Unveiling the Atelier Wen Millésime 2025 Perception: A Stone-Cold Beauty
A Watch That Dares to Be Different
The French-Chinese brand, Atelier Wen, has unveiled its latest limited-edition timepiece, the Millésime 2025 Perception, with a unique twist - a natural stone dial. But here's where it gets controversial: this edition, ironically released in 2026, marks a departure from the brand's signature guilloché dial, a move that might surprise some loyal fans.
What's New and What's Not
Designed by the renowned Alfred Chan, the Perception retains its familiar look, except for the dial. The 40mm case, with its distinctive angled facets and prominent 'ears,' offers a comfortable 47mm lug-to-lug distance and a slim 9.4mm profile, including the double-domed sapphire crystal. The integrated bracelet, a hallmark of the brand, features trapezoidal center links, chamfered edges, and a patent-pending micro-adjustment system for a perfect fit.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the new pietersite dial, showcasing a mesmerizing blend of blue, gold, and brown swirls on a deep blue and black base. While guilloché is absent, Atelier Wen assures us that crafting this dial was no easy feat due to the brittle nature of the stone slices.
A Showcase of Chinese Craftsmanship
True to its roots, Atelier Wen emphasizes Chinese craftsmanship. The rhodium-plated sloped indices are wirecut by hand in Zhejiang province and polished in Guangdong. Surrounding the pietersite is a black PVD-coated chapter ring adorned with the brand's iconic huiwen motif, printed in Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility.
Under the Hood: A Customized Movement
Powering this timepiece is a customized version of the automatic Dandong Peacock SL1588A, offering a 41-hour power reserve. Regulated to +/- 10 seconds per day over five positions, this extra-thin movement, at just 3.4mm, keeps the case thickness under 10mm. The movement features circular côtes de Genève decoration, polished jewel and screw sinks, and heat-blued screws for a touch of elegance. A black rhodium-plated tungsten rotor is visible through the partially open exhibition caseback.
A Limited Edition with a Twist
Priced at $3,600, the Atelier Wen Millésime 2025 Perception is a limited edition with a unique twist. The first batch of 225 individually numbered pieces, featuring a black lacquer-filled Millèsime engraving, is reserved for members of the brand's collector WhatsApp community. Any remaining pieces will be available to the public starting January 28th, with a different engraved seal for orders outside the initial 225. The first 225 examples will be delivered in Q2, while the remaining pieces will be delivered in Q4.
Our Take: A Refreshing Change
Seeing the Perception without a guilloché dial is intriguing, especially considering its long-standing identity. However, the brand explains that the Millésime editions allow them to engage with their collector base by experimenting with new ideas each year, striking a balance between accessibility and scarcity. In person, the Perception feels like its steel predecessors - slim and well-balanced on the wrist. The addition of the chapter ring around the stone dial adds depth and dimension, with the lumed chapter ring design being a clever touch.
After a year of bold moves with the $6,000 Ancestra and the almost $30,000 full-tantalum Inflection, it's refreshing to see Atelier Wen return to its classic price point with a unique twist. While not inexpensive, the stone dial and the return of the Perception will surely delight those eagerly awaiting their next opportunity to acquire one.
The Essentials
- Brand: Atelier Wen
- Model: Perception
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 9.4mm
- Case Material: 904L Stainless Steel
- Dial Color: Natural Pietersite (semi-precious stone)
- Indexes: Applied rhodium-plated indices
- Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and chapter ring
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Strap/Bracelet: Integrated steel bracelet with micro-adjust clasp
The Movement
- Caliber: Customized, extra-thin Dandong Peacock SL1588A
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Thickness: 3.4mm
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Winding: Automatic
- Frequency: 28,800 VpH
- Jewels: 32
- Chronometer Certified: No, but regulated to +/- 10 seconds a day and further adjusted in 5 positions
- Additional Details: Tungsten rotor with black rhodium plating
Pricing and Availability
- Price: $3,600
- Availability: January 28th to February 6th (ending at 11:00 HKT)
- Limited Edition: Yes, with two batches - the first 225 individually numbered pieces, and then individually numbered pieces for the remainder of the order window.
For more details, visit Atelier Wen's website.
