Disclaimer: this video/review was not sponsored by Atelier Wen or any other entity.

Video

Review

A few months ago, I purchased and reviewed the Perception Piao, a light blue, regular production variant from the Perception lineup. Since the initial launch, Atelier Wen has released several collaboration pieces with groups like Revolution, Wristcheck, and Seconde Seconde, featuring new dial colors, patterns, or materials such as titanium and more recently tantalum.

Now, for the first time, Atelier Wen has introduced a limited edition series of their own – called the Millésime – and the first annual release is the Perception Mù. This model features a titanium case and a striking purple dial that matches the design of the tantalum prototypes seen earlier. While this isn’t a tantalum watch, the titanium provides a similar grey hue at about 30% of the estimated cost of the upcoming tantalum models. Additionally, Atelier Wen is adding an exciting twist by randomly awarding three Mù customers with one of the three tantalum prototypes. So those desperately trying to get their hands on one of the tantalum prototypes might be sufficiently incentivized to buy one of these.

Priced at approximately $3,588 USD, deliveries of the Perception Mù are scheduled to begin in May 2025. Although part of Atelier Wen’s new initiative for annual limited editions, the exact production number hasn’t been disclosed in the press release. This suggests it might be a restricted order window rather than a finite quantity. Orders will open on October 7th 2024 and continue through the end of the month, with several exhibitions planned to showcase the watch in person during that period.

Let’s check it out!

Case

The Perception Mù features a case and bracelet made entirely of Grade 5 titanium, which is quite impressive considering the price, level of finishing, and overall complexity of the components. The case showcases a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, along with some media-blasted sections, such as on the case-back, adding a subtle variety of textures and finishes.

The dimensions are identical to the steel variant, with a diameter of 40mm from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock (excluding the crown) and 40mm across between the two cut-out sections. At its widest, from 8 o’clock to 2 o’clock, the case measures 42mm. The lug-to-lug distance is 47mm, and although the fixed end links of the bracelet extend slightly beyond, they angle downwards and have minimal impact on the overall wrist presence. The case thickness is a sleek 9.5mm, including both the crystal and case-back, and the screwed down crown, at 5.5mm, is sized perfectly for easy operation.

I’ve always been a fan of titanium as a watch material. Its color, lightweight feel, and hypoallergenic properties make it an ideal choice for everyday wear. Atelier Wen has previously offered titanium versions of the Perception, but I believe this is the first variant to incorporate all of the V2 upgrades. Similar to the V2 steel model, the added polished bevels and refined design elements have been executed to a high standard.

One subtle yet noteworthy design detail is the purple logo on the case-back, which resembles a hallmark. I suspect this will serve as a distinguishing mark for Atelier Wen’s future Millésime line of limited editions.

As with the steel Perception, the Titanium Mù is rated for up to 100 meters of water resistance, making it versatile for daily wear and occasional water exposure.

Dial

The dial of the Atelier Wen Perception Mù is undeniably the highlight of this watch, featuring a stunning purple guilloché texture identical to the tantalum prototypes seen earlier this year. The intricate fish-scale pattern, which is also found on standard production models like the Piao, is reportedly hand turned by China’s sole guilloché Master Craftsman, Cheng Yucai. However, this description has sparked some debate, as Cheng is known to work with a team of skilled guillocheurs, including his brother.

For its price, the quality of the guilloché work is commendable. I’ve recently compared various guilloché dials across different price points and manufacturing methods, including stamped, CNC, and hand-turned techniques. The fact that Atelier Wen offers a genuine hand-turned dial at this price level is impressive and deserves recognition. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations: upon close inspection, the dial does not match the precision of high-end guilloché experts like Kari Voutilainen or Breguet. There are slight inconsistencies in the pattern, and the work can appear less refined around corners and edges – common challenges in hand-turned guilloché. But given the price point, no one should expect flawless perfection. The real allure here is that a traditionally hand-made craft is accessible at a reasonable cost. Those seeking absolute precision would be better off with a stamped or CNC-machined guilloché dial.

In terms of dust, dirt and grime, this particular prototype I reviewed was clean and well-executed, and from my experience, Atelier Wen’s dial quality control is consistently high compared to other watches in this segment.

The rest of the design follows the established Perception aesthetic, with its raised and lumed Chinese huiwen-patterned chapter ring, polished applied indices embedded within the guilloché sections, and printed branding isolated to specific segments of the dial.

The hands are also well-finished and show excellent quality control, with generous lume application that enhances legibility in low-light conditions.

Overall, the purple dial is striking and, in my opinion, more captivating than the light blue Piao variant I previously owned. With purple dials currently enjoying widespread popularity, I expect this model to resonate strongly with collectors.

