Borna Bosniak
Perhaps the best way to describe Atelier Wen is that it’s the exact opposite of the good old “Jack of all trades but master of none.” The Chinese brand has shifted its focus to producing guilloché dials since the Perception’s launch, and since then the model has mainly been produced as part of limited edition collaborations with the likes of Revolution and Seconda/Second/. It has been improved many times. As the first non-collaborative LE, the brand has created something special. The Atelier Wen Millésime Mutsu (or “Mu” as we’ll refer to it from now on) features a purple dial housed in a grade 5 titanium case, and 3 potential winners will receive special prizes to win even more cool prizes. Prepared.
tantalum ticket
I don’t want to scare you guys, so before I get into the regular limited editions (if there is such a thing), let’s talk about Tantalum Tickets. Each purchaser of a titanium Millésime Mu will be entered into a prize draw of three Millésime Mu Perceptions with tantalum case and bracelet. To find out if you’ve won, open the box and you’ll be given a sturdy crushed tantalum ticket. This brings back Willy Wonka’s famous Golden Ticket.
All of this is very exciting, but the three tantalum watches aren’t that big in the grand scheme of things, but don’t worry. With the launch of the Perception Millésime Mu, Atelier Wen is also announcing that it will be the first brand to market a non-limited timepiece housed entirely in tantalum and with a matching bracelet. Given how difficult this material is to work with, and only a few watch manufacturers have actually attempted to make an entire case out of this metal, it’s time to bring high-end materials and finishes to the affordable segment. Atelier Wen’s dedication to this speaks volumes.
dial
Unlike some recent Perception special editions, the Millesime Mù features the same fish scale guilloché pattern as the Atelier Wen exclusive. This pattern created by Cheng Yucai is the result of a handmade process using machines that the engraver built himself. The royal purple color was achieved through a PVD process and was not initially intended to be commercialized, only being installed on tantalum prototypes displayed at watch exhibitions. However, due to its overwhelming popularity, it was commercialized.
case
Apart from the new dial color, the biggest differentiator is the titanium case, which features all the V2 improvements from the 904L steel variant. The lugs have been reshaped compared to the original Perception to improve comfort on the wrist. However, the color and finish of the titanium is very different when compared to these steel cases. 904L steel is known for its white shine and luster, but the Perception Millesime Mu subverts that, emphasizing the vibrancy of the dial through the muted tones of titanium.
The maximum width of the case is 40 mm, which quickly tapers to about 37 mm. With a lug spacing of 47mm and a thickness of 9.4mm, the Perception Millésime Mù fits all but the slimmest wrists. And it’s not just the beautiful dial. After all, this is a sports watch with an integrated bracelet. Atelier Wen remembered this and gave the Perception a 100 meter water resistance, secured by a screw-down crown.
bracelet and strap
While the steel 904L variant gives a solid feel reminiscent of a luxury watch, I strongly believe Perception is best expressed in titanium. Composed of hexagonal and H-shaped pieces, the bracelet’s links are all finished with polished chamfers and thoughtful clasps. Not only does it have an extension that makes the watch easy to wear for those with larger hands or smaller wrists, but it also has a well-integrated ratchet system operated via a button that is actually the brand’s logo. I am. No need to fiddle with the bottom pusher and wish you hadn’t cut your nails the day before.
If bracelets don’t suit your style, and we don’t know why they don’t, do your best to be one of the first 88 people to order a Millesime Mu. If successful, Atelier Wen will also be offering a fitted leather strap, a first for Perception.
movement
The Dandong SL1588A that powers Perception has been the only question mark since its release. That’s simply due to the fact that it hasn’t had time to be proven yet. But Atelier Wen’s staff isn’t weak to spring. We understood this could be a potential drawback and addressed it from the beginning. The main reason why this movement was used in the Perception in the first place is its exceptional thinness, allowing the entire watch to be less than 10mm thick. Atelier Wen states that the accuracy is +/-10 seconds per day due to adjustment in five positions and “thorough testing by the Light Industry Watch Research Institute,” a leading Chinese timekeeping equipment development company. . Atelier Wen has stuck to its decision not to fully display the movement, despite modifications such as Geneva striping, perlage, and (mechanical) angles. As far as specs go, the most impressive one is the 3.4 mm thickness. For reference, the ETA 2892A2 is 3.6 mm thick, and the Miyota 9000 series are all closer to 4 mm. It operates at 4Hz and has a power reserve of 41 hours.
judgment
The changes from the first Perception may not be noticeable to the naked eye, but subsequent iterations, especially Perception V2, are simply better, and they should be. The wearing experience has definitely improved, as has the fit and finish of the bracelet, with some nice unique touches like the extended clasp blade and micro-adjust system. Perception was launched as an incredible value proposition at just $2,088 USD. It has always been difficult to maintain these prices, and in fact they have steadily increased with each limited edition collaboration. The Perception V2 settles at US$3,288, and the Millesime Mu comes with an additional US$300 premium. The original price would solidify the Perception as one of the best value watches on the market, but the current quality and pricing strategy does a good enough job of making it an attractive offering. With the added appeal of tantalum tickets and unlimited availability during the order period, we see the Millesime Mu being as well-received as all previous iterations of the model.
Atelier Wen Perception Millésime Mutsu Mù price and availability
“Atelier Wen Perception Millésime Mutsu Mù” will be available for order from October 7th to October 21st, with delivery expected in May 2025. Price: $3,588
Brand Atelier Wen Model Perception Millésime Mutsu Mù Case dimensions 40mm (D) x 9.4mm (T) x 47mm (LTL) Case material Grade 5 titanium Water resistance 100 meters, screw-down crown Crystal Double-domed sapphire front, sapphire back Dial Purple hands Guilloche Lug Width Integrated Bracelet Grade 5 Titanium Bracelet with Fine Adjustment Folding Clasp Movement Dandong SL1588A, Automatic Power Reserve 41 Hours Functions Hours, Minutes, Seconds Availability Current Price US$3,588
