Interface News Reporter | Wu Mengyao
Interface News Editor | Huang Shan
Cartier dragon embellished High Jewellery watch
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2024, Cartier presents a new timepiece, the Cartier Ronde Louis Cartier, a high jewellery watch that uses enamel and engraving techniques to bring the Chinese-inspired "Dragon to Sea" to life on the dial thanks to the mastery of Cartier's master craftsmen.
In this new timepiece, the waves are presented in cloisonné enamel in Cartier's signature blue and green colour scheme, while the waves are framed by iridescent mother-of-pearl inserts. The dragon image is hand-carved in gold with lifelike details, and the "eyes" are also fired in enamel for the finishing touch, which is repeated 25 times.
The image of the dragon has long inspired Cartier's stylistic creations. The Chinese-inspired designs recorded in the Cartier archives date back to the late 70s of the 19th century. In the 1920s, when the Art Deco style was in vogue, a number of jewels and precious objects using dragon elements were highlighted in the Cartier collection, showing the harmonious fusion of Chinese culture and Cartier's style and aesthetics, and this timeless style dialogue continues to this day.
Cartier Métier's Métiers d'Art collection introduces the Ronde Louis Cartier dragon embellished High Jewellery watch, numbered and limited to 30 pieces.
Chopin's Maki-e watch for the Year of the Dragon brings the zodiac cycle to a close
Inspired by traditional Chinese culture, Chopard's L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon is a limited edition of 88 pieces with dials from the century-old Heian Do Yamada workshop and painted by lacquer master Koizumi Sankyo.
Following the characteristics of the Maki-e technique, lacquer masters sprinkle gold leaf between layers of lacquer made from raw lacquer from the Japanese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum) to create a sparkling scene. The ultra-thin case is made of 18K rose gold in line with Chopard's philosophy of sustainability and social responsibility, and is no more than 6.8 mm thick.
The watch is powered by the in-house L.U.C 96.17-L calibre, which is just 3.30 mm thick. Equipped with a micro-eccentric oscillating weight in 22-carat gold, this automatic movement is integrated into the upper part of the movement and efficiently winds the twin barrels of the L.U.C 96.17-L calibre. Thanks to the stacked twin barrels of Chopard Twin technology, they can store a total power reserve of 65 hours for the L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon-e watch.
This year marks a milestone year for the L.U.C XP Urushi-e watch collection. Chopard launched its first L.U.C XP maki-e watch for the Year of the Snake in 2013, and this year's Year of the Dragon-themed watch brings to a close the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
To this end, Chopard is also planning to release in 2024 a beautiful wooden gift box set containing 12 L.U.C XP MAKI-E themed watches that Chopard has released to date, giving collectors the opportunity to collect all the Zodiac watches at once and to admire them.
Longines launches the Replica Moon Phase of the Dragon Zodiac Edition
In 2024, Longines will launch the first special edition of the Year of the Dragon Zodiac Replica Moon Phase Watch, which is also the first time that Longines has launched a special edition of the Zodiac timepiece, which is limited to 888 pieces worldwide.
In the 2024 Year of the Dragon, Longines invited Chinese artist Lin Zinan to create a dragon head totem based on the concept of astrology and the oracle bone inscription "dragon".
The image of the dragon is presented in the picture, and the dragon head, dragon body and dragon scales have their own symbolic meanings and are integrated, and the wood attribute of the year of Jiachen echoes the green of the dragon astrology, representing the source of the growth of all things, reflecting the profound relationship between time and nature, and the peach blossom element that symbolizes happiness and fulfillment has evolved into the image of "dragon raising its head", implying the well-being of the year of the dragon and the continuation of life.
At the same time, inspired by Longines' iconic winged hourglass, the auspicious Dragon Ball has been evolved, and the creative design of this hourglass Dragon Ball is the finishing touch, symbolizing the cycle of the sun and the moon.
Longines has chosen the Flag Replica Moon Phase to feature a dragon head totem engraved on the back of the case for a special edition of the Year of the Dragon, which aims to highlight Longines' long tradition and convey the good wishes to ride the waves and move forward gracefully in the Year of the Dragon. As early as the 50s of the 20th century, Longines launched the military flag collection. With its elegant, clean design aesthetic and precise performance, the Flag collection quickly became an iconic piece of the Maison, as well as one of the brand's earliest collections.
The stainless steel case has a screw-down case back and a diameter of 38.5 mm. The distinctive curved dial, inspired by historic watches from the 1950s, is adorned with a dragon red that symbolizes vitality and peace, paying homage to the traditional Chinese New Year. The dial features 11 gold-plated indexes, including those at 3, 9 and 12 o'clock, which are lengthened. The screw-down caseback is engraved with a dragon head motif to symbolize the dragon's head rising upward.
The new model is powered by the self-winding mechanical calibre L899.5 with a silicon balance spring, anti-magnetic properties and precise timekeeping. The power reserve is up to approx. 72 hours. At 6 o'clock, the moon phase window contrasts with the indexes, minute and second hands, creating a traditional oriental retro charm.
Piaget Tamron Mingfeng Limited Edition
Celebrating the treasures bestowed upon the world by Chinese civilization, Piaget has created 24 masterpieces in the 2012 Year of the Dragon Collection, and since then, Piaget has created unique and exquisite creations to celebrate the Chinese zodiac every year.
