There's something inherently compelling about the word "mocha," as it evokes richness, warmth, and the perfect balance between sweet and intense. It's precisely this sensory inspiration that Angelus has bottled in its latest Chronodate releases, the ‘Moka’ Editions, where chocolate-tinged dials meet cutting-edge horology in a fusion that's both nostalgically charming and thoroughly modern.
Things to Know About the Watch
The Chronodate collection has always walked a fascinating tightrope between Angelus's storied chronograph heritage from the 1930s and the brand's contemporary appetite for technical innovation. These new Moka editions double down on that philosophy, presenting a 42.5 mm case that's a masterclass in multi-material construction. At its core is a carbon-composite container that houses the movement, rigid yet remarkably lightweight. The chronograph pushers emerge directly from this chamber, while an openworked cradle, in either 5N red gold ref. 0CDZE.C01A.C1282B or grade 5 titanium ref. 0CDZF.C01A.C1282E forms the case middle and lugs in one flowing gesture. It's architectural watchmaking that gives these pieces their unmistakable "full-bodied" presence.
That mocha-brown dial is where things get truly delicious. Applied with a fine sunray-brushed finish, the amber-tinged surface creates depth and dimension, while oversized Arabic numerals in gold—filled with SuperLumiNova—recall the remarkably legible 1930s Angelus chronographs that made the brand's reputation. The 30-minute totalizer at 3 o'clock and small seconds at 9 o'clock stand apart in metallic black with snailed textures, providing visual hierarchy without cluttering the composition. Red lacquer accents on the chronograph hands and pusher markings add just enough pop to keep things lively.
The peripheral date display via red openworked pointer is a direct callback to the original 1942 Chronodate, completing this bridge between past and present. Each watch comes on a "Moka" brown alligator leather strap plus an additional black rubber strap, though the titanium version also includes a matching titanium bracelet.
The Movement
Under the sapphire display case back beats the Manufacture A-500 calibre, an automatic chronograph movement oscillating at 28,000 vph with a 60-hour power reserve. Its column-wheel and horizontal-clutch architecture keeps the 7.9 mm movement impressively slim. At the same time, the NAC-treated, sandblasted main plate and bead-blasted bridges give it the contemporary anthracite-grey aesthetic that Angelus has made its signature. The oscillating weight—featuring a red gold segment on the gold version or a tungsten segment on the titanium—bears the brand's historic "A" above a star motif, evoking a bell and clapper from the company's earliest days.
On the Wrist & Price
With only five red gold pieces and twenty-five titanium examples, these new Moka editions aren't just a visual feast; they're genuinely limited opportunities to own a piece of Angelus's evolving story.
Sticker Price CHF 43,100—approx. USD 53,700— for the red gold model, and CHF 25,100—approx. USD 31,300—for the titanium one. For more info on Angelus, click here.
