Atelier Wen Inflection
Cover Atelier Wen Inflection watches
Atelier Wen Inflection

The Atelier Wen Inflection is a marriage of influences from China and Switzerland

Atelier Wen’s Chinese-meets-high-horology philosophy has reached a new height with the release of Inflection, touted as the world’s first tantalum watch in continuous production.

Why is this a big deal?

Although beloved for its durability and comfort,  tantalum is notoriously difficult to machine. The Inflection watch not only features a case made from rare tantalum but also an integrated bracelet crafted from the same material. Additionally, it is meticulously finished, alternately brushed, frosted, and mirror-polished to give the deep bluish-grey surface a rich character.

Read more: How the Omega Seamaster went from a dress watch to a James Bond classic

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Photo 1 of 3 Atelier Wen Inflection with green grand feu enamel dial, limited to 30 pieces
Photo 2 of 3 Atelier Wen Inflection with black grand feu enamel dial
Photo 3 of 3 Atelier Wen Inflection with blue grand feu enamel dial
Atelier Wen Inflection with green grand feu enamel dial, a limited edition of 30 pieces
Atelier Wen Inflection with black grand feu enamel dial
Atelier Wen Inflection with blue grand feu enamel dial

To complement tantalum, Atelier Wen stayed true to its roots and engaged top Chinese enameler Kong Lingjun to create the grand feu enamel dial. There are three options: green fumé (limited to 30 pieces), black, and blue. Acclaimed watch designer Lee Yuen-Rapati was responsible for the cursive design of the Arabic numerals. 

See also: Robin Tallendier of Atelier Wen on being a micro-independent watch brand in today’s changing luxury landscape

Tatler Asia
The Atelier Wen Inflection’s dial is crafted by Chinese enameler Kong Lingjun
Above The Atelier Wen Inflection’s dial is crafted by Chinese enameler Kong Lingjun, while the Arabic numerals are by Lee Yuen-Rapati
The Atelier Wen Inflection’s dial is crafted by Chinese enameler Kong Lingjun

For the movement, Atelier Wen looked to Swiss manufacture Girard-Perregaux, specifically its GP03300 calibre. Working together with Atelier Wen’s designer Alfred Chan, they decorated the bridges with anglage and laser-ethced waved côtes for a pattern mimicking the wind in Chinese paintings. More striking is the rotor, constructed in two parts with the tungsten weight anchored by five seletonised brass spokes plated in rose gold. These spokes are similarly decorated with anglage and waved côtes. 

Tatler Asia
Atelier Wen Inflection is powered by Girard-Perregaux 03300 calibre, customised to its specifications
Above Atelier Wen Inflection is powered by the GP03300 calibre, customised to its specifications
Atelier Wen Inflection is powered by Girard-Perregaux 03300 calibre, customised to its specifications

Apart from the green dial, the Inflection is not a limited edition. However, the complexity of working with tantalum makes consistent large-scale production difficult. As a result, annual output is limited, though Atelier Wen remains committed to keeping the Inflection as part of its regular collection.

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Brian Cheong
Senior Editor, Watches & Jewellery, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia
Brian Cheong

Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.