According to Chinese tradition and the zodiac calendar, this Lunar New Year marks a transition to the year of the Ox. It’s a zodiac sign that’s highly appropriate for 2021, given its reputation for persevering in the face of adversity, a trait made even stronger by this year’s corresponding metal element. To remind yourself of the determination the ox represents and to celebrate the fresh start of a new year, consider investing in one of the limited-edition Lunar New Year watches from one of the most prestigious jewellery houses. From Piaget’s enamel design to Harry Winston’s diamond-adorned timepiece, discover the best watches made in honour of the Chinese New Year.
Lvcea Skeleton Watch
£27,200
Bulgari’s special edition Lunar New Year watch uses the symbolic colour of red in place of the ox, with a Lvcea Skeleton model that sports a red alligator leather strap and red dial details. On the face, the Bulgari letters are spelt out in rose gold and diamonds over the intricate winding mechanism, housed in an 18 kt rose gold case set with more diamonds.
Premier Chinese New Year Ox Watch
Price on request
Celebrating the regality of the animal, this extremely limited-edition watch — only 8 will be made — features an 18-karat rose gold ox set against a red mother-of-pearl dial. The design is accentuated with 105 brilliant-cut diamonds as well as one emerald-cut, creating a decadent watch that pays tribute to both the new year and Winston’s love of diamonds with brilliant effect.
Altiplano Year of the Ox Watch
Price on request
With a limited-edition of 38 pieces, this ultra-thin watch offers a more subtle approach, with a cloisonné enamel face with an ox designed by artist Anita Porchet using delicate gold ribbons. The 18-karat white gold case is adorned with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds, adding a touch of sparkle to this symbol of resilience.
Grand Bal Jardin Fleuri Watch
£27,000
Inspired by Chinese gardens, the face of Dior’s Lunar New Year watch is adorned with flowers of gold, diamonds, pink sapphires and rubies, with the red mother-of-pearl dial speckled with tiny gold flecks and surrounded by diamonds.
Métiers d'Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Watch
£130,000
As part of the house’s acclaimed Métiers d’Art collectibles collection, the two versions of the Lunar New Year watch feature a hand-engraved ox set in a platinum or 18k pink gold case. With only 38 of each type made, this timepiece’s blue or bronzed enamel gives it an intense vibrancy in place of diamonds.
L.U.C Urushi Year of the Ox Watch
£21,500
Chopard’s take on the Lunar New Year watch pays tribute to the ox’s symbolism of good harvests as well as ancient Asian traditions of craftsmanship. The dial features a urushi lacquer design, crafted with lacquer and gold powder by Japanese masters, and is set in 18-karat rose gold.
