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Independent Atelier announced Project Tai Yu in January 2026 as a tribute to Chinese watchmaker Kiu Tai Yu and his Millennium watch. Launch coverage described a 25-watch limited edition, but the atelier’s current website presents a different Project Tai Yu: a piece unique with bespoke Year of the Horse dial artwork and an ETA 2892 movement. Those descriptions should be treated as distinct, since the website does not explain their relationship.
Who was Kiu Tai Yu?
Kiu Tai Yu was a Chinese independent watchmaker. MONOCHROME reports that he joined the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) in 1992 and introduced the Millennium watch in 2000 as a run of 20 pieces. Fratello reports that Independent Atelier founder Benjamin Hui spent more than a decade looking for Tai Yu’s watches and acquired two; one informed Project Tai Yu.
Fratello quotes Hui saying, “I have been a huge admirer of Master Kiu Tai Yu for more than 13 years,” and, “I spent over 10 years tracking down two of his watches.” Hui described the project as an effort to share that interest with collectors who might otherwise struggle to find Tai Yu’s work.
What was the January 2026 Project Tai Yu launch?
Fratello and MONOCHROME reported the launch edition as a 25-piece tribute to Tai Yu’s Millennium. Fratello says Hui and collaborator Zhang YuXin studied the movement of an original Millennium watch. Hui characterized what they learned this way: “He essentially used his own handmade components to compose the movement.” The project was presented as research into Tai Yu’s work and a continuation of its ideas, rather than a conventional revival of a brand.
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Launch-edition specifications reported in January 2026
Fratello described the launch watch with these specifications:
- 35 mm 18K yellow-gold case; 46 mm lug-to-lug and 11.2 mm thick.
- Sapphire crystals on both sides and 30 m water resistance.
- Black-and-red leather strap.
- A two-part dial: a black upper section exposing the balance and a silver lower time display, with Chinese, Roman and Western Arabic numerals.
- Movement identified as IATY-01, automatic with manual winding, running at 28,800 vibrations per hour and fitted with 25 jewels.
MONOCHROME reported the same case dimensions and edition size. It gave the launch price as CHF 30,500 before VAT.
Rank #2
- 【US 250th Anniversary Theme Watch】The design commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States—celebrating from 1776 to 2026, paying tribute to the 250th anniversary of American independence with iconic patriotic motifs and historical symbols. This elastic watch features an Independence day commemorative band. The dial with Arabic numerals for easy and quick time reading.
- 【Stainless Steel Elastic Strap】The elastic strap is designed to fit wrists ranging from 5.91" to 7.48" (15-19 cm). Case dimensions: 1.33" x 1.1" (3.4 x 2.8 cm), thickness: 0.35" (0.9 cm), strap width: 0.7" (1.8 cm), comfortable for everyday wear.
- 【Easy Read Dial】The large round dial features arabic numerals for clear and easy readability. Powered by reliable quartz analog movement, it ensures accurate and stable timekeeping, making it ideal for everyday wear. Alloy case, brass dial, stainless steel stretch strap, and stainless steel case back.Stable performance and lightweight design, making it suitable for everyday wear in all seasons.
- 【Perfect Gift】This watch makes a truly meaningful gift for husband, father, grandfather, veteran, patriot or anyone who is proud to be American. Perfect for the 250th anniversary celebrations, Father's Day, Veterans Day, birthdays, Independence Day, Patriots Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Graduation, Christmas, Birthdays, Thanksgiving or other important holidays.
- 【Suitable Occasions】Suitable for everyday wear, office, business occasions, parties, gatherings, and casual outings. It complements both casual and formal attire, making it a versatile accessory for social events, commutes, and daily life. If you receive your watch and find it malfunctioning, please try replacing the battery, as it may be depleted.
The reported power reserve and movement base do not agree
Launch coverage does not establish one consistent power-reserve figure: Fratello and Waqt report 60 hours, while MONOCHROME and Italian Watch Spotter report 38 hours. MONOCHROME also describes IATY-01 as likely based on ETA 2824 architecture, not as a confirmed base. Without a technical statement resolving these differences, neither the reserve nor the movement’s exact base should be treated as settled.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the current website description differs
Independent Atelier’s current website describes Project Tai Yu as a “piece unique,” with bespoke Year of the Horse dial artwork, a 35 mm 18K yellow-gold case and an ETA 2892 automatic movement. The site also identifies “Tai Yu” / 大羽 (Da Yu) as a tribute to Kiu Tai Yu.
Rank #3
- COMMEMORATIVE AMERICAN FLAG DESIGN: Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with this stylish watch featuring a bold American flag print on the dial and strap
- EASY-TO-READ ARABIC NUMERALS: The ultra-clear dial with large Arabic numerals ensures effortless readability, perfect for elderly users or anyone who values clarity
- ELASTIC EXPANSION BAND: The flexible stainless steel elastic strap comfortably fits wrist sizes from 5.91" to 7.48", making it easy to slip on and off without clasps
- VERSATILE & RELIABLE: Designed for daily wear, celebrations, or gifting, this quartz watch is lightweight and powered by a durable, precise movement for all-day accuracy
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE MATERIALS: Made with an alloy case, stainless steel band, and copper dial, ensuring long-lasting quality while remaining lightweight at just 0.049kg
This is not the same specification set as the January launch coverage: the edition status, dial treatment and movement description differ. The website does not say whether its piece unique is a later iteration, a separate treatment of the project or a correction to the launch reporting. Its current description should therefore not be used to overwrite the reported 25-piece launch edition—or vice versa. The site does not state a current price or availability.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- COMMEMORATIVE AMERICAN FLAG DESIGN: Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with this stylish watch featuring a bold American flag print on the dial and strap
- EASY-TO-READ ARABIC NUMERALS: The ultra-clear dial with large Arabic numerals ensures effortless readability, perfect for elderly users or anyone who values clarity
- ELASTIC EXPANSION BAND: The flexible stainless steel elastic strap comfortably fits wrist sizes from 7.08" to 8.66", making it easy to slip on and off without clasps
- VERSATILE & RELIABLE: Designed for daily wear, celebrations, or gifting, this quartz watch is lightweight and powered by a durable, precise movement for all-day accuracy
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE MATERIALS: Made with an alloy case, stainless steel band, and copper dial, ensuring long-lasting quality while remaining lightweight at just 0.049kg
What collectors can take from the announcement
- The historical tribute centers on Tai Yu and a Millennium watch reported by MONOCHROME as a 20-piece production from 2000.
- The January 2026 launch was reported as a 25-piece edition, with a CHF 30,500 price before VAT according to MONOCHROME.
- Published launch specifications conflict on power reserve, and the proposed ETA 2824 connection is not confirmed.
- The atelier’s current website describes a piece unique with a different dial treatment and an ETA 2892; it does not clarify how that description relates to the launch edition.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
