Atelier Wen collaborates with Revolution on the Perception Xi “Jubilation”
Borna BošnjakThe Atelier Wen Perception has seen a few permutations by this point, initially launching as an incredibly well-priced entry point into hand-made guilloché, courtesy of the only Chinese artisan able to produce them. Though the price has risen considerably since the early bird specials, each new special edition had something unique to offer, and this latest version, the Atelier Wen Perception Xi, made in collaboration with our colleagues at Revolution, is no different.
Sporting a striking red dial with a concentric wave pattern, the Atelier Wen Perception Xi offers yet another form of intricate guilloché. The original watch went for a pretty traditional barleycorn layout, while the brand’s collaboration with Wristcheck really let master Cheng Yucai flex his guilloché-ing muscles.
The Perception Xi’s dashing good looks aren’t only limited to daylight hours, as it puts on an after-dark show with its lumed lattice pattern circling the edge of the dial.
Sized at 40mm in diameter and with a thickness of only 9.5mm, the Perception’s grade 5 titanium case has all the appeal of an excellent integrated-bracelet sports watch, including 100 metres of water resistance. The muted tones of the titanium are even better at letting the dial take the limelight, supplemented by the polished concave bezel and case chamfers.
The Perception Xi is accompanied by two strap options – the first being a case-matching titanium bracelet with impressively small gaps between the case and its links, all while remaining comfortably articulated. The clasp is also very well executed, with on-the-fly adjustment controlled by depressing the engraved Atelier Wen logo on the fold-over. For those sportier days, Atelier Wen also includes an FKM rubber strap – a sensible choice considering their popularity on integrated-bracelet watches. To facilitate swapping of straps, both have quick-release spring bars.
Finally, the movement. The SL1588 is the result of the brand’s strong connections with the Dandong/Peacock factory, as it is a customised version of the manufacturer’s SL line. Atelier Wen was in need of a slim movement in order to meet their case height requirements, resulting in this 3.4mm-tall calibre. Equipped with a tungsten rotor that’s colour-matched to the dial and some humble decoration, it’s mostly obscured by a large lion’s head engraving, only peering through a small window in the animal’s mouth.
Atelier Wen x Revolution Perception Xi “Jubilation” pricing and availability:
The Atelier Wen x Revolution Perception Xi is a limited edition of 100 pieces. Price: US$3,400
| Brand | Atelier Wen |
| Model | x Revolution Perception Xi “Jubilation” |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 9.5mm (T) |
| Case Material | Grade 5 titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Dial | Hand-made guilloché red |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Strap | Integrated grade 5 titanium bracelet with quick-release, complimentary white FKM rubber strap |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Movement | Liaoning Peacock SL1588, 28,800 vph, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now, limited to 100 pieces |
| Price | US$3,400 |