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, provides an opportunity to explore an often-overlooked 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 distinctive approach, moving away from Swiss standards to transform the image of Chinese watches. Founded by two Franco-Chinese designers, the brand collaborates with independent artisans specializing in enameling, engraving, and case finishing. This approach highlights Chinese artisanal expertise, rooted in a long watchmaking tradition stretching from the first mechanical clocks of the 16th century to the major state-run manufacturers of the 1950s and 1960s. But it also offers a modern and sophisticated elegance. The rise of brands such as Atelier Wen demonstrates that China is no longer merely a center of industrial production, but also a land of refined and independent artistic creation.
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 grand feu enamel master in Beijing. The use of a translucent smoky enamel that gradates from sandy desert beige to chocolate brown is a technical feat, as these tones are notoriously difficult to stabilize in enameling. The 925 silver base features a slightly scratched texture, evoking a fine fabric behind a pane of glass—a poetic reference to the ancient Silk Roads connecting the East to the Middle East. The dial is adorned with traditional Arabic numerals arranged in an alternating pattern with baguette-cut diamonds, and the rhodium-plated hands play with the light, creating a striking visual depth.
The 38-mm case draws inspiration from the soft curves of Hongshan jade, elegantly rendered in 904L stainless steel. Its design features detached lugs, screwed on from 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 an anti-reflective coating. 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 timepiece, which goes far beyond a simple timekeeping instrument.
A high-performance mechanical movement, designed for everyday use
The EPM03 caliber operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a 65-hour power reserve, precision regulated in six positions and across three temperatures, and features a bidirectional automatic winding mechanism. Atelier Wen’s philosophy centers on a “wearable” watch: robust enough for daily use while rich in subtle details. The hand-strapped cream Epsom leather strap is lightweight and elegant, harmonizing with the dial.
What makes this creation particularly interesting is the dialogue between Chinese artisanal 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 merely a fusion but a true cultural dialogue, one that is more relevant than ever today.
Orders will open during Dubai Watch Week, from November 18 to 27, 2025, with delivery scheduled for late 2026. Each piece will be made to order, with every dial unique, showcasing the art of enamel work. Priced at $5,850, it is intended for discerning collectors who appreciate authenticity and exceptional craftsmanship. The Ancestra Yáo breaks away from the traditional paths of haute horlogerie with an independent approach, authentically blending art and technique.
Recently founded, Atelier Wen embodies a meeting of France and China in the world of watchmaking, driven by 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 enamel work by Kong Lingjun lend the watches remarkable aesthetic diversity. The brand also has an international presence through a network of retailers in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, reflecting its global ambitions.
A Changing Chinese Watchmaking Scene, Blending Craftsmanship and Innovation
According to various studies, China is firmly establishing itself as a global leader in the manufacture of watch components, while simultaneously developing a dynamic independent watchmaking scene. Brands such as Atelier Wen, Celadon, and Behrens exemplify this trend, repositioning the Chinese watch as an accessible luxury item that combines elegance with cutting-edge technology. Artisanal expertise—particularly in Grand Feu enameling, engraving, and design—now rivals that of the major European houses. This dynamism also reflects the emergence of a new generation of collectors, who are more attuned to cultural coherence and the meaning behind a watch than to the mere prestige of a name.