John

In 2022, Rado re-released the Over-Pole as a limited edition of 1,965 pieces. The diameter remains as svelte as the original at 37mm. The height of the case is 10.4mm, and the lug-to-lug is 43mm. The lug width is 19mm, and it has a water resistance rating of 100m, though it does not have a screw-down crown. The case is fully polished. Interestingly, Rado chose to use a manually-wound movement for this reissue, rather than the automatic movement an original Over-Pole would have used. The movement is known as the Rado R862, and is modified from a Powermatic 80 found in other Swatch group watches. It has 80 hours of power reserve, and the Nivachron hairspring to increase its anti-magnetic properties. The movement is well finished, and can be seen through the watch’s transparent caseback.

Atelier Wen first came on the scene in 2018 via Kickstarter, with its Odyssey and Hao models. Started by two Frenchmen, Robin Tallendier and Wilfried Buiron who met while studying abroad in China, and in collaboration with Chinese designers Li Ming Liang and Liu Yu Guan, they worked to develop a brand, and watches, that emphasized Chinese craftsmanship.