While we have yet to leave behind the troubles 2020 brought us, it’s safe to say that 2021 is the year for strength, persistence, stability, and determination to rise above the challenges that continue to cross our path. And what better animal to represent these sturdy qualities than this year’s Zodiac animal – the Ox?
In celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year as well as our own inner strength, both local and international brands are honouring 2021 and the ox in their own way. And of course, luxury watchmakers are no exception. Keep reading to find out how 10 luxury brands are celebrating the new year and paying tribute to the ox.
Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Ox
Inspired by the Chinese paper-cutting technique called jian zhi, Vacheron Constantin reinterprets the craft with the help of its master engravers and enamellers. The cut-out vegetal motifs that appear on the dial are based on classic Chinese iconography, and have a standout effect from its base by a subtle stage-setting of variously accentuating relief, making the pattern appear to be floating over the dial.
The timepiece comes in either a blue or bronze-toned dial, which the ox brought to life in platinum or pink gold respectively at the centre. Each version is a limited edition to just 12 units. W vacheron-constantin.com
Jaquet Droz Petite Minute Heure Relief Buffalo
In honour of the Chinese zodiac, Jaquet Droz released the Petite Heure Minute Relief Buffalo in four pieces – three in red gold, and one in white gold. The first two feature 35mm and 41mm dials respectively, both with a handpainted pastoral scene.
They are differentiated by the 35mm sporting gem-set bezel and lugs, while the 41mm version comes without gems. The other two feature relief engraving of an ox, with one crafted in red gold and the other in white gold with a gem-set bezel and lugs. And of course, each handcrafted watch are available in 8 pieces. W jaquet-droz.com
Related: Chinese New Year is near and the luxury world is celebrating.
Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Ox
Chopard sought the skills of world-renowned Japanese lacquer artist Minori Koizumi to design the dial of its L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Ox watch, which features the traditional Urushi lacquer technique. Framed by an ethically-sourced 18K rose gold case, the dial captures a refined yet rustic scene of a golden ox with straight horns and an abundant coat, harnessed to a wagon.
The 39.5mm watch also boasts a mere 6.8mm thickness, sporting a slim bezel and powered by a L.U.C 96.17-L in-house calibre. The movement also comes equipped with a micro-rotor for automatic winding, with a power reserve of up to 65 hours. W chopard.com
Harry Winston Premier Chinese New Year Ox Automatic 36mm
Harry Winson turns up good fortune with its rose gold timepiece from the Premier collection, featuring a figure of an ox on its vivid red mother-of-pearl dial. The bezel and lugs come set with brilliant-cut white diamonds, with an emerald-cut diamond taking centre stage on the dial at 12 o’clock.
The watch is fitted with a glossy red alligator leather strap. And for an extra boost of luck and exclusivity, it follows the lucky Chinese number by only being available in 8 units. W harrywinston.com
Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon Monogram
The Chinese New Year Tambour Horizon Monogram takes on a more fun and playful approach to the Year of the Ox. From the cartoon ox and the dial to the strap, this 42mm watch is adorned with Louis Vuitton’s signature iconography.
On the dial, the ox is also seen carrying the Maison’s Malletier bag. For added contrast to the dial, this timepiece is available in white ceramic, polished steel, and matte black or brown PVD. W louisvuitton.com
Blancpain Villeret Year Of The Metal Ox
Limited to 50 watches, Blancpain’s Villeret Year of the Metal Ox doesn’t just pay tribute to the year’s Zodiac animal, but also the element that’s associated with it for 2021. The platinum watch is home to an exclusive and unique complication, where the Chinese calendar indications are combined with the Gregorian calendar and moon phases.
Another subtle nod to the ox comes in the form of an effigy that’s engraved onto the white gold oscillating weight that can be viewed on the open caseback. W blancpain.com
Piaget Altiplano Year of the Ox
Piaget gives a Lunar New Year touch to its iconic, ultra-thin Altiplano watch with a majestic ox against a Grand Feu cloisonné dial, the former having been designed by renowned artist and enameller Anita Porchet. The 4,000-year-old decorative art begins by transferring the design onto the surface of the dial using gold ribbons to create miniature partitions, or cloisons, then fired in the kiln multiple times and varnished to create the final image.
The 38mm timepiece comes in an 18K white-gold case set with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds, and powered by the marque’s 430P hand-wound movement. It’s fitted with an elegant black leather strap that’s also equipped with an 18K white gold pin buckle. W piaget.com
Breguet Reine de Naples Ref 8955
Probably the most feminine timepiece of the lot, Breguet’s elegant Reine de Naples Ref 8955 features its signature oval-shaped case in rose gold, fitted with the marque’s distinctive fluted case band. The dial marries Oriental tradition with European aesthetics, showcasing an ox carved out of natural seashell.
To top it off, the bezel is set with 40 diamonds for a touch of elegant glamour, and the watch is fitted with an alligator leather strap that’s secured by a triple-blade buckle adorned with 28 diamonds. W breguet.com
Ulysse Nardin Classico Year of the Ox
In celebration of good fortune, Ulysse Nardin goes for gold with its bold Classico “Year of the Ox” timepiece, which is limited to 88 pieces. The 40mm rose gold case houses a glimmering champlevé dial that’s manufactured by Conzé Cadrans, with an ox in the spotlight.
The watch is powered by the COSC-certified automatic Calibre Un-815, which offers up to 42 hours of power reserve. W ulysse-nardin.com
Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon ‘Year of the Ox’
Bold, captivating, and mysterious, Arnold & Sons’ Perpetual Moon “Year of the Ox” is a timepieces that glitters by day, and illuminates by night. A regal golden buffalo is stationed beneath an oversized mother-of-pearl moon, against a shimmering hematite dial backdrop. The shadows of the moon have been hand-painted with SuperLuminova, emitting a detailed, ethereal, lit-from-within glow in the dark.
The timepiece is powered by the hand-wound mechanical calibre A&S1512, which is entirely developed, produced, assembled, and decorated in the watchmaker’s Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland. W arnoldandson.com
Photos courtesy of the respective brands.
