11 Limited Edition Watches Designed For The Year of The Dragon 

As part of the Perpetual Moon collection, this model features a dial transformed into a captivating nocturnal garden, illuminated by a panoramic moon. In the forefront, a rose gold oriental flying dragon is meticulously sculpted. The dial comes in two versions–black or blue aventurine, sparkling with metallic powder for a captivating glitter effect. Positioned against the aventurine glass, the hand-crafted dragon showcases intricate details like feet, claws, an open maw, and flowing whiskers.

The realistic depiction of a large mother-of-pearl moon, adorned with hand-painted shadows and overlaid with Super-LumiNova, takes centre stage against an aventurine glass sky. Surrounding it are hand-painted constellations of the Great Bear and Cassiopeia, luminescent, and evocative of marine chronometer-maker John Arnold’s history. The middle distance reveals the pole star, serving as a guide to the north. The case back hosts a secondary display for quick and accurate adjustment of the moon age, adding a practical touch to this celestial masterpiece.

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Staying true to its tradition of crafting special editions for the Chinese Lunar New Year, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils the Reverso Tribute Enamel “Dragon” to commemorate the onset of the Year of the Wood Dragon in early 2024. This exclusive edition upholds the classic double-sided design of the Reverso but presents a distinct flair with a black grand feu enamel dial and a meticulously hand-engraved caseback featuring a captivating Chinese dragon.

The fusion of enamel and engraving results in a more intricate design, setting the Reverso “Dragon” apart from its standard counterparts while still preserving the inherent elegance and character of the model. The portrayal of a dragon amidst the clouds against a striking black backdrop is a masterpiece executed by the skilled artisans of the in-house Métiers Rares workshop, utilising the technique of modelled engraving.

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Crafted in collaboration with the renowned Japanese artist Ryoko Kaneta, Franck Muller’s latest timepiece takes a whimsical approach to the mythical dragon. Moving away from the traditional portrayal of the creature as a symbol of regality, authority and strength, Kaneta transforms the dragon into a series of doll-like girls, a distinctive trademark of her artistic style. 

Each of these charming figures engages with different indices on the dial, creating a previously unseen playfulness that beautifully contrasts with the elegance of the Cintrée Curvex case. Kaneta’s choice to anthropomorphize the “dragons” is a deliberate response to the Cintrée Curvex’s aesthetics, particularly its curvilinear elements that extend in all three dimensions. The turquoise dial, adorned with a textured guilloché pattern is complemented with a matching turquoise strap.

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With the latest piece for the Year of the Dragon, the comprehensive L.U.C XP Urushi series, which initially graced the horological scene in 2013 featuring the Year of the Snake edition has made a full cycle with all 12 zodiac signs, each meticulously adorned with the exquisite artistry of traditional Japanese Maki-e lacquerwork. 

Every exemplar of this novel timepiece boasts a meticulously detailed dragon motif, a labour of love demanding a minimum of 20 hours for its hand-finishing by the master artisan, Minori Koizumi. Fashioned from 18-carat ethical rose gold, the in-house L.U.C 96.17 movement not only ensures a 65-hour power reserve but also invites admiration through its transparent caseback.

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Dior Grand Soir unveils an exclusive timepiece, a rare edition celebrating the majestic dragon with opulence in gold and diamonds. In the realm of the Grand Soir collection, where the House’s creativity finds refined expression, a harmonious blend of vibrant colour and classic traits takes centre stage. Embracing the theme of the ‘Year of the Dragon,’ this watch encircles the sun-brushed dial with 52 round-cut diamonds, meticulously set against a bezel of resplendent yellow gold. The sapphire crystal glass dial features a golden dragon head, adorned with gold-coloured feathers, and embellished with four round-cut diamonds.

The captivating colour palette extends to the yellow-gold hands, creating a seamless aesthetic. Choose between an elegant silver satin strap with a steel ardillon buckle set, featuring 18 brilliant-cut diamonds, or an additional white alligator strap with a steel ardillon buckle.

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Embracing the bold persona of the Dragon, the Bell & Ross BR 05 Artline Dragon watch emerges as a distinctive timepiece, decorated with exclusive laser engravings inspired by the art of tattooing. This watch combines Chinese mystique and rebellious energy, epitomising the art of line work on a timepiece. 

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Embodying a distinctive design, the Chronomat B01 42 Year of the Dragon features a burgundy dial symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. The triple chronograph counters in black, along with a dragon insignia positioned in the subdial at 9 o’clock and on the sapphire crystal caseback, adding a touch of allure. For enhanced readability in low light, the hands are coated with luminescent Super-LumiNova®. Each watch bears an individual number out of the limited 88 produced, proudly displayed on the caseback.

Originally crafted as the official watch of the renowned Italian aerobatics squadron, the Frecce Tricolori, the Chronomat has garnered popularity not only among aviators but also drew attention from Formula 1 teams in the 1980s and 1990s due to its speed-measuring tachymeter scale. Its versatility is further highlighted by reversible rider tabs, making it suitable for diving and yachting regattas. Evolving into Breitling’s all-purpose sports watch, the Chronomat seamlessly combines style and function.

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Moving away from the usual black and red, Hublot joins visionary artist Chen Fenwan to craft an exclusive iteration of the Spirit Of Big Bang, drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese paper-cutting art. This limited-edition timepiece boasts a vibrant and intricately layered dial, complemented by a meticulously crafted, hand-made rubber marquetry strap. 

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Longines has embraced the spirit of the Chinese New Year for the first time, unveiling a limited edition of 888 pieces of its Flagship Heritage model with moon phases. This exclusive release is only available in Asia. It showcases the Flagship Heritage’s distinctive features, including an Oriental red dial adorned with gold accents and a subtly placed dragon’s head on the caseback.

The selection of the Heritage Flagship Moonphase model is particularly apt, considering the significant role the Moon plays in establishing the date of the Chinese New Year. The thoughtful connection between the lunar calendar and the timepiece adds a unique and meaningful touch to this special edition.

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Anita Porchet, a master in the craft, has applied various enamel techniques to create three exquisite Altiplano models. Among them are the two 38mm Altiplano Zodiac references, each a testament to meticulous artistry. The white gold variant showcases a regal purple dragon, while its pink gold counterpart features a fiery red phoenix.

In Chinese tradition, purple signifies royalty, and this specific cloisonné and miniature enamel dragon graces the dial, soaring amidst meticulously carved mother-of-pearl clouds. Gold engraving enhances the intricate details of the dragon, adding an extra layer of sophistication to these exceptional timepieces.

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Marking its debut in 2020, the Blast Tourbillon has swiftly evolved into an iconic representation of Ulysse Nardin’s mastery of high complications and distinctive design. This year, the Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon employs the skeleton tourbillon movement as an artistic canvas, depicting a dragon symbolically safeguarding a mystical pearl. This mesmerizing mythical creature in 3D is meticulously hand-sculpted in 5N rose gold, and weaves its way around and through the intricately skeletonized X structure, as though materialising from the very heart of the movement.

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