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The Rebirth of American Horology: 1776 Atelier's Monticello

How a Childhood Passion Led to a Watchmaking Revolution

The Timeless Journey of Jason Lu and 1776 Atelier

Jason Lu’s fascination with mechanical objects began before he was 10 years old. His journey into the world of horology started unexpectedly at a flea market in 1982. There, he stumbled upon a watch with an integrated steel bracelet and hexagonal bolts on the bezel. Unbeknownst to him at the time, this was an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402ST, one of the first 1,000 ever made.

Jason Lu, Founder 1776 Atelier

I didn't know anything about Audemars Piguet, Gerald Genta, or even the concept of high horology. All I knew was that I loved how this watch looked.

Jason Lu

This serendipitous encounter sparked a lifelong passion. As Jason's journey evolved, he developed an appreciation for iconic brands like Rolex but found himself captivated by independent watchmakers. The artistry and individuality of craftsmen like Kari Voutilainen, Daniel Roth, and Philippe Dufour resonated deeply with him.

Jason's exploration led him to vintage pocket watches, where he discovered a new level of complexity and beauty. Restoring masterpieces like the Hamilton 922 opened his eyes to the golden age of American horology. "These watches, with details like barrel-jeweled motor barrels and impeccable finishing, made me question what had happened to American watchmaking," Jason explains.

The Monticello: A Labor of Love

The Monticello with Navy Ostrich Strap

Among 1776 Atelier's collections, the Monticello holds a special place in Jason's heart. Born from an unexpected moment of inspiration, this timepiece embodies the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation."

The Monticello was born from an unexpected moment of inspiration," Jason shares. "While experimenting with main plate designs, we started questioning the purpose and placement of certain screw holes. That led to an idea that both my watchmaker and I became deeply excited about: a movement that wasn't just functional but celebrated its intricate mechanics in a way that true enthusiasts could appreciate."

What sets the Monticello apart is its cohesive and purposeful design. It goes beyond being a simple open-worked movement; every detail has been carefully considered. The process of hand skeletonization became one of the most rewarding—and challenging—elements of creating the Monticello.

The Art of Hand Skeletonization

Highlighting the skeletonization on the Monticello

The Monticello showcases 1776 Atelier's mastery of hand skeletonization, a technique that elevates watchmaking to an art form. This process involves carefully removing excess material from the movement plates and bridges, creating a mesmerizing view of the watch's inner workings.

Hand skeletonization is more than just cutting away metal; it's about finding the perfect balance between form and function. Each cut must be precise, ensuring that the structural integrity of the movement is maintained while maximizing visual appeal.

What I love most about the Monticello is that it not only showcases the inner workings of the watch but also highlights the depth of artistry and skill that goes into each piece. It's a unique design, one that I believe stands apart from anything else out there, and it truly embodies what 1776 Atelier is all about: craftsmanship, detail, and a deep appreciation for horology.

Jason Lu

The hand skeletonization process used in the Monticello is a testament to 1776 Atelier's commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques. It's a labor-intensive process that requires patience, skill, and an artistic eye. The result is a watch that's not just a timekeeper, but a piece of mechanical art.

Crafting Tomorrow's Heirlooms

1776 Atelier represents more than just a watch brand; it's a revival of American watchmaking tradition. Jason's vision is to create timepieces that reflect our history, ingenuity, and commitment to craftsmanship—without compromising accessibility or quality.

"For us, the Monticello represents the soul of watchmaking—challenging, intricate, and deeply rewarding," Jason concludes. "It's not just a watch; it's a testament to our passion for the craft.

"As 1776 Atelier continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking, they invite watch enthusiasts to be part of this exciting journey. Experience the artistry and precision of American horology reborn.

Visit the 1776 Atelier website to discover the Monticello and other exceptional timepieces that are set to become tomorrow's cherished heirlooms.

Time to Wind Down

As we reach the end of our horological journey with Jason Lu and 1776 Atelier, it's clear that the spirit of American watchmaking is alive and ticking. From flea market finds to hand-skeletonized masterpieces, Jason's passion for horology has come full circle, resulting in timepieces that are truly tomorrow's heirlooms.

As we wrap up, remember that great watches, like great stories, are meant to be shared. So, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your collection journey, why not spread the word about 1776 Atelier? Share this newsletter with your watch-obsessed friends, or better yet, upgrade to our premium subscription for exclusive insights and extra content.

Until next time, keep those watches wound, those movements moving, and remember, it's always time for a new adventure!

~Ian

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