The Chinese New Year is increasingly becoming a universal cultural phenomenon. The twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac are also a source of creative ideas and good business for Swiss luxury goods manufacturers. This year’s sign, the Dragon, has inspired particularly interesting creations.
In the Chinese calendar, the inconspicuous rabbit («Year of the Rabbit») is followed by the impressive dragon. And in Chinese culture, the New Year is an occasion for celebrations lasting several weeks.
Until recently, the Chinese New Year was primarily observed in Asia, but it is now also becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. Western luxury brands are launching special editions for this event that are primarily, but not exclusively, aimed at Asian customers.
After all, the New Year is a peak season for giving and receiving gifts. And Swiss luxury brands have thrown their hat in the ring here too. Here are some of their most interesting creations:
1. Breguet: Top-of-the-Range Special Models
(The pinnacle of watchmaking (pc))
The Breguet watch brand, which is part of the Swatch Group, is celebrating the Chinese New Year with two custom-made designs. In the first model, the Classique Double Tourbillon Dragon 5345 PT, the sinuous figure of the hand-engraved gold dragon is artfully placed between the two tourbillons.
The double tourbillon is a pinnacle of watchmaking, and, at a price of around 800,000 Swiss francs ($908,000), is aimed at particularly affluent customers.
The second special model, the Classique Dragon 7145BR, is somewhat more affordable at 76,300 Swiss francs. Made from 18 karat rose gold, it has a self-winding movement. The balance-spring and lever are made of silicon and the dial of red enamel with a hand-engraved gold dragon.
2. Caran d'Ache: Limited Edition
Fine writing instrument from Geneva (Image: pc)
The Geneva-based manufacturer of high-quality writing instruments has an almost global presence through its own boutiques and sales partners. For the Chinese New Year, Caran d'Ache presents a limited edition fountain pen and roller pen, the barrel of which is finished in an eye-catching scarlet.
A dragon in relief designed by western Swiss artist Jean-Philippe Kalonji rises from this background. The fountain pen (1,800 Swiss francs) is already sold out. The roller pen is available for 1,500 Swiss francs.
3. Hublot: Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon
Layering effects of paper cutting (image: pc)
Chinese artist Chen Fenwan, who was commissioned by the Nyon-based watch brand, has given a modern interpretation to the traditional Chinese depiction of a dragon.
The technical starting point for the watch is the HUB1710 self-winding mechanism with a power reserve of 50 hours. Set in a 42 mm titanium case, Hublot conveys the layering effect of paper cutting in a multi-level dial design. The dragon silhouette continues on the rubber strap, which features a rubber design in a first for Hublot. Each individual scale of dragon skin is hand-painted and nano-vulcanized.
The Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon has been created in a limited edition of 88 pieces and costs 28,000 Swiss francs.
4. Davidoff: Special Edition with Cigars and Accessories
End of a zodiac cycle (image: pc)
In the world of handmade premium cigars, Basel-based firm Oettinger Davidoff is a pioneer. Davidoff was one of the world’s first brands to launch a «Year of» special collection eleven years ago. This year’s «Year of the Dragon» concludes the full cycle of Chinese signs of the zodiac, which began in 2013 with the Year of the Snake.
At the heart of this year’s special edition, which also includes accessories such as ashtrays, humidors and cutters, is the cigar in the majestic double Corona format, which was developed especially for the Chinese New Year. Its special features include the use of specially aged tobacco and an uncut foot, which symbolizes the dragon spitting fire.
A box of ten (limited to 19,500 boxes worldwide) costs 680 Swiss francs.
5. IWC Schaffhausen: Dragon Dynamics
Rotor in the shape of a dragon (image: pc)
Since it was first launched in 1998, the Portugieser Chronograph has emphasized the sporty and dynamic side of the Portugieser model series. It is the technical basis for the special edition Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon.
The watch features a 41 mm stainless steel case and a burgundy dial with gold-plated hands and appliqués. The see-through sapphire glass back provides a clear view of the gold-plated rotor of the automatic winding system. Which comes shaped like a dragon.
Limited to 1,000 pieces at 9,200 Swiss francs each.
6. Jaeger-LeCoultre: Only by Order
Enameling and engraving (image: pc)
For the watchmakers from Vallée de Joux in the Canton of Vaud, the Chinese New Year represents a welcome opportunity to reinterpret their Reverso to pay tribute to the sign of the Dragon, demonstrating the brand’s special skills in enameling and engraving.
The reverse side of the case reveals an imposing dragon, surrounded by golden clouds. The polished surfaces of the dragon’s body, the fine details of its scales – hand-drawn with black rhodium – and the contrasting sandblasted texture of the clouds create an impression of movement and power.
This watch is only available on order.
- Page 1 of 2
- Next >>
