Introducing Atelier Wen Unveils the Inflection in Full Tantalum

Founded in 2018 by French entrepreneurs Robin Tallendier and Wilfred Buiron, Atelier Wen has become one of the rising names in contemporary watchmaking. Blending French design sensibilities with Chinese craftsmanship, the brand has consistently aimed to elevate perceptions of Chinese-made luxury. After the success of the Ancestra and other releases, Atelier Wen now presents the Inflection, a timepiece that pushes the limits of engineering and artistry.

The watch marks a milestone for the brand as the world’s first continuous production of full-tantalum bracelet watches. Tantalum, known for its dark bluish hue, exceptional density, and corrosion resistance, has long been admired by collectors but rarely mastered in such complexity. Creating a full case and bracelet from this metal is an achievement typically reserved for haute horlogerie brands.

The watch comes in a 40 mm case with a thickness of 10.25 mm and a compact 45 mm lug-to-lug. It is entirely crafted from 99.9% pure tantalum and exhibits an interplay of concave and convex surfaces that give it remarkable depth and dimension. The case showcases polished chamfers, vertically brushed planes, and sandblasted accents that emphasize its organic curves. The double-domed sapphire crystal and screw-down crown ensure 100 meters of water resistance.

Three grand feu enamel dials, handcrafted by Beijing-based master enameler Kong Lingjun, bring vibrant artistry to the Inflection. The launch edition, named Yōu, features a green fumé enamel dial over a hand-hammered silver base and is limited to 30 pieces. The two permanent models include the Mò, with an obsidian black dial, gilt Arabic numerals, and 5N gold-plated hands, and the Yuān, with a midnight blue dial, white Arabic numerals, and rhodium-plated hands.

Powering the Inflection is a customized Girard-Perregaux GP03300 automatic movement. The bridges are ruthenium-plated with wide polished bevels and laser-engraved waves radiating from the center. The rotor combines tungsten and skeletonized brass spokes plated in rose gold. The movement operates at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and offers a 48-hour power reserve.

The integrated bracelet, made entirely of pure tantalum, mirrors the case’s complex interplay of curves and finishes. A micro-adjustment system allows four on-the-fly settings, activated through the Atelier Wen logo on the clasp. The watch also comes with an optional sailcloth and FKM rubber strap, each fitted with a tantalum buckle.

For the first year, total output is limited to 100 pieces, including 30 examples of the Yōu launch edition. The watch is priced at USD 29,800, approximately AED 109,450 on the full-tantalum bracelet, and USD 19,800, approximately AED 72,750 with the sailcloth and rubber strap.

For more information, visit Atelier Wen’s official website.