Project 大羽

Independent Atelier proudly presents Project Tai Yu, a tribute to the life and legacy of Kiu Tai Yu, China’s first AHCI member and a foundational figure in Chinese independent watchmaking. Kiu passed away in 2020, leaving behind a small but deeply influential body of work.

Honoring the Original

The dial layout closely follows the structure of Kiu Tai Yu’s Millennium watch. The upper section is dominated by an exposed balance wheel, held in place by a dual-sided bridge secured with flame-blued screws. This open display brings the movement to the forefront, reflecting Kiu’s belief that mechanics should be visible, not hidden.

The lower section features a raised time subdial, now executed in upgraded materials and paired with flame-blued hands. At twelve o’clock, the year 2025 is printed as a quiet marker of the moment this homage is realized.

The time display uses a traditional Suzhou-style layout, combining Traditional and Simplified Chinese numerals with Roman and Western Arabic numerals. This mixture reflects both cultural heritage and personal identity, referencing Kiu Tai Yu’s roots in the Suzhou region.

Flanking the subdial are two inscriptions that appeared on the original watch. On the left, 吉祥如意 expresses a wish for good fortune and harmony. On the right, 千年之禧 celebrates the millennium, a subtle nod to the release of Kiu’s original creation.

A Movement Revisited

Project Tai Yu’s movement carries the designation IATY-01. While visually faithful to the original architecture, it has been carefully upgraded using modern techniques to improve reliability and long-term performance.

The upgrades include refinements to the escapement, balance shaft, Incabloc shock protection, regulator, and hairspring. Every change was purposeful, designed to preserve the spirit and appearance of the original while ensuring the watch meets contemporary expectations for durability and precision.

Dial and Exterior Refinements

On the dial side, several upgrades further elevate the execution while maintaining visual continuity. The main black dial is now produced in porcelain enamel. The Tai Yu inscription on the left side of the case is rendered in cold enamel, as is the upgraded buckle. Despite these refinements, the overall appearance remains intentionally close to the original watch. The intention was to pay homage to Master Kiu at the same time subtly enhance it without compromising its character.

Technical Specifications

● Brand: Independent Atelier

● Model: Project 大羽 (Homage to Master Kiu Tai Yu)

● Case material: 18K yellow gold

● Case dimensions: 35mm x 46mm x 11.2mm (including sapphire crystal)

● Crystal: Sapphire crystal on front and back

● Water resistance: 30 meters

● Movement: IATY-01, 28,800 vph, 25 jewels, 60 hours of power reserve

● Strap: JeaYou alligator leather

● Availability: Limited to 25 pieces