Atelier Wen Ancestra Launch EditionvsLorier Astra

The Atelier Wen Ancestra Launch Edition is widely praised for its unique hand-hammered grand feu enamel dial, featuring Chinese arts and crafts and micro-etched poetry on its custom French movement. Owners and reviewers highlight the dial's dramatic gradient and the flush-set baguette diamond hour markers, all housed in a compact 38mm steel case. The movement is noted as superior to standard ETA or Sellita options. Some owners feel a seconds hand would be a welcome addition, and the $5,850 price point is considered a significant step up, with one commenter finding the brand overpriced. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Atelier Wen Ancestra Launch Edition highly for its exceptional dial artistry and unique movement at its price.

The Lorier Astra is praised for its outstanding details and design language, hitting a "dressy sports watch" vibe with a beautiful sector dial and lume. Owners note its versatile, do-it-all design with classic proportions and refined details like beveled markers, making it suitable for both formal and casual wear. The watch wears slightly larger than its 36mm case suggests, closer to 38mm, with lugs that taper and curve downward to fit well on smaller wrists. However, the bracelet feels a bit light, some screws are difficult to remove, and the Miyota movement can gain around 8 seconds in 12 hours with potentially offset date numerals. On balance, owners rate the Lorier Astra highly for its dressy sports watch aesthetic and refined details at its price point.