Atelier Wen

About Atelier Wen Watches

Much of watch enthusiasm is built upon history and traditions, relying on the achievements of accolades that sometimes span centuries for certain brands, most of which are based in Switzerland. Because of this, it is often difficult to garner the attention of watch collectors towards anything that operates outside of the established tradition. When two friends from France living and working in China teamed up to pursue their passion for horology, they were both well aware of China’s established history of not only watches and timepieces, but also centuries of traditions related to various crafts. With this in mind, Atelier Wen was born, and has captivated watch collectors all over the globe.

Atelier Wen History

Atelier Wen was founded by Robin Tallendier and Wilfried Buiron, who met while studying at Peking University. Robin was appointed “Execution Expert” by the Chinese government to oversee watch manufacturing within China,after displaying his horological enthusiasm and vast knowledge of Chinese watchmaking. Wilfried was born and raised in Hong Kong, with language skills that landed him prominent television placement throughout China. Additionally, he was the founder of Zaapi, a company that provides a digital commerce platform throughout Southeast Asia. With Robin’s watch expertise and Wilfried’s business savvy, the two partnered to found Atelier Wen in 2018. Taking the French word for workshop, and the Chinese word for culture, that is how the brand name came about.

The first model was the Porcelain Odyssey, released in 2018, featured hand made porcelain dials, which sold out quickly. They followed up with the Perception, which has been growing in popularity since its release, with a number of limited editions in addition to models in serial production. With hand made guilloche dials and extremely well finished cases, Atelier Wen continues to garner more fans with each new release.

Atelier Wen Collections

In the short time since their 2018 release of the Porcelain Odyssey, Atelier Wen has expanded their product catalog to include a few models. Their current product line focuses on one model, with limited editions born out of that. There are past collections as well that are currently sold out.

Atelier Wen Perception

The Atelier Wen Perception is the flagship model of the brand’s current offerings. Featuring an integrated bracelet design crafted from 904L steel, and a guilloché dials with an écaille de poisson pattern, these watches have a multitude of facets that reflect light, making them truly stand out. The guilloché dials are done by hand by China’s only guilloché master, Cheng Yucai. Available in blue (Piao), salmon (Xia), and grey (Ying), each dial is a spectacle to behold.

Atelier Wen Millésime

The Millésime line is a limited edition model for each year. For 2024, the Millésime line features a limited edition version of the Perception with a purple dial, and a case and bracelet made from grade five titanium. Differing the steel models, titanium has a dark greyish blue hue, providing a more dramatic contrast to the purple dial. Three of these limited editions will also be made of tantalum, a precious metal similar to platinum in weight, but with durability surpassing titanium.

Atelier Wen Porcelain Odyssey

The Atelier Wen Porcelain Odyssey collection was the brand’s first collection. WIth a more traditional round case, the dials feature hand painted porcelain dials. The Ji had a blue dial, and the other models featured white dials with contrasting colors, allowing customers to pick their favorites. This model sold out very quickly, proving to the brand founders that the were on track to create a successful brand and build an avid following.

How Much Do Atelier Wen Watches Cost?

Given the attention to detail and the level of handwork involved creating Atelier Wen timepieces, one might expect prices to be in line with other brands featuring similar levels of detail and finishing. However, one of the main points that has attracted watch collectors is the relative approachability of the brand’s pricing. The discontinued Porcelain Odyssey started at $705, and go to $3,588 to the current Millésime model.

Best Selling Atelier Wen Watches

Atelier Wen Perception Piao

The Atelier Wen Perception Piao features a radiant blue, four layered dial with a guilloché pattern executed by the first master of guilloché in China. The 40mm case measures 47mm lug-to-lug and 9.4mm thick. With a screw down crown, it is 100 meters water resistant. The dial elements are rhodium plated, with X1 grade Super Luminova. The dial is covered with a sapphire crystal with 10 layers of anti-reflective coating, and the case back features a raised stone lion motif, with a partial opening to view the automatic winding Dandon SL1588 movement inside. The bracelet tapers from 22mm at the lugs to 18mm at the clasp, and thins out gradually from 3mm to 2.6mm at the clasp. The deployant style clasp features a patent-pending micro-adjustment mechanism, allowing the wearer to dial in the perfect fit.

Atelier Wen Perception Millésime ‘睦’ (Mù)

The Atelier Wen Millésime collection is a limited edition done by the brand on a yearly basis. For 2024, they released the Perception Mù. Taking the defining characteristics of the Perception lineup, including the guilloché dial, and well finished integrated bracelet design, the Perception Millésime Mù has a vibrant purple dial, and a grade 5 titanium case. Despite the change in material, the case and bracelet feature the same brushed and polished sections, and the brand's adjustable clasp. For a lucky few owners, there are 3 iterations of this watch made in tantalum, a precious metal with the density of platinum, but a hardness surpassing titanium. Making it both a very weighty but durable material, which makes for a unique wearing experience.

