SANDS OF TIME

For the first time, Atelier Wen presents a piece created specifically for Dubai Watch Week—a dial crafted in translucent enamel that pays tribute to the sands of the desert and the ancient trade routes that once connected civilizations. The enamel features a magnificent fumé effect, transitioning from warm desert sand at the center to a deep, dark chocolate tone along the periphery. Adding depth and texture, the dial base is incorporated with a gratté surface, hand-scratched to create a striking interplay of light and grain. This artisanal work is executed by Master Kong Lingjun in his Beijing atelier, further underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship behind the piece. To heighten its sophistication, the dial is adorned with Eastern Hindu-Arabic numerals, alternating with baguette diamond hour markers. The result is a refined fusion of aesthetics—a bridge between Greater China and the Middle East, celebrating the shared heritage, artistry, and cultural exchange that bind these regions together.

POWERFUL ELEGANCE

The Atelier Wen × Revolution: Ancestra 垚 (Yáo) is housed in a beautifully balanced and impeccably proportioned 904L stainless-steel case, measuring 38mm in diameter and 11.3mm in height including the domed sapphire crystal. On the wrist, it wears effortlessly—slipping neatly under a cuff while still offering visual intrigue through its distinctive flared lugs. This is a truly versatile creation: dressy yet quietly assertive, understated yet full of character. It has a subtle aggressiveness that sparks curiosity, a harmony of contrasts that many brands attempt but few achieve.

ART OF MECHANICS

The Atelier Wen × Revolution: Ancestra 垚 (Yáo) is powered by a heavily customized Pequignet self-winding Caliber EPM03, transformed to embody the brand’s cultural and artistic roots. Its three-quarter bridge is adorned with a circular, deeply micro-etched manuscript featuring 446 characters from the ancient Chinese poem 天问 (Tiān Wèn)—a profound tribute to both the brand’s Chinese heritage and the poetic curiosity that inspired its two French founders. The movement showcases meticulous finishing throughout: a black-polished ratchet return wheel and balance bridge, and a skeletonised mono-bloc tungsten rotor executed with mixed surface treatments—frosting, colimaçonnage, and a laser-engraved 回纹 (huí wén) motif—then plated in warm 5N rose gold. Operating at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), the EPM03 delivers a robust 65-hour power reserve and is regulated to chronometer-level accuracy, ensuring performance that matches its artistic ambition.

EXCLUSIVELY FOR DUBAI WATCH WEEK 2025

To commemorate the 7th edition of Dubai Watch Week, we felt that a simple limited edition would not suffice for an event of such magnitude—one that has become a cornerstone of the global watch community. In that spirit, the Atelier Wen × Revolution: Ancestra 垚 (Yáo) was conceived. This project is built with tremendous integrity, created as an expression of deep respect, love, and gratitude for the community, and as a heartfelt tribute to the Seddiqi family, whose vision continues to elevate independent watchmaking worldwide. Rather than a closed, ultra-limited run, the Ancestra 垚 (Yáo) will be offered through an open-order program, available from 18 November (12:00 hrs) to 27 November (23:59 hrs). This ensures that collectors everywhere—not just those attending the fair—have the opportunity to secure this remarkable piece. Beyond this window, the watch will never be produced again in this configuration, preserving its uniqueness while making its creation accessible to all who truly appreciate it.