Atelier Wen, a brand born from a passion for Chinese culture and horological craftsmanship, is challenging the status quo, proving that exceptional timepieces can emerge from unexpected corners of the globe. Their latest collaboration with Revolution Watch, the Perception 'Cui', is a testament to this vision, a watch that encapsulates the essence of Chinese watchmaking, pushing boundaries and redefining expectations.
Atelier Wen's story is one of cultural fusion, a tale of two individuals drawn together by a shared fascination with China. Robin Tallendier and Wilfried Buiron, both with deep ties to the country, embarked on a journey to bridge the gap between East and West, to showcase the hidden artistry and horological prowess that China has to offer. Their brand, Atelier Wen, aptly named after the French word for "workshop" and the Chinese word for "culture," embodies this philosophy.
Courtesy of Atelier Wen
Tallendier's passion for horology, nurtured since his early teens, led him to become a recognized figure in the Chinese watch industry. His appointment as "Execution Expert" by the Chinese government granted him unprecedented access to legendary Mainland watch companies, including the esteemed Dandong/Peacock company, whose movements now power Atelier Wen's creations. Buiron, fluent in Mandarin and deeply connected to China's business landscape, brought his entrepreneurial spirit to the table, ensuring the brand's success in a competitive market.
Atelier Wen burst onto the scene in 2018 with the Porcelain Odyssey, a collection that showcased the delicate beauty of Chinese porcelain on watch dials. The limited-edition pieces were met with resounding success, selling out rapidly and establishing
Atelier Wen as a force to be reckoned with.
Their follow-up act, the Perception, solidified their position as innovators. This integrated bracelet sports watch, with its bold design inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, captured the attention of watch enthusiasts worldwide. But it was the extraordinary guilloché dials, meticulously crafted by hand, that truly set the Perception apart. It was a watch that offered exceptional value, impeccable finishing, and a unique aesthetic, embodying the very essence of Chinese horology.
Atelier Wen's collaboration with Revolution Watch began last year, resulting in two highly sought-after Perception models. This partnership, built on mutual respect and a shared passion for horological excellence, paved the way for their latest creation, the Perception 'Cui'.
The Perception 'Cui' builds upon the foundation of its predecessors, housed in the same Grade 5 titanium case, measuring a versatile 40mm × 9.4mm. The bracelet, a marvel of engineering and aesthetics, features individually polished inner angles on each link, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow.
Courtesy of Atelier Wen
The watch's name, 'Cui', translates to "purity" or "essence," reflecting the multiple layers of meaning embedded in this timepiece. It represents the purity of Atelier Wen's founders' intentions, their unwavering vision for Chinese watchmaking, and the dedication to craftsmanship that brings their creations to life.
The case itself, with its rounded octagonal shape, draws inspiration from the graceful curves of traditional Chinese pagoda rooftops. This architectural influence extends to the bracelet's center links, reminiscent of pagoda windows. Even the dial's construction pays homage to ancient Chinese building techniques, utilizing an interlocking joinery system that eliminates the need for screws or adhesives. It's a testament to Atelier Wen's commitment to infusing their watches with the spirit of Chinese culture.
The Perception 'Cui' embraces a monochromatic palette, allowing the intricate silver guilloché dial to take center stage. This dial, a masterpiece of handcraftsmanship, represents the pinnacle of Atelier Wen's guilloché artistry.
Behind every Atelier Wen guilloché dial is the skilled hand of Master Cheng Yucai. Drawn to the traditional English and Swiss rose engine turning technique, Cheng faced a formidable challenge: the scarcity of antique rose engines in China. Undeterred, he embarked on a remarkable journey, designing and building his own rose engine, even securing a patent for his invention.
Years of solitary dedication in his workshop culminated in this extraordinary achievement. Master Cheng's unwavering pursuit of perfection is evident in every dial he creates, each one a testament to his mastery of this intricate art form.
The 'diamond' guilloché pattern adorning the 'Cui' dial is the most complex ever produced by Atelier Wen. Its creation demanded an astonishing 36 hours of uninterrupted focus from Master Cheng. The precision required is mind-boggling; even the slightest error, exceeding 0.002 millimeters, would be glaringly apparent. With a 50% failure rate, each flawless dial is a triumph of skill and perseverance.
