The Chinese Year of the Rooster is upon us, and the Swiss are once again joining in the festivities.
The Chinese Year of the Rooster is upon us, and the Swiss are once again joining in the festivities.
ON PAINTED WINGS
No slouch at artistic dials, Piaget adds another dreamily detailed animal to its Chinese Zodiac editions. For the past four years, the watchmaker has been commissioning master enameller Anita Porchet for each of these celebratory dials, and this year is no exception. Cloisonne enamel breathes life into a grey and white bird with a red crown, outlined in gold wire. Seventy-eight brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel finish the look on this ultra-thin Altiplano, limited to 38 pieces.
HOLIDAY CARVINGS
Closely following the design blueprint of previous models in the Vacheron Constantin Metiers d’Art “The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac”series is its latest addition, the Year of the Rooster. Floral motifs once again adorn the Grand Feu enamel dial – engraved in the style of Chinese paper cutting – while the centre bears a painstakingly hand-engraved rooster in either platinum or pink gold to match the watch case. Only 24 pieces in total have been made: 12 in platinum and 12 in pink gold.
TRIPLE TREAT
Several traditions unite in Chopard’s newest L.U.C XP Urushi. These watches are so named for the Japanese craft of urushi-e, and inlay mother-of-pearl marquetry on polished lacquer. This special Chinese Year of the Rooster edition depicts a proud cockerel with richly coloured feathers, surrounded by red gladioli for good luck. Underneath the artistry lies Swiss mechanics, as seen in the slim case and substantial 65-hour power reserve. This rose gold watch is limited to 88 pieces.
