Collectors are losing their minds over this $2,500 Chinese watch

Published on Apr 30, 2022 at 9:00 AM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis

Last updated on Apr 30, 2022 at 9:00 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

Collectors are losing their minds over this $2,500 Chinese watch

There aren’t that many Chinese-made watches that collectors want.

If you asked around, most could only think of one and that’s the Seagull, an attractive chronograph that’s a tribute to an original design from the early 1960s.

However, things might change with this new timepiece called the Atelier Wen Perception, priced at $2,588.

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Chinese watch makers often downplay their provenance but that’s generally because people automatically associate ‘Made in China’ with lower quality.

In this case, however, Atelier Wen is actually bragging about it, and it’s not out of vanity, it’s because they know the quality is up there with the best Swiss brands.

The Perception is an automatic fitted with an amazing hand-made dial available in salmon, grey and ice blue.

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The case is made using the same exact type of stainless steel that Rolex uses and it is vaguely inspired by the Patek Philippe Nautilus, even though this piece is definitely bringing its own personality to the table.

These things are hard to predict, but this doesn’t feel like a cheap(er) alternative to more expensive watches.

It feels like the sort of watch that a seasoned collector who already owns several pieces will get just because they appreciate the craftsmanship.

But if you’re looking to get your hands on one, it won’t be any time soon.

The Atelier Wen lists the Perception as “sold out” with an estimate delivery date of October 2022, six months from now!

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Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.