Lume

Just like the steel V2 I reviewed earlier, the lume on this watch is quite impressive. The elevated chapter ring, featuring the intricate 回纹 (huí wén) pattern, is lumed and emits a reasonably bright glow that adds a unique visual dimension to the dial in low light.

The hands glow significantly brighter and last much longer than the chapter ring, which is expected given their increased surface area and depth of lume filling. The result is a strong and consistent glow that ensures excellent readability even in complete darkness.

If you’re curious to see how the lume on this watch stacks up against more traditional models like the Tudor Black Bay 41 Monochrome, San Martin Loong Year Edition, or the MING 17.09, check out my previous review of the Perception Piao V2, where I conducted a comprehensive lume comparison. The performance here is consistent with what I observed in that review.

Movement

I previously provided an in-depth review of the Dandong/Peacock SL1588 movement inside this generation of Perception watches in my Piao review. Here’s a brief overview: the SL1588 may not be widely recognized, but Dandong/Peacock (part of the Liaoning Watch Factory) has been producing movements for over six decades and is known for being one of the more premium manufacturers in China. The SL1588 represents a step up from the SL3006 used in earlier models like the Atelier Wen Porcelain Series, offering improved reliability and functionality.

Unlike the SL3006, which was likely based on the ETA 2824-2 architecture, the SL1588 appears to draw inspiration from slimmer calibers such as the Miyota 9 Series or Soprod A10, with its regulating mechanism most closely resembling that of the Soprod A10. It shares similarities with the SL1702 but has been refined for compactness, omitting the date function for a cleaner look.

Atelier Wen ensures the SL1588 is thoroughly tested, achieving a precision of +/- 10 seconds per day after drop and temperature tests. It is then regulated in five positions and verified by the Horological Research Institute of Light Industry (HRILI).

The movement’s finishing is visually impressive and comparable to elaboré-grade movements from ETA or Sellita. Through the case-back, you can appreciate the côtes de Genève, perlage, purple colored tungsten rotor, and a few thermally blued screws.

In terms of performance, the watch has maintained accuracy within single-digit deviations per day. One area of contention is the lack of a hacking feature, which may be seen as a drawback to those who prefer to stop the second hand for precise time-setting.

On The Wrist

In terms of dimensions, the Atelier Wen Perception Titanium is identical to the steel V2, with a 40mm diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, and 9.5mm thickness. It wears exceptionally well on my 6.75″ wrist, just like the steel version. While the steel V2 was already very comfortable and never felt overly heavy – unlike some integrated bracelet steel watches – I didn’t expect the switch to titanium to make a significant difference.

However, this titanium version completely disappears on the wrist, weighing just 83g when sized for my wrist. Despite the reduction in weight, no compromises were made in terms of bracelet build quality or finishing. The titanium bracelet meets the same high standards as the steel V2, featuring beautiful bevels running down the sides of the links and center links, maintaining a premium feel.

The titanium model also retains the same impressive clasp design found on the steel V2, with its on-the-fly adjustment mechanism activated by pressing the logo-embossed button. The low-profile clasp is neatly integrated into the bracelet and, thanks to its short telescoping swing arm, remains unobtrusive and suitable for smaller wrists.

While there is an option to purchase an additional rubber strap, I didn’t find it particularly noteworthy. The clasps on the rubber strap are large and disproportionately tall – almost thicker than the watch case itself. That said, the titanium bracelet is excellent, and this version elevates the comfort and wear-ability of an already outstanding design. I loved the steel version, and this titanium iteration only enhances the experience further.

Wrapping Up

The Atelier Wen Perception Mù is another impressive release from the brand. While many fans were eager to get their hands on the elusive purple-dialed tantalum Perception after seeing prototypes online, the Titanium Mù offers a similar experience at approximately 30% of the cost.

Although the titanium case doesn’t have the deep grey hue of tantalum, its lighter tone pairs well with the purple dial, and its superior wear-ability makes it more appealing to me for everyday use. Additionally, three lucky customers who purchase the Titanium Mù will receive a prototype tantalum version at the same price, which adds an element of surprise and excitement to this release.

However, on a broader and more subjective note, the Perception line is starting to feel a bit repetitive to me. With a never ending supply of limited edition dials featuring minor tweaks to the pattern, dial or technique, it seems the line may be reaching a saturation point for some collectors, myself included. While I’m aware that Atelier Wen has new watches and complications in development, I’m looking forward to seeing them expand their offerings beyond these incremental updates. I would hate for Atelier Wen to become a Perception brand like Audemars Piguet has become the Royal Oak brand.