Atelier Mephalie Returns With Three In-House Minute Repeaters
Atelier Mephalie, a historic Chinese watchmaking brand founded in 1876, has relaunched with three new minute repeater models developed over five years. These timepieces represent the brand's focus on form, traditional craft, and high complications, all powered by a new in-house hand-wound movement designed for regular production.
- Movement runs at 28,800 vph with a 45-hour power reserve
- Voice of China: 18K rose gold case, 42 mm diameter, 50.4 mm lug-to-lug, 11.6 mm thick, limited to 20 pieces, priced at US$59,500
- Galloping Horse: 316L stainless steel case, 42 mm wide, 50.8 mm long, 12mm thick, priced at US$28,000
- The Conductor: priced at US$25,000
The brand was originally founded in 1876 by Sun Tingyuan and was awarded a gold medal at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, with its factory destroyed in 1932.
The in-house minute repeater movement is engineered for regular production and features a 23-second chiming sequence visible through the case back.
The 'Voice of China' model features a hand-carved 18K rose gold dial depicting No. 12 on the Bund in Shanghai, with layered construction creating depth.
The 'Galloping Horse' model utilizes Jingtailan cloisonné dials created by third-generation China Arts and Crafts Master Xiong Songtao, with options for bespoke enamel designs.
The 'Conductor' model includes a miniature animated ensemble of a violinist, cellist, pianist, and conductor that moves when the repeater is activated, set against a hand-guilloché blue dial.
Finishing on the movement, visible through the case back, includes vertical striping, perlage, snailing, and beveled edges, with an 18K yellow gold plaque on the crown wheel.