Summary Waqt Chooses 5 of the Best Watches for the Year of the Dragon

The Year of the Dragon is a momentous occasion steeped in ancient tradition and revered symbolism. As one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, the wood dragon embodies strength, wisdom, and good fortune, making its year highly anticipated and celebrated. In the chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of power, protection, and prosperity, inspiring awe and reverence. This auspicious year is marked by vibrant festivities, where communities come together to honor the dragon's legacy and usher in blessings for the future. It occurs once every 12 years and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Brands often draw inspiration from this auspicious event to create stunning timepieces that capture the essence of the dragon. These watches showcase intricate designs, with some featuring dragon figures on the dial or case, while others incorporate vibrant colors associated with the dragon, such as red and gold. Here at Waqt, we talked about an array of "Year of the Dragon" releases and selected five of the best watches inspired by this auspicious event.

 Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon

Since its debut in 2020, the Blast Tourbillon collection has become a standout release from Ulysse Nardin, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and unique designs. This year, to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the "Year of the Dragon," the brand has unveiled the "Blast Tourbillon Dragon." It's a modern timepiece that beautifully blends cutting-edge innovation with the enchanting tales of Chinese folklore in a 45 mm red gold case.

Picture a majestic 3D rose gold dragon meets a captivating pearl, delicately placed on the flying tourbillon cage at the 6 o'clock position. It's a mesmerizing sight that captures the essence of strength, power, and good fortune associated with the mythical dragon. And when you add in the symbolism of the pearl – representing purity, wisdom, and wealth – you get a harmonious story of resilience and prosperity. This watch was added to the permanent line and is priced at CHF 95,400 which is equivalent to AED 412,000.

GENUS DRAGON

In 2021, Genus embarked on a creative journey inspired by the allure of the dragon, infusing new life into this legendary creature through their interpretations, and introduced four stunning releases crafted in vibrant colors and luxurious materials called the GENUS DRAGON. Each watch in this collection is a testament to Genus's dedication to artistic expression, weaving together a tapestry inspired by the mystical qualities of the dragon. These watches come in a variety of materials, including 18K white gold, 18K rose gold, Grade 5 titanium, or Damascus titanium, all with consistent dimensions of 43mm in diameter and 18.8mm in thickness.

The innovative design of these timepieces is evident in their display complications. The dial features a tens-of-minutes counter that is elegantly portrayed by 11 free-moving elements that circulate between two counter-rotating disks, forming the intricate shape of an 18K gold dragon.

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon

Hublot kicked off the year with the launch of the "Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon," a collaboration with Chinese artist Chen Fenwan. This limited edition timepiece, comprising only 88 pieces, is a fusion of traditional Chinese paper cutting artistry, featuring a stunning 3D silhouette of a vibrant dragon's head on the dial.

The titanium tonneau case measures 42mm in diameter and 13.8mm in thickness, evoking a harmonious blend of strength and elegance.The dial of the watch showcases a multi-level design, presenting a colorful mix of purple, blue, and white in the form of a 3D Loong Dragon head, inspired by the artistic brilliance of Chen Fen Wan. Each glance at the dial reveals a harmonious blend of artistic expression and technical ingenuity, creating a captivating timekeeping experience that goes beyond the ordinary. With skeleton hands and no indices, the dial exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic. Priced at CHF 26,000, equivalent to AED 112,000, the Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon is a testament to Hublot's commitment to innovation and creativity.

Arnold & Son Luna Magna Red Gold “Year of the Dragon”

Arnold & Son celebrated the Chinese New Year by unveiling two special releases, and the Luna Magna variants caught our eyes. Limited to just eight pieces each, these timepieces feature a beautiful moon, split between red gold and pietersite or onyx, engaged in a captivating encounter with a majestic dragon also crafted from red gold.

Both watches come encased in red gold, boasting dimensions of 44mm in diameter and 15.90mm in thickness. Their off-center dials elegantly showcase the hours and minutes on a stunning white opal disk. The hand-engraved red gold dragon gracefully coiled around the pietersite or onyx dial, extending to its head and beautifully mirrored in the expansive moon. The dragon's gaze is fixed upon a 3D globe, displaying the moon phases on the Luna Magna Red Gold "Year of the Dragon" edition. This exclusive release is priced at CHF 79,600, equivalent to AED 342,000.

Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon Dragon Special Edition

Breguet has introduced an impressive new version of its Classique model, showcasing an intricately open-worked dial revealing two Tourbillons. What makes this timepiece truly unique is the presence of a hand-engraved gold dragon gracefully twirling between the tourbillons, holding a mother-of-pearl "pearl" in its talons—a symbol of the sacred essence that grants dragons their legendary power.

The "Classique Double Tourbillon Dragon 5345PT Special Edition”, comes in a 950 platinum case measuring 46mm in diameter and 16.8mm in thickness. The gold dragon, entirely hand-engraved and securely affixed to the two barrel bridges, adds a touch of mystique to the design. The dial boasts Roman numerals and a minute track on the sapphire hour-circle. Additionally, Breguet offers each client a personalized touch, allowing them to customize the dragon's shape and color, ensuring a truly one-of-a-kind timepiece.

The Year of the Dragon has sparked a wave of inspiration in the world of timepieces, resulting in an incredible variety of watches that capture the essence and significance of this special occasion. From intricately designed dragon motifs to vibrant color palettes and cutting-edge designs, the watches discussed in this article exemplify the boundless creativity and skill of their makers. However, it's important to note that our coverage merely scratches the surface of the multitude of releases that have celebrated this event in their own exceptional styles. The Year of the Dragon has sparked creativity and ingenuity across the horological world, resulting in an abundance of exquisite timepieces that pay homage to this revered symbol of strength and good fortune.