The arrival of the Year of the Ox has already seen watch brands begin to pay homage to the zodiac animal. Like previous years, in lieu of Chinese New Year, watchmakers have released commemorative pieces tied in to this year’s celebrations. As such, we now see the ox take centre stage on many of these limited-edition themed watches.
Showcasing a mix of styles and craftsmanship, brands have flexed their creative muscles to immortalise the ox — known as a strong and dependable zodiac animal — in their timepieces. With the Lunar New Year approaching, we check out some festive watches that are timely for the Year of the Ox.
L.U.C XP URUSHI YEAR OF THE OX
Utilising age-old techniques combined with watchmaking mastery, Chopard has produced a fitting timepiece for the Lunar New Year. Limited to 88 pieces, the L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Ox timepiece is presented in an 18k rose gold case and features an Urushi lacquer dial. Handcrafted in Japan by traditional master lacquer artisans, the dial is adorned with an ox and cart motif. Ticking beneath the ornamental dial is an L.U.C 96.17-L manufacture movement, which arrives with a 65-hour power reserve.
PIAGET ALTIPLANO YEAR OF THE OX
The ox comes to life on Piaget’s signature ultra-thin model courtesy of artist Anita Porchet. Spectacular and beautiful, the Chinese Zodiac is featured prominently on the grand-feu cloisonné enamel dial. An object of luxury and beauty, this special-edition Altiplano arrives in a 38mm 18k white gold case set with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds. Beating within the slim case is the brand’s 430P hand-wound mechanical movement. Paired with an elegant black leather strap, this exceptional luxury watch is produced in a series of just 38 pieces.
LOUIS VUITTON CHINESE NEW YEAR TAMBOUR HORIZON MONOGRAM ECLIPSE
The luxury house offers a whimsical take on the Chinese Zodiac courtesy of its Tambour Horizon Monogram Eclipse smartwatch. Wearers can opt for one of the 12 illustrated themed dials featuring the animals presented on a red monogram background. Each zodiac is also featured carrying the brand’s signature monogrammed bag. Powered by Wear OS by Google, the Tambour Horizon smartwatch runs on the Snapdragon Wear 3100 platform. The fun watch features a 42mm case marked with Louis Vuitton‘s signature iconography.
BLANCPAIN VILLERET YEAR OF THE METAL OX
Trust Blancpain to make a statement with its latest Chinese New Year edition timepiece, which is limited to 50 pieces. The watch features an exclusive complication that works the Chinese calendar indications along with the Gregorian calendar and moon phases. Unique in appearance, the timepiece is housed in a 45mm platinum case and boasts an elegant Grand Feu enamel dial. An open sapphire case back showcases the movement along with a white gold oscillating weight engraved with the ox.
JAQUET DROZ PETITE HEURE MINUTE RELIEF BUFFALO
Blending art and watch making has been a hallmark of Jaquet Droz. This year the watchmaker continues that tradition with a series of immaculate limited-edition timepieces celebrating the Year of the Ox. The Petite Heure Minute Relief Buffalo is a clear standout of the collection. The dial features a hand-engraved and hand-painted buffalo and tree set with 27 rubies set against a black onyx dial. The 41mm timepiece is available in red gold and white gold along with a gem-set bezel. The ox is also featured on the oscillating weight for wearers to admire.
VACHERON CONSTANTIN MÉTIERS D’ART THE LEGEND OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC – YEAR OF THE OX
The brand’s 2021 Lunar Year collection features two new creations, which combine the brand’s renowned watchmaking skills and artistic crafts. Here Vacheron Constantin utilises the Chinese paper-cutting technique known as Jianzhi for the treatment of the dial. The result sees the ox stunningly coming to life on the hands-free display. A calibre 2460 G4 powers the timepiece with the hours, minutes, days and dates, shown through four apertures. The Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac is available in platinum or pink gold and limited to 12 pieces each.
(Main image: Jacquet Droz)