Atelier Wen - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Atelier Wen is an independent watch brand that has distinguished itself by its innovative approach, combining China's rich cultural heritage with high-quality watchmaking. Founded by two enthusiasts of Chinese culture, Thomas Gronenthal and Robin Tallendier, the brand aims to redefine the perception of "Made in China" watches by highlighting the country's artisanal excellence.

Philosophy and Mission

Atelier Wen's main goal is to celebrate Chinese craftsmanship by creating watches that reflect the country's cultural heritage and technical expertise. The brand seeks to offer luxury timepieces that incorporate authentic Chinese design elements, while maintaining high standards of quality and precision.

Main Collections

1. Porcelain Odyssey

The “Porcelain Odyssey” collection is the first series of watches launched by Atelier Wen. These watches are distinguished by their real porcelain dials, made using traditional Chinese techniques. The "Ji" and "Hao" models feature designs inspired by Chinese art, offering a unique aesthetic that pays homage to the country's rich history.

2. Perception

The “Perception” collection embodies Atelier Wen’s commitment to luxury watchmaking. These watches feature guilloche dials handcrafted by master craftsman Cheng Yucai, the only master guilloche maker in China. Each dial requires approximately eight hours of painstaking work on specially designed guilloche machines. The models in this collection are available in three dial colors: light blue (“Piao”), salmon (“Xia”) and gray (“Ying”).

Technical Characteristics

Atelier Wen watches are designed with attention to detail and quality. Housings, often made from 904L stainless steel, offer increased corrosion resistance and an exceptional polished finish. Typical dimensions include a diameter of 40mm, a thickness of 9.4mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 47mm, ensuring comfortable wear on a variety of wrists. The watches are also water resistant up to 100 meters, making them versatile for everyday use.

Movement

The timepieces from the “Perception” collection are equipped with the automatic caliber SL1588, manufactured by Dandong. This movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. Although relatively new to the market, this caliber was chosen for its reliability and precision, reflecting Atelier Wen's commitment to innovation and quality.

Bracelet and Confort

Atelier Wen watches feature integrated stainless steel bracelets, designed to provide a seamless transition between case and bracelet. The links are finely chamfered and polished, providing a luxurious aesthetic and optimal comfort. Version 2.0 of the "Perception" collection introduced notable improvements, including hand-crafted chamfers on all internal links, reinforcing the premium appearance of the bracelet.

Collaborations and Limited Editions

Atelier Wen has also explored collaborations to offer unique limited editions. For example, in partnership with Revolution, the brand launched titanium models with vibrant yellow and red dials, each limited to 100 pieces. Another notable collaboration includes a special edition with Wristcheck and seconds /seconde/, featuring a playful and innovative design that reflects the brand's commitment to creativity and craftsmanship.

Reception and Impact

Since its launch, Atelier Wen has received praise for its ability to fuse traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern watchmaking. The brand has succeeded in changing the perception of "Made in China" by demonstrating that Chinese craftsmanship can compete with the highest international standards. Reviewers praised the brand's build quality, distinctive design, and innovative approach.

Conclusion

Atelier Wen represents a successful fusion of Chinese cultural tradition and contemporary watchmaking. With a focus on craftsmanship, quality and design, the brand has established a unique identity in the world of luxury watchmaking. Whether through delicately crafted porcelain dials or intricate guilloche patterns, each watch tells a story that honors China's rich heritage while meeting the expectations of modern watch enthusiasts.

Take inspiration from Dialicious customer reviews to choose the watch that suits you.

(Updated March 2025)