About Us
Welcome to 1776 Atelier
At 1776 Atelier, we are part of a new generation of American watchmakers — dedicated to the pursuit of true high horology and the creation of mechanical art at the highest level. Our movements are designed from the ground up, featuring proprietary bridge architecture and bespoke designs crafted to emphasize both precision and beauty. Every timepiece reflects a commitment to genuine American craftsmanship, where artistry, technical integrity, and hand-executed detail form the foundation of everything we create.
Our watches showcase traditional finishing techniques executed entirely by hand: anglage (hand beveling), perlage, black polishing, hand-engraved complex designs, circular satin finishing, solarization grinding, and a variety of meticulously applied surface textures. Every technique serves to highlight the integrity and inherent artistry of hand craftsmanship and authentic watchmaking – not to distract from them.
Rather than imitate tradition, we build upon it — offering collectors timepieces defined not by slogans or geography, but by the unmistakable hallmarks of fine mechanical artistry.
Our Story
The creation of 1776 Atelier is a tribute to the spirit of American ingenuity and passion for fine watchmaking. Founded by dedicated watch collectors with a profound appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of horology, 1776 Atelier embodies the belief that greatness in watchmaking transcends geographical boundaries. Just as 1776 symbolizes America’s bold declaration of independence from Great Britain, our brand represents a declaration of excellence in the world of luxury watches. While we honor traditional, time-honored watchmaking techniques, our commitment to creating extraordinary timepieces is rooted in American soil. Beyond in-house design and assembly, we are proud to be one of the few American Watchmakers offering our own manufacture movements. Caliber 621.1788 and caliber 430.1803 are constructed using >70% American-made parts with our own proprietary bridges and plates. Gears are transformed in house. Every component from setting levers, main spring barrels to Jewel sinks are meticulously finished. Some undergo snailing while others are treated to satiné circulare depending on the finish that best suits our unique designs. Every-single-component is touched in some way or form. No off the shelf-parts are leveraged. The entire movement is finished regulated right here in Texas. We employ traditional hand-finishing techniques that enable us to offer exquisitely finished mechanical masterpieces at values unheard of in the industry. 1776 Atelier stands as a testament to American skill and vision, proving that horological brilliance is not confined to any single nation but can flourish anywhere talent and passion unite.
Our Founder & Watchmaker
Jason Lu
Founder
The Genesis of 1776 Atelier
1776 Atelier is the embodiment of Jason Lu’s relentless pursuit of precision, craftsmanship, and innovation. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep reverence for American history, Jason’s journey into watchmaking was not just an evolution of his passions—it was a calling.
Before founding 1776 Atelier, Jason built a career as a senior technology executive, overseeing some of the largest and most advanced technology manufacturing operations in the world. His award-winning expertise in complex manufacturing process optimization, precision engineering, and high-efficiency production would later prove invaluable in the world of fine watchmaking. But beyond large-scale manufacturing, his true passion lay in the intricacies of mechanical timepieces.
A Journey into Watchmaking
Jason’s love for watches began as a collector, appreciating the artistry of horology from the perspective of an enthusiast. But collecting was never enough—he needed to understand the mechanics, the finishing, and the craftsmanship behind the finest timepieces. He immersed himself in watch restoration, teaching himself to disassemble, regulate, and rebuild vintage and modern movements. His work soon expanded to pocket watch restoration and even conversion, breathing new life into historical pieces by transforming them into marriage watches.
As his skillset grew, so did his connections in the watch world. His journey took him to Glashütte, Germany, where he befriended and trained with some of the finest watchmakers in the industry. Jason considers himself blessed to have learned from the very best, working alongside master artisans whose expertise shaped his approach to watch design, fine finishing, and traditional techniques. Being able to have hands-on training from a world that is known to be secretive truly elevated Jason’s ability to create mechanical artwork. The time spent with other watchmakers was more than just an education—it led to lasting friendships with seasoned masters who share his passion for the craft. Over the years, he has built strong relationships with a select few artisans whom he regularly collaborates with, using them as sounding boards for design, finishing techniques, and new ideas. Their shared dedication to horology has fostered a deep mutual respect, and Jason considers himself fortunate to have learned from some of the finest minds in watchmaking—friendships that continue to inspire and refine his approach to the art while bringing new levels of artistry to American watchmaking.
Challenging the Status Quo in Horology
Through his experiences, Jason recognized a glaring truth: while European watchmakers excelled in fine finishing, few American brands pursued this level of artistry. But beyond that, the watch industry had conditioned collectors to accept that true hand-finishing was reserved for only the most exorbitantly priced timepieces. The reality was clear—exceptional finishing should not be inaccessible.
Jason founded 1776 Atelier to challenge this notion, merging traditional hand-finishing techniques with an accessible price point—something virtually unseen in the industry. The brand is built on a foundation of meticulous craftsmanship, offering:
- Anglage—the art of hand beveling. A meticulous process that softens every edge into a gleaming mirror-polished chamfer. More than a decoration, it brings light and life to the movement’s architecture, requiring endless patience and the practice hand of a true watchmaker.
- Hand-skeletonization -A true métier d’art demanding vision, restraint and a steady hand. Each bridge and plate is meticulously open-worked using hand saws and files to reveal the movement’s soul while preserving its strength- An exercise in both mechanical understanding and artistic finesse.
- Black polishing, one of watchmaking’s most exacting arts- requiring perfect flatness and endless hours of hand work. When done correctly, it reflects light so purely that surfaces turn pitch black and the right angle. A mirror finish achieved through extraordinary precision and patience.
- Solarization Grinding, Using hand craftsmanship and 75 year-old grinding machines, we create a flourish so intricate and temperamental that few master it. This time-honored technique turns raw surfaces into whirling galaxies of reflection and rhythm.
- Hand engraving, a true métier d’art demanding precision patience and years of mastery. With a graver, we carve flowing scrolls, intricate logos, and delicate inscriptions that catch and reflect light, giving each piece depth brilliance, and soul that no machine can replicate.
- Watch design, uniting traditional hand craftsmanship with bold modern design to reimagine American watchmaking as both and art form and a forward-looking craft.
The philosophy behind 1776 Atelier is deeply rooted in America’s watchmaking heritage. The United States pioneered mass production, making timepieces more accessible to the public—revolutionizing the industry. Now, Jason brings that same spirit into the modern age, democratizing high horology while ensuring that it remains distinctly American in origin.
The result? Exquisite hand-finished timepieces that defy expectations—offering a level of craftsmanship typically reserved for watches at exponentially higher price points.
Our Promise
At 1776 Atelier, we understand that purchasing a watch is not just a transaction but a deeply personal journey and an extension of your unique style and personality. As passionate collectors ourselves, we appreciate the significance of the entire ownership experience, from the selection process to the final acquisition. Our commitment is to ensure that every timepiece we craft meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Each timepiece is built with the same care and attention we would give if it were for ourselves or someone we love. For our customers we know these are more than watches; they are personal -and we treat them that way.
Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we are dedicated to providing a luxury experience that resonates with your individual tastes and makes the purchasing process as meaningful as the timepiece itself.