Atelier Wen Perception Millésime Titanium x Purple Dial

Chinese language watchmaker Atelier Wen, led by two Frenchmen, is launching the primary timepiece in its annual “Millésime” sequence, designed to offer better entry for fanatics who beforehand missed out on proudly owning a limited edition Perception watch as a result of fastened manufacturing runs as agreed with collaborative companions. In distinction with earlier restricted editions launched as partnerships, the Millésime is ready to be Atelier Wen’s fan-driven venture. With the Porcelain Odyssey series now discontinued, the honour naturally falls to a mannequin from the ongoing sporty-integrated-bracelet Perception line, marking the model’s first non-collaborative restricted version launch. This timepiece, crafted in response to Atelier Wen’s neighborhood want listing, displays the needs of the model’s loyal followers. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at how they envisioned the 2024 Notion Millésime 睦. And keep till the tip, as there’s one thing particular for a fortunate few. 

The Atelier Wen Notion Millésime 睦 (Mù, which means “amity” or “kinship” to replicate its reference to the neighborhood) is available in a grade 5 titanium case, waterproof to 100m, and measures 40mm at its widest level whereas sustaining a slim 9.4mm thickness, together with the double-domed sapphire crystal – similar in design and specs to the standard versions, and similar in materials to previous limited editions. The design continues the sequence’ refined mixture of brushed surfaces and polished accents. The screw-down crown is adorned with the model’s brand, whereas the caseback, highlighted by a raised stone lion design and hammered steel particulars, affords a glimpse of the motion by its sapphire crystal semi-display.

The Notion’s guilloché dial, as soon as once more hand-crafted by China’s solely guilloché grasp, Cheng Yucai, options the intricate écailles de poisson (fish scales) motif and is offered in a vivid purple that shifts in depth and depth relying on the sunshine – it’s a polarizing motif and color and I’d personally love one thing a bit extra delicate, in tone and texture, in future releases. The dial is framed by a chapter ring patterned with a Chinese language huiwen design and printed in Tremendous-LumiNova X1 grade for optimum visibility. Delicate utilized rhodium-plated hour indices catch the sunshine fantastically, whereas the leaf-shaped arms, full of lume, present distinction for simple readability. The hand-bent minute and seconds arms replicate Atelier Wen’s meticulous consideration to element.

The Purple Notion Millésime 睦 is powered by a personalized Dandong SL1588A automated calibre, showcasing refined decorations together with round Geneva stripes and perlage. Extra particulars embrace polished jewel and screw sinks, heat-blued screws, and a tungsten rotor coated in purple rhodium. The motion operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour and affords a 41-hour energy reserve. The caseback’s window is comparatively small, offering a glimpse of the stability; the rotor additionally comes into view for appreciation. A small, lacquered brand in purple on the caseback distinguishes this particular Millésime version.

The Notion’s titanium bracelet, designed for consolation, tapers from 22mm on the lugs all the way down to 18mm on the clasp, the place it additionally turns into barely thinner. The bracelet options chamfered edges on all sides of the hyperlinks, completed to match the case’s brushed and polished surfaces – it’s fairly spectacular within the steel. The deployant clasp consists of the identical micro-adjustment system present in earlier Notion editions. It encompasses a quick-exchange mechanism, permitting simple swapping with the included rubber strap, which comes with its personal folding clasp.

The Atelier Wen Notion Millésime 睦 can be out there for pre-order on-line from October 7, 2024, for a restricted two-week interval. The worth is ready at USD 3,588 (excluding VAT) and the watch could be ordered from the brand’s website. Moreover, the primary 88 on-line prospects and people inserting pre-orders at worldwide exhibitions will obtain a complimentary full-grain leather-based strap, custom-designed to suit the Notion’s case.

A Particular Full Tantalum Notion

So as to add pleasure throughout the wait – deliveries are scheduled for Might 2025 – the model will randomly choose three fortunate winners to obtain a full-tantalum prototype of the Notion Millésime, full with stable tantalum “Willy Wonka-inspired” tickets. Whereas the watch will launch formally in a titanium development, this particular trio, chosen 100% at-random, will open their containers to unveil a prototype of the identical watch in full-tantalum. Realizing how troublesome it’s to machine tantalum, not even speaking about making a bracelet on this uncommon and dense materials, that is fairly a formidable achievement from Atelier Wen. Those that can be fortunate sufficient to get one ought to really really feel blessed.

Lastly, the founders of Atelier Wen indicated to us that they may in the end be the very first model to go to market with a non-limited full-tantalum timepiece on a bracelet very quickly. One more reason for us to look once more at what this younger, unconventional model does. For extra particulars, please go to atelierwen.com.