To mark its 20th anniversary and Dubai Watch Week 2025, Atelier Wen unveils the Ancestra Yáo, a watch that blends ancestral Chinese craftsmanship with Middle Eastern influences, marking a new milestone in the evolution of independent Chinese watchmaking.
Atelier Wen celebrates 20 years of independent Chinese watchmaking with the Ancestra Yáo watch
This year, which also marks the 20th anniversary of Revolution magazine, is an opportunity to explore an often marginalized aspect of contemporary watchmaking: that which develops outside the traditional paths of the Swiss Jura. It is in this context that the collaboration between Atelier Wen and Revolution takes on its full meaning, particularly with the launch of the Ancestra 579a (Yáo) watch, scheduled for Dubai Watch Week 2025. This timepiece embodies an ancestral dialogue, blending Chinese and Middle Eastern aesthetics, bringing together two visual worlds in a piece designed as a bridge between continents and cultures.
Atelier Wen offers a truly different approach, moving away from Swiss standards to transform the image of Chinese watches. Founded by two Franco-Chinese designers, the brand calls on independent artisans specializing in enameling, engraving, and case finishing. This approach highlights Chinese craftsmanship, which stems from a long tradition of watchmaking dating back to the first mechanical clocks of the 16th century and the large state-owned manufacturers of the 1950s and 1960s. But it also offers modern, sophisticated elegance. The rise of brands such as Atelier Wen shows that China is no longer just a center of industrial production, but also a land of refined and independent artistic creations.
A dial evoking the desert and chocolate
At the heart of the Ancestra Yáo lies its dial, crafted in the workshop of Kong Lingjun, a master grand feu enameler in Beijing. The use of translucent smoked enamel in shades ranging from desert sand beige to chocolate brown is a technical feat, as these tones are notoriously difficult to stabilize in enameling. The 925 silver base has a slightly scratched texture, evoking a fine fabric behind glass, a poetic reference to the ancient Silk Roads connecting the East to the Middle East. The dial is adorned with traditional Arabic numerals alternating with baguette diamonds, and the rhodium-plated hands play with the light, creating striking visual depth.
The 38 mm case is inspired by the soft curves of Hongshan jade, elegantly reproduced in 904L stainless steel. Its design incorporates detached lugs, screwed on the outside, illustrating the symbiosis between tradition and technical innovation. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, protected by a double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. On the back, the Pequignet EPM03 movement is visible through a sapphire crystal. The movement's bridges are engraved with a short Chinese poem, Questions to Heaven, reinforcing the philosophical dimension of this piece, which goes far beyond a simple timekeeping device.
High-performance mechanics, designed for everyday use
The EPM03 caliber operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of 65 hours, precision regulated in six positions and at three temperatures, with bidirectional automatic winding. Atelier Wen's philosophy is that of a "wearable" watch: robust for everyday use while being rich in subtle details. The cream Epsom leather strap, assembled by hand, is light and elegant, in harmony with the dial.
What makes this creation particularly interesting is its dialogue between Chinese craftsmanship and Middle Eastern aesthetic influences. These two cultures share a love for symmetry, textures, and symbolic geometry, which come together naturally in this piece. The watch is not a simple fusion but a true cultural conversation, one that is increasingly relevant today.
Orders will be open during Dubai Watch Week, from November 18 to 27, 2025, with delivery scheduled for the end of 2026. Each piece will be made to order, with each dial unique, showcasing the art of enamel. Priced at US$5,850, it is aimed at discerning collectors who appreciate authenticity and exceptional craftsmanship. The Ancestra Yáo breaks away from the traditional high-end watchmaking circuit with an independent approach, authentically combining art and technique.
Recently created, Atelier Wen embodies a meeting between France and China in the world of watchmaking, with a shared passion for design and craftsmanship. The brand favors noble materials such as 316L or 904L stainless steel and uses high-quality automatic movements, such as the Peacock SL3006 or the Pequignet EPM03, depending on the model. Their guilloché dials by Cheng Yucai and their exceptional enameling by Kong Lingjun lend them remarkable aesthetic diversity. The company also has an international presence through a network of retailers in Asia, Europe, and America, reflecting its global ambitions.
China's watchmaking industry in transition, between craftsmanship and innovation
According to various studies, China is establishing itself as the world leader in the manufacture of watch components, while developing a dynamic independent scene. Brands such as Atelier Wen, Celadon, and Behrens illustrate this trend, repositioning Chinese watches as accessible luxury items that combine elegance and high technology. Craftsmanship, particularly in Grand Feu enameling, engraving, and design, now rivals that of the great European houses. This dynamism also reflects the emergence of a new generation of collectors who are more attentive to cultural coherence and the meaning behind the watch than to the simple prestige of a name.