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:

• Hand-applied anglage—executed with precision, creating crisp yet fluid bevels.
• Hand-skeletonization, sculpting movements to achieve a balance of structure and elegance.
• Black polishing, achieving mirror-like surfaces that demand painstaking effort.
• Hand engraving, a tribute to the artistry that once defined American watchmaking.
• Watch design, merging history and innovation into distinctly American timepieces.

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.