If you collect vintage Angelus watches or are simply interested in the brand, there are several models you must see in person.
One of them is the legendary Angelus Chrono-Datoluxe. Another is the Medical, which is also respected among collectors. Third place in my imaginary ranking goes to the Tinkler. Unfortunately, all three models are extremely rare. The good news is that if you're open to vintage reissues and have the necessary budget, the new Angelus Tinkler 1958 could be yours.
Angelus also released a reissue of the Medical model, which is still available on the brand's official website. Today, however, we will focus on the latest release - the Tinkler 1958 Steel Quarter Repeater, presented at the Watches and Wonders 2026 exhibition.
History and Significance of the Angelus Brand
My attachment to Angelus is well-known to WatchTested readers. From the Angelus collector's guide to reviews of military vintage chronographs and a recent article dedicated to the Angelus Chrono-Datoluxe, we have created an extensive collection of materials. Therefore, it's no surprise that the news of the Tinkler development filled me with genuine excitement. For a brand that has made a significant contribution to the art of watchmaking but has long remained underrated, these new models are a real breath of fresh air. Yes, vintage reissues are in vogue right now, and Angelus is not the only one releasing them. The brand's lineup also includes more modern models that don't particularly appeal to me. But the return of an icon like the Tinkler is truly a significant event.
Features of Quarter Repeaters
Before we proceed to the watch review, it's worth delving into the topic of repeaters. Quarter repeaters are the simplest among all repeaters. When you press the button on the case, a gong sounds, counting the number of hours, followed by another gong indicating the number of quarter hours. For instance, if the time is 2:37, the first gong strikes twice (for the hours), then the second gong strikes twice (for two quarters - 30 minutes). At 2:46, the second gong will sound three times, and so on. Although a quarter repeater is not as complex as a five-minute or minute repeater - the pinnacle of watch mechanics - it remains a prestigious complication feature. However, the price for such watches is usually lower than for more complex repeaters, yet it will still be in the five-figure range - prepare your wallet.
Angelus Tinkler 1958 Steel Quarter Repeater: Technical Specifications and Rarity
The full name of the model is Angelus Tinkler 1958 Steel Quarter Repeater, which already says a lot about the watch. The first version of the Tinkler was released in 1958 and had several executions. In addition to wristwatches, Angelus also produced pocket repeaters, but the Tinkler is one of the rarest wrist models. The vintage watch market today is not as active as it once was, but a good example still commands a significant price. If, of course, you can find one.
Over years of collecting Angelus, I have seen only a few such watches on the market, and most sellers demanded unrealistically high sums for them, even considering their rarity. The next important point is the case material. In 1958, the Tinkler was produced in two versions: steel and yellow gold. The steel model I am reviewing is priced at €44,900 / $48,300 / £39,800, while the gold one is €66,600 / $71,800 / £59,100.
The price is justified by the rarity (steel limited to 25 pieces, gold - 15) and the complexity of the mechanism. Today, there are very few quarter repeaters on the market, and when they appear, their cost is usually higher than that of the Angelus Tinkler 1958.
First Impressions of Angelus Tinkler 1958
Holding the Angelus Tinkler 1958 in my hands, I immediately noted how close it is to the original. The case diameter is 38.1 mm (excluding the crown and repeater button), the lug-to-lug length is 44.7 mm, and the thickness is 12.5 mm. It truly feels like a vintage watch. The white dial, with applied gold indices and numbers, looks elegant and understated. Except for the model name and the side button, nothing reveals the presence of a complex mechanism. On the back is a cover with the vintage "A" logo and minimal text. There are no transparent inserts, as found in many vintage repeaters or alarms. This is a solid, well-made accessory with minimal signs of complication. Such a design is ideal for watch connoisseurs and enthusiasts - "if you understand, you appreciate it."
Angelus A600 Movement and Functionality
Inside the watch is the new Angelus A600 caliber - an automatic movement of in-house design with an integrated striking module created by the famous Swiss complication company Dubois-Dépraz. The caliber has 33 jewels, a power reserve of up to 70 hours, and a frequency of 4 Hz.
The quarter repeater is very easy to use. The crown for setting the time is located at the "3 o'clock" position, as usual, and at "9 o'clock" is a large flat button. When pressed, a deep chime sounds, counting the hours, followed by a quick double chime for each quarter hour. Listening to this chime is a real pleasure, as the watch transitions from a visual object to a world of auditory impressions. Like the original Tinkler from 1958, the new version comes with a leather strap and a classic clasp.
Conclusions and Prospects
It's not often that one gets to spend time with a watch like the Angelus Tinkler 1958 Steel Quarter Repeater, and there are good reasons for that. Brands release repeaters less and less frequently, and their high cost makes them accessible only to a select few. Nonetheless, the experience of getting to know this model was exceptionally pleasant. Now, returning the watch, I feel a slight sadness, but there are still many interesting models in the Angelus archive. I eagerly await the brand's new announcements. Meanwhile, I will continue to wear my vintage watches and dream of the day when I become the owner of an original or reissued Tinkler - who knows?