Atelier Wen has created some of my favorite watches over the past few years. The brand’s recognition series is a dreamy and beautifully complete. What’s more, the company is not satisfied that it is enough to be alone. Once the model is released, the team continues to make minor updates to improve fit and quality. But today’s release is not about small changes. AncestraJiāo is an all-new model line, third in the younger company and looks great.
A month ago, during London Watch Week, I had the opportunity to meet Robin Tallendier, one of the founders of Atelier Wen. In addition to the production works, Robin brought a small number of unpublished prototypes. Among these was the new AncestraJiāo, a clock that was clearly different from perception. This is more of a dress watch, but boasts a multi-piece case, an impressive enamel dial and a Swiss movement.
Atelier Wen AncestraJiāo
The latest Atelier Wen model is a 904L stainless steel watch with nice dimensions. The diameter of 38mm comes with a 46mm lug-to-lug and a thickness of 11.3mm. The double-dome sapphire crystal features an impressive five-layer anti-reflective coating. The reason for this is to allow unobstructed views of the dial, as you can see immediately. Other specifications include a screw-down crown and a display case back with four screws. All this security supports a 100m water resistance assessment. As I always mention in dressy pieces, it is best to replace the leather strap (in this case, a 20mm wide taupe epsom) for more water-friendly options.


Uniquely designed case
Atelier Wen worked with designers Sifan Guo and Alfred Chan to create Ancestra. The results are a very different case from perception. A finely polished brush surface is found throughout the case, along with a well-defined chamfer. However, the highlight of the finished product is the structure of the separated lug. These are secured to the case via flush mounts and signed screws for each lug. It has a beautiful design with sharp edges. Overall, I believe the creators came up with something that is instantly likable that cannot be immediately recognized as a copy of another watch.
Hammer silver and Grand Feweynamel dial
By recognition, the artisan crafts were mainly guilloches. AncestraJiāo has changed courses and employs multiple fine decorative processes. China’s enamel craftsman Kong Lingjun creates these artworks over 20 days, working with a 50% rejection rate. Each dial starts as a 925 silver blank. Kong and his team use martere, or hand hammering, to delicately achieve small surface craters. After this, the craftsman will mix quartz, feldspar, borax and other materials.
First, the formulation undergoes a high temperature heating process to create the glass. Next, crush this glass into enamel powder. Mix the powder with water, apply it to the dial and fire six times at high temperature to reach the correct color density. Finally, the dial is grown by hand to achieve the correct surface texture.
Calligraphy and Diamonds
Hong Kong-based calligrapher Elaine Wong adds time markers to odd hours. These symbols alternate with baguette cut diamonds. Yes, the second version comes next using Arabic numbers and diamonds. However, numbers show even times. Rhodium-plated leaf shaped hands complete the dial.
Swiss movement within Ancestra Jaao
Atelier Wen’s Ancestra Jiāo became the brand’s first watch in Swiss Caliber, making it a valuable debut. Each piece features a Pequignet EPM03 automatic movement. For brand credit, the caliber is adjusted with six positions and three temperature settings. As a result, buyers can expect chronometer performance of -4/+6 seconds per day, on the actual average of ±2 seconds. Other interesting details are the patented, twisty assembly and Pellaton winding system that reduces wear over time. This movement ticks at a frequency of 28,800VPH and provides a healthy 65-hour power reserve. The rotors are also plated with 5n gold, and three-quarters of plates are decorated by Qu Yuan with poems of questions from Chinese manuscripts.
It’s nice on the wrist
The Ancestra is a very comfortable watch for your wrists and can easily function as a daily piece. It looks dressy, but also has the right amount of weight to avoid feeling overly sensitive. Frankly, I would like to see a simple bracelet as an option, as I think it changes the look. It was a bold move when it came to inclusion of diamonds, and after hearing about it, I wasn’t that sure. After all, diamonds remind us of dates and clocks for another generation. However, when I tried out the watch and took it to the window, the diamond added a proper level of sparkle to the dial. Oddly, I think the dial would be a little too quiet without them, so I’ll win to win the ice hints on this watch! As for the combination of enamelization and hammered textures, it is exquisite and should be looked directly at. It’s deep and producing seems like a challenge.
Final Thoughts, Availability, Price
Atelier Wen will be offering AncestraJiāo for seven days. The brand will then generate all orders and begin shipping in the second quarter of 2026. Considering the level of manual finishing, case design and moving tasks, the price of USD 5,850 offers a lot of money. Yes, it’s more expensive than perceived, but this feels even more mature. Tell us your thoughts on this latest Atelier Wen work and whether you like this new direction for the brand.
This is a post for a priority position. learn more.