pieces per dial color at a price of CHF 17,100. I found this price reasonable given the solid watch content.
