As the Year of the Snake draws near, watchmakers are finding inspiration in the mystique of this enigmatic creature, crafting timepieces that bring forth the allure of the snake. The snake, the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, embodies wisdom, agility, and charm—qualities that have long been captured in art and design. With its sophisticated and undulating form, it is little wonder that the timepieces of this year reflect an elegance that is as captivating as it is stylish.
The Best Snake Watches This Chinese New Year 2025
Franck Muller Silhouette CX Snake
Franck Muller’s Silhouette CX model presents a daring new case design, and here’s our take. It’s arguably the most abstract interpretation of the serpent in our selection. Crafted in 18K rose gold, its sleek, sinuous lines conjure an undulating form of a serpent, blending elements from the brand’s iconic Vanguard and Cintree Curvex collections. This Silhouette CX Snake is exclusively available in the Asia Pacific region, with only 28 pieces being produced, making it truly one of a kind. The dial, adorned with a striking snake motif, is brought to life with a riot of fiery green emeralds, expertly snow-set for that captivating, eye-catching finish.
Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Year Of The Snake
Since 2016, Hublot celebrated Chinese New Year by creating a design for their model Spirit of Big Bang. This piece showcases the signature open dial that shows the inner workings of the chronograph movement—with a 3D, gold-plated snake slithering in it. The watch is housed in a black barrel-shaped ceramic case and has the One-Click strap changing mechanism. The bezel shows the scales of the snake and extends to the black rubber strap that’s specially designed with a velvet finish.
Vacheron Constantin Métiers Dárt The Legend Of The Chinese Zodiac Year Of The Snake
Vacheron Constantin honours its connection with China through the Métiers d’Art: The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection, celebrating the Year of the Snake. This exquisite limited-edition timepiece features a cobra, meticulously crafted in either pink or white gold. The dial’s intricate design, a fusion of engraving and enamelling, captures the snake’s sinuous form with exceptional artistry. The 40mm case is elegantly paired with an alligator leather strap—brown for pink gold and blue for platinum—offering a truly refined finish.
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Snake’
In celebration of the 2025 Chinese New Year, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Snake’, a design that shows a hand-engraved snake motif on the caseback, emerging from a wreath of golden clouds, set against a backdrop of glossy black Grand Feu enamel. This intricate engraving took 80 hours, which the engraver would sculpt on a layer of enamel. On the dial, the Art Deco-inspired design gives the rich black enamel.
IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year Of The Snake
IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the upcoming Year of the Wood Snake with a special edition Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37, marking a rare astrological event that hasn’t occurred since 1965. This timepiece, with its elegant 37mm stainless steel case and burgundy dial, symbolises the vibrant energy of fire, traditionally used to welcome the Lunar New Year in China. The moon phase display at 12 o’clock is an intricate feature, precise to within one day every 122 years, while the golden moon and stars create a striking contrast against the red backdrop. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 32800 calibre, it boasts a five-day power reserve and showcases a snake-shaped oscillating mass on the caseback. The watch is offered with two interchangeable straps—black and burgundy calfskin.
Dior Grand Soir Year Of The Snake
Dior’s Grand Soir timepiece this year is a delicate homage to the refined artistry of Chinese jacquard. The mother-of-pearl dial is adorned with the Maison’s signature Toile de Jouy motif, where its intricate floral and leafy patterns are rendered in lustrous mother-of-pearl. The central figure shows the sinuous, rose-gold snake, poised against a mystical, dreamlike backdrop. Rose-gold butterflies flutter around it, their shimmering wings reflecting the hypnotic gleam of the serpent’s scales. Polished stainless steel forms the sleek 36mm case, while a rose-gold bezel studded with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds adds a touch of opulence.
Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra
The Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra Edition is a daring timepiece that takes inspiration from the cobra, symbolising speed, precision, and agility. Designed for jet pilots and crafted to withstand the toughest cockpits, this bold 44mm watch features a striking yellow dial, accented with black subdials and a vibrant red cobra. The Arabic numerals are military-inspired and reminiscent of aircraft carrier stencils that enhance its commanding presence. The anthracite leather strap adds an extra layer of rugged elegance. With a water resistance of 300m and engraved caseback, this exclusive edition is a true testament to Breitling’s military-aviation heritage.
Longines Conquest Heritage Year Of The Snake
The Conquest Heritage model from the Swiss maison subtly celebrates the Lunar New Year with its deep, inky red gradient dial and gleaming gold indexes. However, the true artistry lies beneath the surface. In collaboration with Chinese artist Wu Jian’an, the timepiece features an intricate engraving on the caseback: a mystical serpent delicately holding a Lingzhi mushroom in its mouth, symbolising longevity and fortune. This exquisite design offers a refined and captivating tribute to tradition, making it a truly artful commemoration of the occasion.
Swatch Year Of The Snake
The Year of the Snake Collection radiates with symbolism, celebrating the power of flexibility and adaptability. With vibrant colours and distinctive details, these two unique designs are crafted to inspire confidence and embrace every moment. The ultra-thin gold-coloured watch, adorned with an intricate pattern on its textile strap, embodies the notion that true growth stems from the ability to navigate any situation. With a bold 47mm dial, the timepiece wants—and dares you to step into the spotlight.
CIGA Design Year Of The Snake
CIGA Design was founded in 2016, a brand that’s committed to innovative wristwatch design that’s out of the ordinary. The founder and chief designer, Zhang Jianming, is a graphic and architectural designer who has also been a judge at the Clocks and Clocks Fair in Shenzhen for five consecutive years. Together with other international watch designers, CIGA Design has won multiple awards, namely the 2021 GPHG Challenge Watch Prize for their Blue Planet design and other Red Dot and iF awards.
For 2025, the snake, a symbol of wisdom and vitality in zodiac culture, is brought to life in the CIGA Design Year of the Snake timepiece. The snake, elegantly plated in gold, coils gracefully at the centre, with its head and tail marking the time through two independent dials, while the tail moves in sync with the minute hand. Set against a striking black dial, its surface mimics the intricate patterns of the creature’s skin, all encased in traditional jadeite. This exceptional watch exudes an air of untamed elegance, beautifully embodying the spirit of the snake.
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