The Chinese zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle where each year is related to an animal sign. Come January 28, 2017, the star of the Chinese New Year is the rooster. With many excellent characteristics, the rooster is often described as independent, quick-minded and confident. Said to take pride in its appearance and be punctual (hence the morning call), the boisterous bird seems to be the perfect subject for eccentric watch dials. Here, we’ve compiled five timepieces designed to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year:
Ulysse Nardin Year of the Rooster Classico watch
Ulysse Nardin’s watch rendition of this year’s Chinese zodiac is a rooster portrayed on the dial in vibrant colours and bold shimmer, achieved by blending a host of different metallic oxides. With a sapphire caseback to enable viewing of the meticulously finished movement, there are only 88 pieces of this exclusive 40mm timepiece.
Piaget Altiplano Chinese Zodiac
Marking the fifth year that Piaget created a zodiac sign-themed timepiece, this year’s rendition features a rooster on the dial of its ultra-thin Altiplano watch. Using a cloisonné enameling technique, the shadows and depth of the rooster’s feathers are defined with contrasting gray, white and black, teamed with a tinge of vibrant red on the comb of the rooster’s head and its wattle beneath the chin. With just 38 limited pieces of the 38mm watch, this 18-karat white gold case is bedecked with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art the legend of the Chinese Zodiac
This luxury Swiss brand unveils two renditions of its Métiers d’Art ‘Legend of the Chinese Zodiac’ watches—one in 18-karat white gold against a blue Grand Feu enamel dial and another in 18-karat rose gold against a copper-coloured Grand Feu enamel dial. With a transparent sapphire caseback on the 40mm watch to allow viewing of the movement, only 12 pieces of each version will be made.
Jaquet Droz Petite-Heure Chinese Fire Rooster
Depicted in hand-painted sophistication on the dial, a vibrant blue and gold rooster stands in the center against a background of Grand Feu enamel. Available in a sculptured rooster version, an 18-karat gold rooster is sculpted by hand on the dial. Each of the 35mm or 39mm watches is created in a limited edition of 28 pieces.
Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Rooster
Turning to the ancient Japanese art of Urushi lacquer painting, the rooster is stunningly portrayed on an ultra-thin L.U.C. watch. Combining Japanese art with Swiss craftsmanship, this timepiece displays head-turning colours and artistic textures. This 18-karat rose gold number is being crafted in a limited edition of only 88 pieces.
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