NWA: Atelier Wen Perception, a "luxury" Chinese made watch?

I just picked up the Atelier Wen (AW) Perception and this model is called the Càn (a Chinese word that means brightness and splendor), which is done in collaboration with Revolution Watches.

The story behind this microbrand is that two French guys, Robin and Wilfried, were studying in China and they wanted to showcase that China can be upscale, not just perceived as cheap. They found the only master guillocheur in china (Cheng Yucai) and he, his son, and a handful of employees made these hand turned guilloché dials using rose engines that Mr. Cheng made himself. The movement is Chinese as well (from Dandong, more later), but bracelet and clasp is from Brogioli, who supplies high end watch brands.

Notice the Chinese motfs like the pattern around the dial (it's also lumed!).

It's also on the box, you can see below. Unboxing photos to follow.

Sleeve has a nice little seal.

The box inside the sleeve

Box opens up with a travel pouch, watch, bracelet screwdriver, and a cleaning cloth/very detailed booklet explaining the background of AW.

An extra FKM rubber strap in the travel pouch with AW logo clasp.

First impressions is definitely the gorgeous dial. I love guilloché dials and the champagne, golden dial is the star. It makes 8h to engrave each dial. When I pass by my watch drawer, I open it up to sneak a peek at the watch.

The dial catches the light really well. Moar PICS!!

The bracelet and finishing of the case is very refined. It's not lower end microbrand pricing, so it will turn away some folks at first sight. However, the quality is there (not sure what to say about the movement though).

The case is quite thin and very comfortable. A nicely signed crown with the AW logo.

The clasp has the logo as well and you press the logo to make micro adjustments on the fly. Super useful as always and this should be standard on all watches.

Case back shot below of a stone lion that guards buildings etc. Chinese are generally and traditionally superstitious.

Movement is an automatic, extra thin Dandong caliber SL1588 with a 41-hour power reserve. +/- 10s/day and 28,800 vph.

Specs:

40mm (D) x 9.5mm (T) x 47mm (LTL)

This limited edition of 100 is titanium and normal production versions are 904L stainless steel, coming in some beautiful colors using my words/descriptions (light blue, coppery salmon, smoky grey)

100m WR, sapphire crystals.

Overall, I'm super satisfied with the purchase and glad to snag one when the LE was supposedly sold out several months ago. The dial is AMAZING. But, what really drew me in was to support something different, a proud Chinese watch (I'm not Chinese, but do live in Singapore). It's very comfortable on the wrist.

The AW community are also very cool people who love microbrands, independents, and watches in general.

I'd highly recommend anyone to get one. Wait list is about 2025 Jan delivery if you put a 30% deposit down.