2014 Year of the Horse Watches

2014 Year of the Horse Watches


by Nancy Olson

The Chinese calendar recognizes 2014 as the Year of the Horse, which technically begins January 31. In honor of this, a number of watch brands are commemorating this designation with a variety of equine dial motifs. Each is a beautiful representation of the individual company’s métier, featuring such artisanal crafts as enameling, engraving, lacquering and miniature painting. Here’s a taste of what’s out there.

2014 Year of the Horse Watches – Chopard

With the dial of the L.U.C. XP as its canvas, Chopard is introducing the 2014 Year of the Horse special edition. The hand-painted dial on this ultra-thin watch features Japanese-inspired art forms, such as Urushi lacquer work and maki-e—which, in this case, involves sprinkling gold dust onto wet lacquer on the dial for a decorative effect. The central and highly detailed prancing horse at the center is surrounded by lotus flowers, which are a symbol of personal fulfillment. The L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L may be admired through the exhibition back of the 18-karat rose gold case. This special edition comes in an octagonal presentation box, also decorated with Urushi lacquer, tied with a silk cord. (www.chopard.com)

Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Horse (Maki-e Dial)

Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Horse (Maki-e Dial)

2014 Year of the Horse Watches – Vacheron Constantin

This year’s Métiers d’Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection from Vacheron Constantin offers two new limited edition watches. One is crafted in pink gold and the other in platinum, and both are available exclusively through the brand’s boutiques. An engraved horse takes center stage, while grand feu enameling and engraving is used to create a leaf motif for the background of the dials. Four apertures surrounding the animal reveal hours, minutes, day and date. Inside the 40 mm case is the self-winding caliber 2460 G4. The watch comes on either a dark brown or dark blue leather strap. (www.vacheron-constantin.com)

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

2014 Year of the Horse Watches – Jaquet Droz

Engraving, painting and grand feu enameling combine to create Jacquet Droz’s nod to the Chinese Zodiac in the Ateliers d’Art series. Three exclusive models have been created, each an example of the company’s master craftsmen’s expertise. Two Arabian thoroughbreds are the focus of the Petite Heure Minute 39 mm, hand painted on the dial. A sculptural mustang appears on the dial of the Petite Heure Minute 43 mm (shown) depicted in red gold and engraved in bas-relief on a champlevé background. The dial of the Petite Heure Minute 41 mm showcases a horse rearing up on its hind legs against a backdrop of mother-of-pearl. Each is a limited edition of 88 pieces. (www.jaquet-droz.com)

Jaquet Droz Ateliers d'art Chinese Zodiac

Jaquet Droz Ateliers d’art Chinese Zodiac

2014 Year of the Horse Watches – Ulysse Nardin

Champlevé enamel is used to create the image of a majestic horse on the dial of Ulysse Nardin’s Classico Horse featured in an earth-tone palette of black, white, tan, gray and green. Having acquired long-time collaborator and famous enamel dial manufacturer Donzé Cadrans in 2011, Ulysse Nardin is well poised to continue this revered tradition of dial decoration, which it has embraced for over 25 years. A limited edition of 88 pieces is available, each with a 40 mm rose gold case and the self-winding UN-815 movement inside. (www.ulysse-nardin.com)

 Ulysse Nardin Classico Horse

Ulysse Nardin Classico Horse

2014 Year of the Horse Watches – Vulcain

Marking the grand opening of the first Vulcain mono-boutique in Beijing, the company is introducing the 50s Presidents Pegasus model in two distinct dial designs: Pegasus in the Sky and Pegasus on the Mountain. Using grand feu cloisonné enamel to create the image, which features the mythological winged creature, the 42 mm 18-karat pink gold watch is a limited edition of 18 pieces each. Inside is the Manufacture Vulcain self-winding Cricket Caliber V-20 with hours, minutes, center seconds and alarm. It comes on an alligator leather strap. (www.vulcain-watches.ch)

Vulcain Pegasus in the Sky

Vulcain Pegasus in the Sky

UPDATE: Another 2014 Year of the Horse Watch available on DreamChrono: Panerai Luminor Sealand Year of the Horse

    Author Bio

    Articles by Nancy Olson

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Nancy Olson been in the publishing industry for over 20 years and has written extensively about watches, jewelry, writing instruments and other luxury products. She has visited many of the world’s most prestigious timepiece manufacturers, and particularly enjoys interviewing artists, designers and corporate executives. Nancy has written for various luxury publications and presently serves as Managing Editor of International Watch (iW) magazine.