Tan Zehua - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Tan Zehua is a watch brand founded in not disclosed in China (Zhongshan), led by the eponymous independent watchmaker known for in-house movements, traditional finishing and admission to the AHCI. The brand addresses collectors seeking understated aesthetics, crafted dials (guilloché, enamel) and internally developed mechanics in small series.

Workshop in Zhongshan and AHCI recognition

Trained from his teens within a family of watchmakers and active for decades in restoration before turning to creation, Tan Zehua now runs a Zhongshan workshop built around self-made tooling (engine-turning, finishing machines); his full AHCI membership in 2019 publicly validated this path.

“Melody”, “Rainbow” and thematic pieces: a materials-driven language

The recent range revolves around clean, finely finished families—hand-wound three-handers, guilloché or enamel dials, 39–41 mm sizes—often produced in discreet series; the intent is to let texture, colour and relief carry the design while keeping reading straightforward.

• Tan Zehua Melody — Three-hand with small seconds, guilloché or enamel dials, 39 mm cases; multiple “Small Seconds” and “Guilloche/Enamel” variants.
• Tan Zehua Rainbow 604 — A colourful take (39 or 42 mm depending on version), showcasing light across engine-turned patterns.
• Tan Zehua Year of Dragon / Year of Snake — Thematic pieces with worked dials (enamel/cloisonné or guilloché), issued in limited series.

Proprietary escapements and in-house calibres

Beyond exterior design, the watchmaker has developed several in-house movements, including a “Di-Axial” escapement and long-reserve calibres, as well as the hand-wound “Melody 5201” powering recent pieces; the stated focus is energy-transmission stability and extended autonomy over complication one-upmanship.

Positioning, pricing and distribution

Distribution remains selective (direct sales and independent-focused platforms), with observed public pricing ranging from about £13,495 ex-VAT (Rainbow 604) up to over £40,500 ex-VAT for certain themed pieces, and around HK$218,000 for Tan Zehua Melody; overall, this sits squarely in the “upper-tier independent, low-cadence” segment.

Conclusion

Tan Zehua appeals to collectors who prize traditional finishing, expressive dials and in-house movements without ostentation. The brand is identifiable by elegant three-handers, guilloché or enamel surfaces, and calibres conceived for steadiness. When choosing between a more classic Tan Zehua Melody, a bolder Tan Zehua Rainbow or a themed piece, weigh material emotion against daily use (legibility, comfort, presence). To refine your choice, rely on Dialicious customer reviews.

(Updated August 2025)