INTRODUCING: Atelier Wen x Revolution Watch Perception 'Càn'
You may have heard of the New Kid On the Block, Atelier Wen - A brand making a real splash in the industry with its unique and distinctive Guilloche. The brand has released a newer watch with the Perception, featuring a hand-guilloched dial from the esteemed Master Cheng Yucai - A Chinese artist known for his lifelong dedication to the craft of rose-engine turning - A method of utilizing hand-driven gears. Today, the brand has announced it’s second collaboration with Revolution utilizing the Perception footprint, called the ‘Càn’ - And folks, it’s beautiful.
THE BASICS:
Brand: Atelier Wen
Model: Perception ‘Càn’
Case Material: Titanium
Case Size: 41mm x 9.4mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Movement: Dandong Automatic Calibre SL1588
Movement Specs: 28,800 VpH – 3Hz; 41-Hour Power Reserve
Strap Options: Titanium Bracelet and Rubber Strap
The Juice:
As stated above, this is the second collaboration between Atelier Wen and Revolution. The was was a huge success, selling out fairly quickly, as even the regular Perception models (of which there are 3 colors) are becoming more and more popular amongst enthusiasts. This new collaboration however features some new improvements, including an ultra-thin movement, a titanium case and bracelet, and of course, the star of the show, the Guilloche.
The dial itself is actually comprised of two parts. There’s a lower portion that features the raised indices which is then fitted with a chapter ring, and finally the Guilloche plate. For starters, you’ll notice that the pattern is different from any of it’s predecessors with 24 quadrants in a sunray pattern. The deep engraving sets it apart from any other Atelier Wen because the process used is called Sunmao - Which doesn’t rely on cement, or nails, and instead uses a complex type of joinery. Overall, with the utilization of a copper material and no glue or screws, the dial is both high quality, and a pleasure to look at.
The titanium case and bracelet has a few upgrades to the finishings. First, instead of using the bracelet of its regular Perception, Atelier Wen and Revolution opted to add polished inner angles on each individual link. I’m told this was a painstaking process that involved dismantling each individual bracelet and link, polishing each edge, and reassembling the bracelets very carefully to avoid any scratches or bluffs. In total, 28,800 angles had to be polished, but the result is a much higher quality aesthetic to the bracelet.
Inside the Atelier Wen x Revolution ‘Càn’ is a Dandong caliber SL1588. This movement is incredibly thin for still providing a 41-hour power reserve and keeps the watch’s overall thickness at just 9.4mm. This is quite a feat for watches in this price point.
Further, the Perception ‘Can’ comes on both a bracelet and with a rubber strap. It provides a quick change strap system that allows for tool-less strap removal, adding to the flexibility and wearability of the watch. Dress it up with a bracelet, or dress it down with a rubber strap. With 100m of water resistance, the Perception ‘Càn’ can be a formidable sports watch, or a dressier watch.
‘Càn’, Translated from Mandarin, is “Brightness and Splendor”, and in that regard, I think Atelier Wen and Revolution have absolutely nailed it. The Perception itself is already a fantastic homage to Chinese culture that has done a really good job breaking through the “Stigma” that is often associated with Chinese watches. The Perception ‘Càn’ is just another example of elevating that theme. It’s overall a fantastic design, leveled-up by some cool differentiators and finishing upgrades, and is another fantastic entry into the Atelier Wen catalog. We’re excited to see what else Atelier Wen and Revolution have up their sleeves in the future.
So how much is the Atelier Wen x revolution perception ‘càn’?
Starting on October 18th, you can purchase the watch for $3,600 USD.
Read more about the watch on the brand's website here.
Or at Revolution here.