Atelier Wen Porcelain Odyssey 霁 (Jì)

The Atelier Wen Porcelain Odyssey Ji was the first model released by Atelier Wen. This line focuses on the hand made porcelain dials, with this model featuring a cobalt blue dial with rhodium plated hands and indices. The second sub-dial features an homage to the Eight Trigrams, an elemental demarcation of the balances of the forces yin and yang. The case is made from Japanese 316L steel, known for its prominent luster and higher corrosion resistance. The 39mm case measures 11.7mm thick and has 20mm lugs. The case back features an engraving of the legend Kun Peng, a mythical bird with aquatic abilities, embodying the concept of Yin and Yang. The movement is a customized SL-3006, a high-beat movement beating at 4HZ that has the date and date crown position removed, in addition to featuring a variety of decorative finishes.

Atelier Wen Perception Xia

The Perception Xia features the same 904L steel case and guilloché dial as other Atelier Wen Perception models, except this model features a salmon dial. The pinkish hue shimmers in the late thanks to the elaborate engraved pattern on the dial. Again, the Perception measures 40mm in diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, 9.4mm thick, and has 100 meters of water resistance. The movement is the same Dandon SL-1588 movement with 41 hours of power reserve, operates at 4hz, and has 32 jewels.

Atelier Wen Movements

Atelier Wen utilizes mechanical movements from Chinese movement manufacturer Dandon. The movements are further customized, featuring a higher level of finishing and regulation than the movements have from the Dandon factory. Both the Porcelain Odyssey and the Perception models utilize automatic winding movements, powered by the wearer’s own activity, making them convenient for daily wear.

Atelier Wen Watch Colors

Atelier Wen uses a wide range of colors, some traditional, and some bright and vibrant. The Porcelain Odyssey line features blue, purple, green, and red colors, and the Perception line features blue, pink, and grey dials. The Millésime limited edition features a bright purple dial, and other limited editions done in collaboration with partners feature other dial colors, including red, green and gold.

Atelier Wen Watch Materials

Atelier Wen uses materials one would expect from a luxury watch manufacturer. The Porcelain Odyssey collection uses Japanese 316L steel, prized for its luster and corrosion resistance. The Perception line uses 904L steel for the case and bracelet, which is also known for having a unique hue, ability to take finishes, and increased corrosion resistance. The Mellisimé collection uses titanium for the case and bracelet, which has a dark greyish blue hue, and makes the watch incredibly lightweight. Some models feature tantalum cases, which have a darker hue than titanium, and a weight similar to platinum. Atelier Wen uses sapphire crystals for the front and rear crystals. The Porcelain Odyssey collection used leather straps, and the Perception line has optional rubber straps.

Atelier Wen Watch Types

The type of watches Atelier Wen makes could be classified as dressy and casual. While maybe not a traditional dress watch due to the brighter colors, the relatively compact case diameters and thin cases make them appropriate for a wide variety of situations, ranging from casual to being appropriate with a suit. With ample water resistance for daily wear, there is no need for concern when wearing your watch during more rigorous activities.

Atelier Wen Watch Complications

Currently, Atelier Wen produces time only watches, even excluding the date window. The primary focus of their watches is the design and craftsmanship, not to display the ability to produce complicated movements.

Atelier Wen Sizes

Atelier Wen watches have been made in 39mm and 40mm in case diameter. This middle of the road case size makes them wearable on a wide range of wrists, with compact lugs and thin cases helping them feel at home for most wearers.

Atelier Wen Partnerships & Brand Ambassadors

Atelier Wen does not have Partners and Ambassadors in the traditional sense, and instead have a number of collaborators that have helped the brand pursue their vision for celebrating Chinese culture and giving Chinese watchmaking the attention it deserves. These partners include Alfred Ka Kit Chan who helped design the Perception, Austen Chu, Cheng Yucai (China’s sole master of guilloché), Chronopeace, and Wei Koh (founder of The Rake and Revolution magazine).

Buying Atelier Wen Watches

Atelier Wen watches are available directly through the Atelier Wen brand website or through authorized retailers. Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized dealer for Atelier Wen watches, and we would be happy to assist you in purchasing your next Atelier Wen timepiece, whether it is online, over the phone, or at our showroom in Naples, Florida.

Caring for Your Atelier Wen Watch

Exquisite Timepieces, as an authorized Atelier Wen retailer, is able to assist in the care and servicing procedures for your Atelier Wen watch and ensure it remains in top condition. Should a problem arise with your Atelier Wen watch, Exquisite Timepieces will ensure it is properly repaired, either by our in-house repair team or by returning the watch to Atelier Wen for any necessary repairs.

Atelier Wen FAQ

Is Atelier Wen a luxury watch?

Yes, Atelier Wen makes luxury watches, with an attention to detail and level of fit and finish that rivals many more expensive brands.

Where are Atelier Wen watches made?

Atelier Wen watches are manufactured at different facilities throughout China, each being specialized in different parts of the manufacturing process.

What movement does Atelier Wen use?

Atelier Wen uses movements manufactured by Dandong, a Chinese company with a reputation for making reliable mechanical movements that are well finished and regulated.

Who is the owner of Atelier Wen?

Atelier Wen was started by Robin Tallendier and Wilfried Buiron, who continue to own and operate the brand.

Find your new Atelier Wen watch with Exquisite Timepieces

Whether it is your first purchase or adding to an existing collection, Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized retailer for Atelier Wen, both in our store in Naples, Florida and online.

As an authorized dealer, all our new Atelier Wen timepieces come with their full manufacturer warranties and will be shipped free of charge and fully insured. Should you have any questions, please reach out and contact us, and an Exquisite Timepieces representative will be happy to assist you.