Imagine a watch so rare, only 20 were ever made, and it took one man over a decade to find just two. This is the story of Benjamin Hui’s relentless pursuit to honor China’s first AHCI watchmaker, Kiu Tai Yu, through the breathtaking Project Tai Yu. But here’s where it gets controversial—is recreating a legendary watch a tribute or a disruption to its legacy? Let’s dive in.
Benjamin Hui, founder of Independent Atelier and a passionate watch collector, has dedicated much of his life to celebrating the work of Kiu Tai Yu. Tai Yu, a pioneer in Chinese high-end independent watchmaking, made history in 1992 as the first Chinese member of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI). His Millennium watch, introduced in 2000, is a holy grail for collectors, with only 20 pieces ever produced. Hui’s decade-long quest to acquire not one but two of these rarities is a testament to his dedication. Now, through Independent Atelier, he’s reviving this iconic timepiece in a limited run of 25 pieces, ensuring Tai Yu’s legacy lives on.
But this isn’t just a remake—it’s a labor of love and a technical marvel. Hui has partnered with Zhang YuXin, a fellow GPHG academy member and talented Chinese watchmaker, to bring Project Tai Yu to life. The 18k yellow gold case, measuring a modest 35mm in diameter, is a faithful homage to the original. Yet, it’s anything but simple. Sculpted lugs feature a spiraling pattern filled with red lacquer, while the left side bears Tai Yu’s name in red cold enamel—a subtle yet powerful tribute. The knurled crown, nestled between guards, adds a touch of elegance.
The dial is a masterpiece in itself, split into two sections. The top showcases a black porcelain enamel finish with an exposed balance wheel, held by a double-sided gold bridge and heat-blued screws. The lower section houses the hours and minutes subdial, featuring a mix of Arabic, Roman, and Chinese numerals—a nod to Tai Yu’s cultural roots. And this is the part most people miss—the left side of the dial is engraved with Chinese symbols for ‘Good Fortune & Harmony,’ while the right side bears the name ‘Millennium,’ honoring Tai Yu’s original creation.
Under the hood, the IATY-01 movement is a recreation of Tai Yu’s original, likely based on the ETA 2824 architecture but with modern upgrades. The escapement, balance shaft, Incabloc shock protection, regulator, and hairspring have all been improved. What’s truly remarkable? During reverse engineering, the team discovered Tai Yu had handcrafted many components—a rarity even today. The movement operates at 28,800vph with a 38-hour power reserve.
Project Tai Yu comes with two straps—black and red alligator leather—both featuring a yellow gold pin buckle with red-filled engravings. One strap even includes a red ‘bow-tie’ detail and Tai Yu’s name in yellow gold over red cold enamel. Priced at CHF 30,500 (before VAT) and limited to 25 pieces, this watch is more than a timepiece—it’s a piece of history.
But here’s the question: Does recreating a legendary watch dilute its exclusivity, or does it democratize its legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments. For more details, visit Independent Atelier’s Instagram page or contact them directly. Either way, Project Tai Yu is a bold statement—a bridge between the past and the future of Chinese watchmaking.
