The Atelier Wen Inflection Shuo collaboration with Massena LAB pairs a 99.9% pure tantalum case with a solid 18k gold hand-decorated dial, according to Monochrome Watches. Limited to just 50 pieces, the watch combines Chinese architectural inspiration with Swiss dial craftsmanship and a customised Girard-Perregaux movement, priced at CHF 33,800 excluding taxes.
Tantalum Architecture and Case Design
Atelier Wen builds the Inflection Shuo around a 40mm tantalum case that measures 45mm lug-to-lug and 10.2mm thick, including the crystal, as reported by Monochrome Watches. Tantalum is prized for its dark bluish-grey colour, high density, and corrosion resistance, though it remains notoriously difficult to machine and finish. The case avoids flat surfaces entirely, utilizing a concave bezel, a ridged mid-case, and flowing convex forms designed to capture and amplify the metal’s natural sheen.
The White Gold version features a tantalum crown, while the Rose Gold version opts for a solid rose gold crown. Both models include double-domed sapphire crystals on the front and back with five layers of anti-reflective coating, alongside 100 metres of water resistance.
Hand-Decorated Solid Gold Dials by GT Cadrans
The dial serves as the centrepiece of the collaboration, crafted from solid 18k gold and weighing 14.59g in the Rose Gold variant and 14.66g in the White Gold variant, according to The Hour Markers. Produced by GT Cadrans in Switzerland, the base plate undergoes hand-finishing via tremblage by specialist engraver Coralie Mercier. The artisan uses a handheld graver to create thousands of irregular facets across the gold surface, requiring several days of painstaking work per dial. This technique produces an organic, shimmering texture that catches the light unpredictably.
Over the tremblage base sits a radially brushed gold chapter ring, executed in white gold or rose gold depending on the model. An outer ring framed by a finely engraved huiwen pattern matches the blued steel hours, minutes, and seconds hands.
Customised Girard-Perregaux Movement
Underneath the solid gold dial beats a customised version of the Girard-Perregaux calibre GP03300, as detailed by Monochrome Watches. The self-winding movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 48-hour power reserve, complete with five-position temperature adjustment and a hacking seconds mechanism. Atelier Wen reworks the bridges with sweeping curves inspired by wind motifs found in historical Chinese paintings. These dark grey ruthenium bridges feature anglage and laser-etched waved stripes radiating from the centre, accompanied by a 5N rose gold-plated custom rotor.
Did you know? Tantalum is so dense and resistant to wear that it is frequently used in aerospace components and surgical implants, making its application in complex, curved watch cases an extreme engineering challenge.
Integrated Bracelet and Micro-Adjustment
The watch secures to the wrist via an integrated tantalum bracelet featuring brushed external links and polished central links. According to Monochrome Watches, the bracelet incorporates a patent-pending four-position on-the-fly micro-adjustment system, a telescopic deployant blade, and a quick-release mechanism for easy strap changes.
Pricing and Availability Details
The Atelier Wen x Massena LAB Inflection Shuo is strictly limited to 50 total pieces. Ten White Gold models are reserved exclusively for established clients of both brands, while 40 Rose Gold editions are made available to the general public. Orders officially open on August 26, 2026, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2027. The retail price is set at CHF 33,800 excluding taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are used in the Atelier Wen x Massena LAB Inflection Shuo?
The case and integrated bracelet are crafted from 99.9% pure tantalum, while the dial is made from solid 18k gold featuring hand-executed tremblage and engraving.
How many pieces of the Inflection Shuo are being produced?
Only 50 pieces are produced globally, split between 10 White Gold models reserved for VIP clients and 40 Rose Gold models available to the public.
What movement powers the watch?
The watch is powered by a heavily customised Girard-Perregaux calibre GP03300 featuring bespoke ruthenium bridges and a 5N rose gold rotor.
When does ordering begin and what is the price?
Orders open on August 26, 2026, priced at CHF 33,800 excluding taxes, with deliveries slated for early 2027.
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