ATELIER WEN X AHMED SEDDIQI INTRODUCE ANCESTRA
Crafted in collaboration with Revolution and unveiled at Dubai Watch Week 2025, the Atelier Wen Ancestra Yáo is a timepiece steeped in history and cultural resonance. A celebration of independent watchmaking, this limited edition captures a creative exchange between China and the Arab world, brought to life through material, technique and thoughtful symbolism.
A WATCH ROOTED IN CONNECTION
Created to mark the 20th anniversary of Revolution and Atelier Wen’s growing presence in the Gulf region, the Ancestra Yáo tells a story that bridges continents.
The dial is where the watch reveals its soul. Crafted by Kong Lingjun’s atelier in Beijing, it features a fumé grand feu enamel gradient that fades from desert sand to rich chocolate. This tone, difficult to achieve and stabilise in enamel, is layered over a hand-engraved 925 silver gratté base that mimics the weave of fabric. The result evokes the textures and hues of desert landscapes, and silk as it once journeyed across trade routes linking East Asia to the Middle East. Rhodium-plated hands catch the light with a mix of micro-hammered and mirror-polished finishing, details that reward a closer look.
INSPIRED BY JADE AND PHILOSOPHY
The 904L stainless steel case is inspired by Hongshan jade carvings, specifically jade dragons that represent early depictions of the form in Chinese culture. Machined with detached lugs bolted from the outside, the case allows for crisp finishing transitions and high polish detailing. At 38mm with a curved profile, the Ancestra Yáo is remarkably wearable, made for daily appreciation. On the back, a sapphire crystal reveals the Pequignet EPM03 movement, engraved with lines fromTiān Wèn(Questions to Heaven), a classical Chinese poem contemplating existence.
The movement is a heavily customised French calibre that reflects Atelier Wen’s Paris-meets-Beijing philosophy. It offers a 65-hour power reserve and is finely regulated across six positions and three temperatures. Finishing includes black-polished bridges, anglage, frosting, snailing, and perlage, blending precision engineering with decorative artistry.
DUBAI WATCH WEEK EXCLUSIVE EDITIONS
Explore the limited edition timepieces presented at Dubai Watch Week 2025.