The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

This watch has a history going back 20 years now.
Returning to my working life, while traveling in Paris, I strolled along the grand boulevards, curious about watches.

While passing by the Tag Heuer stand, I came across this one and it was love at first sight! That seconds hand ticking non-stop... I was mesmerized. My love for mechanical watches was born!

I came home that evening, but it was still on my mind, and so I went back the next day, even though it was a huge budget for me at the time. The dial, which plays beautifully with the light, had caught my eye. It also came in white, but the black one seemed more discreet.

A 300m diver's watch with a compact 38mm diameter (relatively standard for the time) equipped with the famous ETA 2824-2 tractor, it was my only watch for 15 years. It's been with me everywhere (in a T-shirt or a suit) without fail, creating many memories.

Since then, the collection has grown, and I rarely wear it, but it will forever remain my first mechanical watch!

Forever the first

I've been eyeing Atelier Wen for some time. The brand, created by two Frenchmen, aims to promote the often-maligned Chinese watchmaking. Entirely made in China, it succeeds perfectly by combining quality and affordable prices. This entirely handcrafted guilloché dial (a rare find) on an integrated wristwatch less than 10mm thick...
I finally succumbed and I don't regret it. I opted for the salmon dial to add a little pop of color to my collection. A perfect summer companion when the sun shines on it.
The strap is very comfortable and well-designed with a micro-extension mechanism. I added a white rubber strap offered by the brand, which gives it a sportier look. A watch that makes you smile just by looking at it!

A sparkling watch!

Atelier Wen is an independent watch brand that has distinguished itself by its innovative approach, combining China's rich cultural heritage with high-quality watchmaking. Founded by two enthusiasts of Chinese culture, Thomas Gronenthal and Robin Tallendier, the brand aims to redefine the perception of "Made in China" watches by highlighting the country's artisanal excellence.
<h3 dir="ltr">Philosophy and Mission</h3>
Atelier Wen's main goal is to celebrate Chinese craftsmanship by creating watches that reflect the country's cultural heritage and technical expertise. The brand seeks to offer luxury timepieces that incorporate authentic Chinese design elements, while maintaining high standards of quality and precision.
<h3 dir="ltr">Main Collections</h3>
1. Porcelain Odyssey
The &ldquo;Porcelain Odyssey&rdquo; collection is the first series of watches launched by Atelier Wen. These watches are distinguished by their real porcelain dials, made using traditional Chinese techniques. The "Ji" and "Hao" models feature designs inspired by Chinese art, offering a unique aesthetic that pays homage to the country's rich history.
2. Perception
The &ldquo;Perception&rdquo; collection embodies Atelier Wen&rsquo;s commitment to luxury watchmaking. These watches feature guilloche dials handcrafted by master craftsman Cheng Yucai, the only master guilloche maker in China. Each dial requires approximately eight hours of painstaking work on specially designed guilloche machines. The models in this collection are available in three dial colors: light blue (&ldquo;Piao&rdquo;), salmon (&ldquo;Xia&rdquo;) and gray (&ldquo;Ying&rdquo;).
<h3 dir="ltr">Technical Characteristics</h3>
Atelier Wen watches are designed with attention to detail and quality. Housings, often made from 904L stainless steel, offer increased corrosion resistance and an exceptional polished finish. Typical dimensions include a diameter of 40mm, a thickness of 9.4mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 47mm, ensuring comfortable wear on a variety of wrists. The watches are also water resistant up to 100 meters, making them versatile for everyday use.
<h3 dir="ltr">Movement</h3>
The timepieces from the &ldquo;Perception&rdquo; collection are equipped with the automatic caliber SL1588, manufactured by Dandong. This movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. Although relatively new to the market, this caliber was chosen for its reliability and precision, reflecting Atelier Wen's commitment to innovation and quality.
<h3 dir="ltr">Bracelet and Confort</h3>
Atelier Wen watches feature integrated stainless steel bracelets, designed to provide a seamless transition between case and bracelet. The links are finely chamfered and polished, providing a luxurious aesthetic and optimal comfort. Version 2.0 of the "Perception" collection introduced notable improvements, including hand-crafted chamfers on all internal links, reinforcing the premium appearance of the bracelet.
<h3 dir="ltr">Collaborations and Limited Editions</h3>
Atelier Wen has also explored collaborations to offer unique limited editions. For example, in partnership with Revolution, the brand launched titanium models with vibrant yellow and red dials, each limited to 100 pieces. Another notable collaboration includes a special edition with Wristcheck and seconds /seconde/, featuring a playful and innovative design that reflects the brand's commitment to creativity and craftsmanship.
<h3 dir="ltr">Reception and Impact</h3>
Since its launch, Atelier Wen has received praise for its ability to fuse traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern watchmaking. The brand has succeeded in changing the perception of "Made in China" by demonstrating that Chinese craftsmanship can compete with the highest international standards. Reviewers praised the brand's build quality, distinctive design, and innovative approach.
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
Atelier Wen represents a successful fusion of Chinese cultural tradition and contemporary watchmaking. With a focus on craftsmanship, quality and design, the brand has established a unique identity in the world of luxury watchmaking. Whether through delicately crafted porcelain dials or intricate guilloche patterns, each watch tells a story that honors China's rich heritage while meeting the expectations of modern watch enthusiasts.
Take inspiration from Dialicious customer reviews to choose the watch that suits you.
(Updated March 2025)

