Released during Baselworld 2016 and after the successful launch last year of the Angelus U10 Tourbillon Lumière —our hands-on review here— that brought the brand back from the ashes; Angelus presents now, the U20 Ultra-Skeleton Tourbillon. The new Angelus U20 Ultra-Skeleton Tourbillon has been conceived as a beautiful mechanical haute horlogerie sculpture in its entirety. Built like a supercar, its design is streamlined and based on structural optimization. Made of sapphire, carbon and titanium, the U20 is at the forefront of cutting-edge watchmaking.

From the movement to the case design, every aspect of the U20 has been conceptualized to allow light to enter the watch and reveal the splendor of the movement’s architecture and tourbillon. The first elements one sees, are the raised dome sapphire crystal of the carbon case measuring 42 mm x 10.30 mm and the mirror-polished beveled edge of the monobloc titanium lugs, all reflecting the light. A deeper look reveals the virtually transparent movement floating in the case and allowing an unobstructed view through the watch.

The movement is based on a sapphire main plate, with key components supported by beautifully hand finished, blue skeletonized satin-finished titanium bridges. The absence of a dial and the use of a sapphire crystal dome set directly onto the carbon fiber case allow full visual access to the movement from both the top and sides, accentuating the three-dimensionality of the movement’s architecture.

The titanium lugs, which are securely attached to the carbon fiber case and reinforced with an armature of carbon fiber, have a very technical shape and echo the titanium bridges of the movement. However, the intricacy of the lugs is softened by the clever use of polished chamfered edges and contrasting satin-finished surfaces.

And to further increase visibility into the top of the three-dimensional movement, the U20 Ultra-Skeleton Tourbillon features a unique design element. The case dispenses with a bezel and instead uses a sapphire crystal dome, which also allows a sideways view onto the movement.

The sapphire in the U20 Ultra-Skeleton Tourbillon is very specific, offering the essential characteristics necessary for use in a haute horlogerie timepiece. The sapphire main plate is first crafted from a solid block of sapphire before being painstakingly polished to be perfectly transparent. This elaborate process results in a very precise main plate with tolerances in the micron range. The latter is important as the sapphire used throughout the Ultra-Skeleton Tourbillon is not decorative but 100% functional. The 18-jewel movement provides a power reserve of 90 hours while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph.

The new Angelus U20 Ultra-Skeleton Tourbillon is fitted with a stealth black alligator leather strap with titanium insert and equipped with a titanium pin buckle engraved with the Angelus logo. This new watch will be available in a limited edition of 18 pieces.

On the wrist, the new Angelus U20 Ultra-Skeleton Tourbillon wears true to its size, extremely light and ultra comfortable. The wrist presence screams 'haute horlogerie' from every single angle you look at the watch and the skeletonized movement sans dial make this a very unique piece. Along with its mirror polished interior that reflects the light and the movement like an endless horological symphony, this is a piece that for sure will be a conversation starter anywhere you go. This watch is only available in a limited edition of 18 pieces.

Sticker Price $71,950 USD. For more info on Angelus click here.