BURO Watch List: 7 Watches to Welcome the Lunar New Year
Paint the town red

Do not be alarmed if you start seeing red—it’s just the thrill of the looming Chinese New Year. As we step into the year of the snake, a sensuous creature that according to traditional wisdom represents longevity, wisdom, and mystery, many are eager to start dressing up accordingly to ensure an auspicious year ahead. Lucky for you, the luxury world listens. Some renowned watchmakers have already placed themselves ahead of the curve, expressing their appreciation for and paying homage to the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac. From Franck Muller to Jaeger-LeCoultre, these brands combine the serpentine allure with technical innovation, celebrating the graceful mystique of the snake in ways only they know how.
JAEGER-LECOULTRE REVERSO TRIBUTE ENAMEL SNAKE


Following the launch of its stunning Tiger and Dragon watch editions, Jaeger-LeCoultre once again pays tribute to the Chinese Zodiac. The Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake features a fierce snake motif that’s hand-engraved into the 18K pink gold case. Juxtaposed against a background of black Grand Feu enamel, the reptile makes a surprising yet delightful appearance when the watchmaker’s signature swivelling case is turned to its reverse side. At the heart of the exquisite timepiece beats a hand-wound Calibre 822, offering a 42-hour power reserve.
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IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN PORTOFINO AUTOMATIC MOON PHASE 37 YEAR OF THE SNAKE


The celebratory spirit at IWC Schaffhausen is done in a thoroughly symbolic way. First, there is the burgundy dial—a shade of red that is synonymous with the Chinese community, especially during the Lunar New Year. Hanging over it are the golden moon and stars, embellishing the moon phase display located at 12 o’clock. On the other side of the watch, the oscillating mass created in the shape of a snake guards the caseback. The gold-plated serpent watches over the treasure inside: the IWC-manufactured 32800 calibre with a power reserve of 120 hours.
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DIOR GRAND SOIR YEAR OF THE SNAKE


Putting a romantic spin on the serpent is Dior’s Grand Soir Year of the Snake. Resting on top of a mother-of-pearl dial with a Toile de Jouy pattern, the snake is surrounded by delicate motifs. Here, layers of flowers in mother-of-pearl and rose gold provide the animal with a soothing shade. The rose gold butterflies fluttering about complete the idyllic diorama. Framed by a rose gold bezel set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds, the limited-edition watch is powered by the automatic Sellita SW300 calibre, offering a reliable 42-hour power reserve for extended wear.
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BREITLING AVENGER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 44 COBRA


Originally crafted for fighter pilots, the Avenger by Breitling has been given a visual upgrade that reflects its purpose. The Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra, for instance, features a depiction of a cobra on the subdial at 9 o’clock. Echoing the same vision are the predator’s likeness on the caseback and its flicking tongue on the second hand. An intrigue that goes beyond aesthetics, the watch comes with specs that mirror the cobra’s speed and precision. One of the highlights here is Breitling’s Manufacture Caliber 01, which promises the wearer a 70-hour power reserve.
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FRANCK MULLER SILHOUETTE CX SNAKE

Slithering close on the heels of this year’s Cintrée Curvex Ryoko Kaneta Dragon Limited Edition is the Silhouette CX Snake. Bringing sexy back to watchmaking, Franck Muller teases the allure of the snake with only its asymmetrical curves. Nestled within a new case shape in 18k rose gold, whose undulating design makes the timepiece a true work of art, the snake slinks across the sunray-brushed dial. Its luscious curves are brought to life by hand-set emeralds. The watch also boasts stunning inner workings, featuring an in-house movement that has been placed centrally.
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ARNOLD & SON PERPETUAL MOON 41.5 RED GOLD YEAR OF THE SNAKE

The term ‘wearable art’ gets a whole new meaning with Arnold & Son’s latest masterpiece. Using its blue aventurine glass dial as a canvas, the Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold Year of the Snake paints the allure of the serpent in one masterful brushstroke. The sensuous snake, hand-engraved into a block of 18K rose gold, can be seen sliding across the branch of a Ginkgo tree. The mother-of-pearl moon illuminates its curves. More than just the aesthetics, the timepiece is powered by the manually-wound A&S1512 calibre that offers the wearer a 90-hour power reserve.
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PANERAI LUMINOR PERPETUAL CALENDAR PAM01688

Setting itself apart from its contemporaries, Italian luxury watch manufacturer Panerai takes a subtler approach. Paying homage to the wisdom and grace of the snake, the limited-edition Luminor Perpetual Calendar PAM01688 evokes the Chinese New Year spirit with its beautiful burgundy dial. The deep red hue is a nod to the Chinese culture, symbolising fortune and joy. The Panerai P.4100 calibre, paired with the groundbreaking Panerai Goldtech, powers the timepiece and boasts a three-day power reserve.
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