In the modern watchmaking landscape, one might be hard-pressed to think of China as a flag-bearer of fine-watchmaking standards. But the powers-that-be behind the Liaoning Peacock Watch Company in Dandong would have you change that impression.
Working tirelessly to raise their standing in the industry and push the envelope of Chinese watchmaking, they have invested significantly of late — in state-of-the art machinery, a beautiful, expansive new manufacture complex, and a wor21king environment that matches up to many of their Western counterparts.
In this second instalment of our Inside the Atelier documentary series, experience the new manufacture alongside Robin and Wilfried as they travel to Dandong, and interact with those responsible for Perception’s mechanical heart.
A foundational partner from our porcelain beginnings
It would not be an understatement to say that Peacock have been among the most integral supporters and collaborators on the journey that is Atelier Wen. They gave Robin and Wilfried an early vote of confidence in choosing to get behind our founders when the brand launched on Kickstarter back in 2017, and have planted themselves firmly alongside us in sharing our mission to elevate the standards and perceptions around Chinese watchmaking.
In mid-2023, Robin and Wilfried returned to China to visit with the many partners that we work with around the mainland — and at the very top of the list was Peacock’s newly-minted complex. There is a frequent misconception that Chinese factories are replete with grim working conditions and shoddy workmanship, but — where Peacock are concerned — this could not be further from the truth. The old manufacture was already a cut above their other Chinese peers, but the new compound is now as beautified and exemplary as they come.
Crafting Time in Dandong
This second episode of Inside the Atelier took far longer to edit than we had initially anticipated. Over the course of nine different cuts, it proved somewhat tricky to arrive at something that we found both captivating enough from a cinematic and narrative perspective, and yet also suitably reflected the quality and level of industrial sophistication that is to be found within Peacock’s walls.
We persevered, of course, and at long last, we are tremendously excited to share it with you. While the overall runtime of Crafting Time in Dandong is a little bit shorter than the first episode, we hope it gives you a good sense of exactly what goes on behind the scenes at their manufacture. Accompany our founders through hallways decked out in the very best Swiss, Japanese and Chinese equipment — manned by some of the most capable watchmakers in China, and hear directly from the individuals steering their ship towards the pinnacle of the Chinese watch industry!
About Inside the Atelier
Inside the Atelier is a series of documentary-shorts that seeks to peel back the curtain on some of China's most distinguished master artisans across various crafts, as well as the exceptional manufacturing partners that allow us to do what we do.
So much skill goes unrealised and uncelebrated in China, and in the worlds of watchmaking and fine craftsmanship, this is especially true. Inside the Atelier is our ode to these cultures and capabilities. We cannot wait to show you more!
Watch the film:
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the camera crew and team that accompanied Robin and Wilfried into Dandong, and in-particular, our editor Wang Changkai who wrestled intensely with the footage through countless different cuts. We sincerely hope you enjoy it, and we cannot wait to hear what you think!