Sébastien Chaulmontet – a fellow admirer of chronographs

I am not alone in my predilection for chronographs, some years ago I interviewed the charismatic 'Head of Innovation' of Arnold & Son , Sébastien Chaulmontet for an article in the printed magazine version of iwmagazine.com . Interestingly, the focal point of the article was not Arnold & Son's watches, despite being deserving of many column inches, but instead it focussed upon Chaulmontet's incredible passion for chronographs. Indeed, at the time he stated that his collection of chronographs alone totalled in excess of 300 pieces. During the interview, I was shown many well-preserved vintage timepieces, including numerous examples of Angelus chronographs featuring the much revered patination, prized my many watch collectors.

Angus Davies chatting about watches with Sébastien Chaulmontet at Baselworld 2014
In 2015, Angelus was reborn and placed adjacent to the traditionally styled Arnold & Son marque. Now, the two companies are siblings, crafting timepieces at the same atelier in La Chaux-de-Fonds. However, despite Sébastien Chaulmontet providing the technical lead for Angelus and Arnold & Son, each marque exhibits its own distinctive character.
To date, the resurrected Angelus brand has produced highly contemporary timepieces, suffused with innovative know-how but imbued with fine watchmaking craftsmanship. The first four models produced by the Swiss watch company belong to the 'Urban Collection' which may suggest that the brand will, in time, launch a classical or traditional range of watches, only time will tell (pun intended).
I chatted again to Sébastien Chaulmontet a few months ago and felt he could recognise that I was a fellow sufferer of the 'chronograph bug'. He seemed to derive much pleasure passing the Angelus U30 Tourbillon Rattrapante across his desk to me and observing my mouth break into a smile of appreciation. This is a chronograph made for chronograph enthusiasts, suffused with all the details you would want from a chronograph, as well as many you may never have imagined.
Without further ado, allow me to guide you through this chronograph technical fest par excellence.