In the new chronology, Piaget continues the tradition of reincarnation of the 12 zodiac signs and presents the magnificent Piaget Dragon and Phoenix Limited Edition. In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon and phoenix represent the harmony of yin and yang and the harmony of strength, symbolizing hope and rebirth, as well as the harmony and balance of all things.
Piaget has teamed up with master enamel artist Anita Porchet to create two 38 mm Altiplano Zodiac watches. The dial is decorated with an uninhibited blue dragon, a phoenix soaring through the clouds in red, pink and orange, and a vast sky carved with a mix of grey and white mother-of-pearl, each limited to 38 pieces.
Since 2006, master enameller Anita Porchet has been working with Piaget Piaget. Anita Porchet uses her masterful cloisonné enamel techniques and signature interplay of light and shadow and transparency to create a legendary scene that comes to life.
The metalworking engraving further outlines the vivid dragon scales and phoenix feathers, which are deep and shallow, smart and three-dimensional. The intricate craftsmanship and the presentation of the three points of wood make the dragon and phoenix totem on the dial surpass its charm as a classic Chinese symbol, showing a vivid charm that transcends culture, which is awe-inspiring and shocking. The bold and avant-garde design and the variety of colors set a new stylistic tone for the collection.
Four new High Jewellery watches continue this theme. In a 41 mm Altiplano High Jewellery Tamron, Anita Porchet uses a subtle in-fill enamel technique to complement the gold-carved Tamoro in every detail. The dragon is adorned with vermilion lacquer, holding a mysterious black opal fireball in its claws, and the background is engraved with a sun-like pattern, blooming with strange brilliance. Diamond-set on the lugs and bezel, the watch is powered by Piaget's signature in-house 830P ultra-thin hand-wound mechanical movement, limited to 8 pieces.
In addition, the dragon motif is coiled around the new Piaget Emperador watch, with a flying tourbillon and a goldwork-engraved dragon that winds around the case, on the body and on the dial. Each sapphire and diamond is set in a snowflake setting, with a gradient of shades reminiscent of a starry night sky, this 46.5 mm watch is the epitome of Piaget.
Two High Jewellery watches adorned with phoenixes perfectly embody feminine elegance. The asymmetrical design of this 32 mm watch features a marquise and brilliant-cut diamond wings that flow onto the dial with the delicate texture of the metalwork engraving. The watch is presented on a gold bracelet engraved with Piaget's signature Decor Palace. The other is made of ruby and white gold, each limited to eight pieces.
The finale of the new Tamron Mingfeng Limited Edition collection are two bespoke High Jewellery bracelet watches. The distinctive Tamron bracelet is edged with onyx and features baguette, marquise and brilliant-cut diamonds, creating a rich texture that surrounds the dial and a cabochoned black opal.
The gold-engraved phoenix bracelet is set with a delicate curved rubellite, adorned with round and marquise-cut pink rubies, pink sapphires and cobalt spinels. A gorgeous and luxurious pink feather is like a stroke of genius, outlining a stunning beauty. The accessory can also be detached separately to accommodate a variety of looks. Both cuff watches are customisable, allowing guests to choose any finishes and gemstones for a unique creation.
The SWATCH Zodiac watch symbolizes good luck in the New Year
Swatch celebrates the Year of the Dragon with the launch of a new and vibrant watch collection. Inspired by the auspicious colors that represent the five directions of "East, West, South, North and Central" in traditional Chinese culture, combined with the classic neon effect of city street lamps and signboards, the five watches correspond to the five colors of the five directions, blessing the mysterious power of the five elements and bringing good luck to the New Year. The five letters o, which symbolize the round dial, represent the strength, tenacity and peace of the five watches in the collection.
The case and glass are made of bio-sourced materials, and the multicolored auspicious dragon soars above the clouds, hovering above the white dial and strap representing the West, reminiscent of the vastness of western China, and is very distinctive in both style and connotation. The simplicity of the colour palette and the virtuosity of the savoir-faire can be seen in this oversized watch.
A classic Swatch model, the NEW GENT collection showcases its enduring style. The slender design of the Dragon Ride is light enough, and the blazing dragon totem stands out among the dials against the backdrop of the glorious black case and strap that represents the north. The glass and case of this watch are made of bio-sourced materials.
The dark blue 34 mm GENT case, which symbolizes the oriental coastal landscape, can not only cater for users with small wrists, but also lose style. A dazzling dragon weaves its way through bright blue, red, and green shapes, and the golden orb in its claws is also eye-catching. Both the glass and case are made of bio-sourced materials, while the colour palette represents peace and auspiciousness.
The bright red color, a symbol of prosperity and auspiciousness in the South, is the perfect companion to the dazzling gold IRONY CHRONO case, crown and chronograph pushers. Paired with a touch of metallic coolness in warm colours, the watch celebrates the harmonious collision of traditional culture and the pulse of the city.
The dazzling SKIN IRONY is based on the gold color that represents the core of the Central Plains, symbolizing the wisdom of leaders and the beginning of the new year. The red-green color palette represents good fortune and is complemented by a more subtle dragon motif throughout the watch, with luminescent hands that add the finishing touch, combining simplicity with a powerful colour palette.
The Swatch Year of the Dragon Zodiac watch unfolds in a specially designed cube with the same colour and dragon pattern as the watch, as if telling the world about the indelible dragon soul hidden deep in the heart of the descendants of China.
The Year of the Dragon collection is now available in Swatch's offline retail channels and online stores worldwide.