Atelier Wen Unveils INFLECTION: The First Serially Produced Full-Tantalum Bracelet Watch

Summary

• Atelier Wen’s INFLECTION features a full-tantalum bracelet watch
• The series features grand feu enamel dials by Kong Lingjun’s atelier in three distinct variants
• Powered by a customized Girard‑Perregaux caliber 03300, the movement is viewable through the open caseback

Atelier Wen’s INFLECTION collection represents a landmark achievement for the young independent brand, establishing the first non-limited, serially produced full-tantalum bracelet watch. Tantalum, a rare and notoriously difficult metal to machine, is celebrated for its dark bluish-grey tone, density and resistance to corrosion. While its use in watchmaking has traditionally been limited to cases, Atelier Wen has extended the material across both case and bracelet, with each link meticulously finished in brushed, frosted, and mirror-polished surfaces. The design eliminates flat planes in favor of flowing concave and convex curves, a deliberate reference to the Chinese philosophical concepts of yīn and yáng, highlighting harmony and duality while ensuring both visual depth and comfort on the wrist.

The collection also showcases a grand feu enamel dial crafted by the workshop of Kong Lingjun, one of China’s most respected enamel maisons. Available in two permanent variants and one limited launch edition, the dials include “Mò” (obsidian black with gilt numerals and gold-plated hands), “Yuān” (midnight blue with white numerals and rhodium-plated hands) and “Yōu” (a fumé green enamel limited to 30 pieces, with a hand-hammered silver base). Each dial undergoes a painstaking multi-stage process of layering, firing and polishing, with a high failure rate of around 50%, underscoring the rarity and artisanal mastery behind every piece. The numerals, designed by Lee Yuen-Rapati, further emphasize the collection’s fusion of cultural storytelling and contemporary design.

At its core, INFLECTION is powered by a customized Girard-Perregaux caliber 03300, renowned for its precision and refined finishing. The movement features sweeping, skeletonized bridges inspired by wind motifs in traditional Chinese painting, ruthenium plating, sharp anglage, and laser-etched côtes radiating from the center. A two-part rotor with rose-gold-plated skeletonized spokes and a tungsten weight adds dynamic contrast, aligning perfectly with the bridges beneath as it spins. With automatic winding, hacking seconds, a slim 3.36mm profile and a 48-hour power reserve, the movement underscores the collection’s technical excellence.

Retailing at $29,800 USD on a full-tantalum bracelet and $19,800 USD on sailcloth and FKM rubber straps, the INFLECTION collection embodies Atelier Wen’s ambition to transcend its origins and firmly establish itself within the realm of high horology. For more information, head to the brands’ official website.

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