Maison Celadon Pearl Imperial Double Phoenix (CL Collection)
The Celadon CL or Claire de Lune collection showcases a range of artisanal dials with craftsmanship at the forefront.
In late January (2026) I received an always welcome note from Benjamin Chee, the founder and designer of both Maison Celadon and Celadon Haute Horlogerie (Celadon HH), with the news that he was gifting me and the AMCHPR, well...my choice from among the Pearl series of Celadon CL or Claire de Lune collection. My choice was the Double Phoenix.
The watch arrived at my home on Wednesday, February 4th.
The watch arrived at my home on Wednesday, February 4th.
Ben described this hugely kind gift to me as: "thanks for helping me learn about Chinese watches and the history of Chinese horology when I first discovered your museum back in 2009"
But Ben had previously and, again, hugely kindly, gifted me a Celadon Imperial (Imperial Red plum blossom guilloche pattern dial) limited edition that I documented at Watchuseek, back in 2014.
Some background:
Ben and I have been online friends, at least, since 2009. We both passionately shared an interest in Chinese horology and Chinese culture and its impact on watch design and so on, and we both entered the field of Chinese watch and clock making at roughly the same time, late 2008 and early 2009. I knew Ben was serious and sincere from the get-go, and I also understood right away that he was capable of making things happen.
When Maison Celadon was just an idea, Ben shared with me his desire to make a very high quality, entirely Chinese watch that openly stated its Chinese origin, and as the idea of the company began to take more shape, we shared what we were learning. We also shared each other's counsel on how he might best proceed in his directions, and I might best proceed in mine, too.
The AMCHPR idea was also in its early development, and Ben's been a kind, strong and open supporter of my efforts. His insights have helped me understand a number of things over the years, about horology, Chinese and wider Asian culture, but also also about living a life with energy and optimism.
Good news and bad news:
The photo, taken during 2018 visit to the Suzhou Embroidery Arts Studio. is Ben, the Studio's Embroidery Arts Master, Xue Jindi, and me. A good day.
Except for the loss of the Inperial. And I know from discussions with Ben over the years that he knew how upset and saddened I was at the time, and continuing.
Ben and I have been online friends, at least, since 2009. We both passionately shared an interest in Chinese horology and Chinese culture and its impact on watch design and so on, and we both entered the field of Chinese watch and clock making at roughly the same time, late 2008 and early 2009. I knew Ben was serious and sincere from the get-go, and I also understood right away that he was capable of making things happen.
When Maison Celadon was just an idea, Ben shared with me his desire to make a very high quality, entirely Chinese watch that openly stated its Chinese origin, and as the idea of the company began to take more shape, we shared what we were learning. We also shared each other's counsel on how he might best proceed in his directions, and I might best proceed in mine, too.
The AMCHPR idea was also in its early development, and Ben's been a kind, strong and open supporter of my efforts. His insights have helped me understand a number of things over the years, about horology, Chinese and wider Asian culture, but also also about living a life with energy and optimism.
Good news and bad news:
- Good news: I spent a terrific day with Ben in Shanghai and Suzhou in 2018.
- Bad news: that same visit to Shangjai and before I got to meet Ben face to face, the Celadon Imperial Red plum blossom dial watch was lost.
- Both the great day together and the loss are detailed here.
The photo, taken during 2018 visit to the Suzhou Embroidery Arts Studio. is Ben, the Studio's Embroidery Arts Master, Xue Jindi, and me. A good day.
Except for the loss of the Inperial. And I know from discussions with Ben over the years that he knew how upset and saddened I was at the time, and continuing.
Ben is a kind guy (don't forget that Ben supports Singapore's adopted dog shelter Gentle Paws with proceeds from his ventures), and it's not lost on me that quite apart from "helping [Ben] learn," this very generous gift is a way to ease the loss of the last watch, and it says something about Ben that he'd do this.
Ben, I appreciate this very, very much. I appreciate it every bit as much as I appreciate our shared interest in and hopes for the future of the Chinese watch industry. You are a superb friend, and the watch is beautiful.
Some more photos and details:
The Pearl Imperial Double Phoenix features a Mother-of-Pearl CNC guilloché dial , 38mm case diameter, 20mm strap width at lugs, front and rear sapphire crystals.
Ben describes the movement as a "Celadon-Grade ST18 [automatic] movement...finished to the highest possible standards and regulated in-house to within 10 seconds per day."
My photo doesn't show the beautiful curve of the caseback as it rises up to the crystal, but at least it highlights the gorgeous hand stiched Delugs strap.
The watch has a terrific 316L stainless steel case featuring lovely polished teardrop lugs in side profiile, and a sharp signed crown. Super comfortable.
And a last shot of the lower portion of the strap.
This is a beautiful horological start for The year Of The Horse, and I continue to be amazed at the kindness I'm shown so often by members of the now very world-wide Chinese watch community.