Hello,

Today, I present with you my beautiful Perception 影 (YING). My first chic sports watch with an integrated bracelet from the Atelier Wen brand.

Discovered during a watchmaking event organized in Paris, this brand spoke to me right away. It advocates the return of Chinese craftsmanship in watchmaking. Very comfortable and pleasant to look at, this watch is my little gem in my collection. I love its finishes and the nuances in the guilloché dial, handmade by Master Cheng. A piece that complements my Kurono Tokyo Grand Hagane well, a more dressy and discreet piece. 904L steel case, a fine adjustment on the bracelet, a water resistance of 10 ATM and a 40 x 9.4 mm case, I highly recommend trying it in real life.

Passionate about small brands and independent fine watchmakers, you can find me on Instagram at @thetimepiecesinvestor

Chinese craftsmanship in its purest form

La marque SYE [Start Your Engine] a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 2020 par Arnaud Pezeron &agrave; c&ocirc;t&eacute; de Paris en France. La marque inaugure le Sport Tailoring au poignet. Elle propose des montres sport-chic de caract&egrave;re, fiables, ludiques et abordables inspir&eacute;es de l'univers de la m&eacute;canique auto-moto. La gamme comprend deux mod&egrave;les distincts, la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/sye/mot1on_automatic_24">SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 </a>et la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/sye/mot1on_chronograph">SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</a>.
Cette marque embarque une innovation sur le changement du bracelet disponible en acier ou en cuir. La montre n'offre aucun espace entre le bracelet et la boite d&ucirc; &agrave; l&rsquo;absence de cornes, ce qui am&eacute;liore son confort et sa portabilit&eacute;.
<h2 class="p1">Combien co&ucirc;te une montre&nbsp;SYE&nbsp;?</h2>
La gamme SYE comporte deux mod&egrave;les disponibles sur le site de la marque : La SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de 750&euro;. La SYE MOT1ON Chronograph est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de 599 &euro;.
SYE est ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines montres par an tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une SYE qui vous correspond le mieux, les avis clients Dialicious sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises">Classement des meilleures marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises</a> dont SYE fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2023)

The brand SYE [Start Your Engine] was created in 2020 by Arnaud Pezeron near Paris in France. The brand is introducing Sport Tailoring on the wrist. It offers sporty-chic watches with character, reliability, fun and affordability inspired by the world of car and motorcycle mechanics. The range includes two distinct models, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/sye/mot1on_automatic_24"> SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/sye/mot1on_chronograph"> SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</a>.
This brand has an innovation in changing the bracelet available in steel or leather. The watch offers no space between the bracelet and the case due to the absence of lugs, which improves its comfort and portability.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a SYE watch cost?</h2>
The SYE range includes two models available on the brand's website: The SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 is offered from &euro; 750. The SYE MOT1ON Chronograph is offered from &euro; 599.
SYE is independent and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an SYE that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.
Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">Ranking of the best French watch brands</a>, including SYE.
(Updated November 2023)

Atelier Wen Perception Owner Review : Sparkling, hypnotic and bluffing

A sparkling watch!

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