1. Brand Background and Collection Concept
After three years of development, Atelier Wen once again amazes the watch industry with the Ancestra collection. Named in homage to Chinese artistic and cultural traditions, this collection blends Chinese and French aesthetics, using “Workshop” and “Culture” as its name, continuing the brand’s spirit of craftsmanship and creative expression since the Perception model.
2. The First Jiao (Jiāo) Model – A New Take on the Formal Classic
Design Inspiration and Appearance
- The case lines are inspired by jade dragon artifacts from the Hongshan Culture, with natural, flowing lines imbued with the tension of the legendary mythical beast.
- The 38mm diameter, 904L stainless steel case features a striking contrast between brushed and polished surfaces. The free-standing lugs are screwed in and engraved with a “reciprocating pattern” symbolizing continuity and harmony.
- The double-domed sapphire crystal with five layers of anti-reflective coating provides a clear view.
Dial Art and Details
- The dial is crafted from 925 silver using the hand-hammered (martelé) technique and topped with five layers of Grand Feu enamel, creating a shimmering ocean effect that fades from silver to deep cobalt. The surface is exquisitely luminous and unique.
- The enamel is crafted by Kong Lingjun, a top-tier Chinese workshop. The dial alone requires 20 days of meticulous craftsmanship, with a 50% failure rate. The meticulous craftsmanship is truly impressive.
- The hands are particularly eye-catching, measuring 0.45mm thick. The leaf-shaped hour and minute hands have a matte center and wide, mirror-polished edges, creating a rich tapestry of layers.
- The odd-numbered indexes are embellished with handwritten indices by a Hong Kong calligrapher, while the even-numbered indexes feature diamonds or Western numerals. The latter’s font is custom-designed by artist Lee Yuen-Rapati, inspired by the Chinese ink bamboo painting technique.
3. Movement and Craftsmanship
- Equipped with the Calibre EPM03 automatic movement, custom-optimized by Pequignet of France, it oscillates at 4Hz, boasts a 65-hour power reserve, 21 rubies, and a daily accuracy of -4/+6 seconds, with an average accuracy of ±2 seconds, achieving Besançon Observatory-certified chronometer standards.
- Utilizing an innovative bidirectional gyroscopic “Pellaton” winding mechanism and patented tooth profile, it enhances energy transmission and durability.
- The movement bridges are etched with the poem “Heavenly Questions,” while the black-finished components complement the 1.5-micron 5N rose gold skeletonized tungsten rotor. The movement decoration and engravings beneath the transparent caseback are truly a work of art.
4. Wearing Experience and Details
- The case is 11.3mm high and boasts a water resistance of 10ATM, combining practicality with elegance.
- Equipped with a hand-stitched genuine leather strap (Epsom leather upper, Zermatt calfskin lining), with multiple interchangeable options available, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit. – The pin buckle is also meticulously polished, measuring 20mm wide.
5. Limited Edition and Pricing
- The Ancestra Launch Edition is priced at €5,100 (approximately US$5,850). Pre-orders are available for a limited seven-day pre-sale period, after which production will cease permanently. This makes it exceptionally rare and a valuable collectible.
The Atelier Wen Ancestra Jiāo is not only a culmination of technology and artistry, but also a modern interpretation of Chinese culture. From the craftsmanship of the hammered enamel dial, the poetic engravings of the movement, to the profound meaning of the case’s curves, every detail showcases a high-level fusion of craftsmanship and cultural spirit.