Courtesy of Atelier Wen
The monochromatic theme of the 'Cui' is punctuated by three heat-blued hands, their vibrant hue adding a touch of dynamism to the otherwise understated design. These hands, meticulously finished, are complemented by an upgraded seconds hand with improved weight distribution for enhanced accuracy. The hour and minute hands, along with the outer minute track, are filled with Super-LumiNova, ensuring legibility even in low-light conditions.
The watch's caseback features a stylized depiction of the stone guardian lions, iconic figures that have guarded Chinese landmarks for centuries. These lions, believed to ward off evil spirits, are a fitting symbol for the Perception, given its architectural inspirations. The lion's open mouth, revealed when the rotor swings away, offers a tantalizing glimpse of the movement's intricate finishing.
While the Perception 'Cui' captivates with its aesthetic finesse, its inner workings are equally impressive. Powering this timepiece is the self-winding extra-thin Dandong caliber SL1588, a movement that exemplifies the horological expertise found within China's borders. This caliber, renowned for its slim profile and reliability, allows the Perception 'Cui' to maintain a svelte 9.4mm thickness, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist.
Visible through the sapphire caseback, the SL1588 showcases meticulous finishing, with côtes de Genève stripes and chamfered edges adorning its bridges. It's a testament to Atelier Wen's commitment to quality, even in the hidden recesses of the watch. With a 41-hour power reserve, the SL1588 ensures that the 'Cui' remains a reliable companion, even after a weekend off the wrist.
The Perception 'Cui' introduces a significant upgrade to the bracelet's functionality. A new micro-adjustment system, cleverly concealed within the clasp's logo, allows for effortless adjustments in four increments. This ensures a perfect fit, catering to varying wrist sizes and fluctuating temperatures.
Courtesy of Atelier Wen
Furthermore, a push-pull sliding system keeps the clasp blade short, enabling the bracelet to effortlessly slip over the fist. It's a subtle yet impactful improvement that enhances the overall wearing experience. The bracelet itself, crafted from Grade 5 titanium, is a marvel of both lightness and durability. Its alternating brushed and polished finishes create a captivating visual contrast, further enhancing the watch's allure.
Atelier Wen and Revolution Watch have gone the extra mile with the 'Cui', upgrading several components to full titanium construction. The partial caseback, clasp shell, and crown now boast this premium material, adding to the watch's luxurious feel and ensuring its longevity. It's a testament to their dedication to providing the best possible value to discerning collectors.
One of the Perception's standout features is its versatility. The 'Cui' continues this tradition, offering multiple wearing options thanks to an intuitive quick-change system. The titanium bracelet can be effortlessly swapped for the included gray rubber strap, allowing the wearer to adapt the watch to their mood or occasion. Whether you're attending a formal event or embarking on an outdoor adventure, the 'Cui' seamlessly transitions from one setting to another.
The Atelier Wen × Revolution Perception 'Cui' is more than just a watch; it's a statement piece, a symbol of the evolving landscape of horology. Limited to just 50 numbered pieces, it's a coveted item for collectors seeking something truly unique. Its blend of Chinese artistry, Swiss precision, and innovative design sets it apart from the crowd.
Priced at USD 3,800 (excluding taxes), the 'Cui' offers exceptional value for a watch of this caliber. It's a testament to Atelier Wen's commitment to making high-quality watchmaking accessible to a wider audience. With its 40mm case size, it strikes the perfect balance between presence and wearability, suitable for a variety of wrist sizes.
The Atelier Wen × Revolution Perception 'Cui' represents a pivotal moment in the brand's journey. It showcases their unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of Chinese watchmaking, proving that innovation and artistry know no geographical bounds. This timepiece, with its captivating design, intricate guilloché dial, and exceptional craftsmanship, is a testament to Atelier Wen's vision.
Courtesy of Atelier Wen
As the world of horology continues to evolve, Atelier Wen stands at the forefront, challenging conventions and redefining expectations. The Perception 'Cui' is a shining example of their commitment to excellence, a watch that embodies the essence of Chinese watchmaking and paves the way for a new era of horological creativity. It's a timepiece that transcends borders, a testament to the power of passion and the pursuit of perfection.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, the Atelier Wen × Revolution Perception 'Cui' is a watch that deserves your attention. It's a reminder that horological innovation can emerge from unexpected places, and that the future of watchmaking is bright, diverse, and full of possibilities.