1776 Atelier - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

1776 Atelier, founded in 2024, is an American brand based in Texas, led by founder Jason Lu; it focuses on small-batch, hand-finished mechanical watches named after U.S. presidential homes.

Texan roots, a small workshop, and file-borne finishing

Operating in Texas, USA with a three-watchmaker team, the brand emphasizes hand work—anglage, perlage, black polishing and full movement engraving even on “entry” pieces—while openly sourcing certain components from Europe depending on the model. The proposition hinges on visible craft rather than spec-sheet theatrics.

Mount Vernon, Monticello, Sagamore Hill: families and use cases

The lineup spans a guilloché dress watch (Mount Vernon), a hand-skeletonized piece (Monticello), and a heritage track that recases early-20th-century American movements (Sagamore Hill); start by choosing the universe (dress guilloché, skeleton, heritage), then the finishing level and wrist presence.

• 1776 Atelier Mount Vernon — 40.5 mm × 11.6 mm, 316L steel, domed/sapphire back; guilloché dial with applied Breguet numerals; launched at “under $3k.”
• 1776 Atelier Monticello — ~41 mm, hand skeletonized with raised Roman/star markers; listed at US $4,900.
• 1776 Atelier Sagamore Hill — Wrist-conversion of vintage Waltham/Illinois movements; 40 mm 316L case, released in small lots; pricing: not disclosed.

Mechanics & architecture: 621.1788 hand-wind, 430.1803 skeleton, and historical calibres

The Mount Vernon runs the Caliber 621.1788 (hand-wound, 17 jewels); Monticello showcases a hand-skeletonized layout (noted as 430.1803) with reworked bridges and plates; Sagamore Hill restores century-old American engines with fresh finishing. The through-line is classic legibility backed by demonstrative yet tasteful decoration.

Positioning, pricing, and direct reach

Positioned as “accessible independent hand-finishing,” Mount Vernon launched sub-$3k and Monticello at $4,900; stated output targets about 200–300 watches per year, with sales primarily direct via the website and periodic pre-orders. The mix (hand work + contained pricing + small batches) targets collectors seeking perceived value without six-figure stakes.

Conclusion

1776 Atelier will appeal to buyers who want an American, hand-finished watch with clear reading and an unabashed story (presidential-home names): Mount Vernon for guilloché elegance, Monticello for dramatic openness, Sagamore Hill for heritage charm. Decisions come down to finishing density, openness, and tolerance for small-batch lead times. To anchor your choice in long-term wear and ownership, rely on Dialicious customer reviews before purchasing.

(Updated September 2025)