Atelier Wen is launching a new version of their popular Perception integrated bracelet sports watch, now bearing the “Millesime” label. This is a limited edition release, but unlike  many recent releases from their past, they’ve decided to forego any kind of associated collaboration with an outside brand, instead choosing to focus on fulfilling specific desires from their dedicated client base. Many of the updates that you see on this watch are a reflection of the watch community, very much in line with recent limited releases from other enthusiast focused brands that depend on customer feedback. 

This new Millesime edition will be part of a community driven yearly release for Atelier Wen, and its name even represents the ideology of kinship or closeness, again prioritizing feedback from watch enthusiasts to design the watch. Some of the main community driven transformations that have been implemented on this watch include a purple dial that went through 3-4 testing rounds to find the perfect hue, as well as a full grade 5 titanium construction for both the case and bracelet. 

In addition to this regular titanium version, a special release full Tantalum variant will be awarded to 3 random customers as a lucky draw contest. You may be expecting the regular version, but you could open the box to find you’ve been awarded the upgraded (and much, much heavier) Tantalum version, Willy Wonka syle! Atelier Wen has been teasing a tantalum Perception for some time, showing it to customers at watch fairs and other public events, and this represents the first time they’ll wind up on the wrists of paying customers. This is a rather unique concept, but one that I’m sure collectors will surely appreciate due to the rarity of this metal. 

While there may be a lot of hype being built up around this release, it’s great to see that Atellier Wen has not veered too far off course by keeping their signature watchmaking DNA intact. These limited watches are still going to be very well proportioned and wearable with a 40mm case size, 9.4mm thickness, and a stout 47mm lug to lug. Water resistance is also a very respectable 100 meters, an outstanding spec for a watch that clearly prioritizes high horology watchmaking like dial patterns, metal work, and wearability. 

There’s plenty more to explore on this watch, like its extra thin Dangdong SL1588A automatic movement, and its real world contrasting light play on both the case and bracelet. In order to get an accurate representation of this watch we currently have a sample in hand to experience it in person, stay tuned for our full hands-on review to publish soon. Atelier Wen