Jason Lu

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.

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.