The elegant beast in Piaget has been depicted in cloisonné grand feu enamel on the dial (Photo: Piaget)
The tiger reigns supreme in 2022 as the Lunar New Year commences on February 1. Bold styles with intricate detailing breathe life into the Chinese zodiac sign synonymous with qualities such as courage and confidence. If one of your main resolutions for the year includes taking charge of your personal and work life, these horology offerings that channel the image of power and authority may help you lead the way.
Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Tiger
It all started during the Year of the Snake in 2013, when Chopard celebrated Chinese New Year with timepieces dedicated to the zodiac animal. As always, each creation is decorated with ancestral technique of urushi lacquer, a transformative material prized for its infinite versatility spread across all facets of Asian culture. Parked under Chopard’s Métiers d’Art section, the roaring tiger this year stands out against a rich background on the dial handcrafted using urushi lacquer base. To bring the creature to life, the details are accentuated with a sprinkling of gold dust. Master lacquer artist Minori Koizumi of the century-old Yamada Heiando Imperial lacquerware workshops has been put in charge to decorate all 88 dials of the watch.
Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Tiger
One of the earliest brands to reveal its Year of the Tiger watch, Vacheron Constantin has released two versions of its high-end calendar watch to pay tribute to the animal that symbolises authority and strength. The two options for the Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac will be available in platinum or pink gold, both worn on an alligator strap matching the dial’s colour. The 40mm case is entirely polished, with stepped lugs typical of this series. Sitting under the sapphire caseback is the automatic calibre 2460 G4, a movement certified by the Geneva seal.
Ulysse Nardin Classico Tiger
The tiger looks ready to prowl, as it positions itself majestically in a mid-prance. Crafted in 18-karat rose gold, the watch sports an intricate dial that brings together the arts of champlevé enamel and paillonne enamel, which uses tiny pieces of gold or silver leaf to lend a shimmering metallic effect. Also available in just 88 units, the masterpiece touts Ulysse Nardin’s self-winding UN-815 movement with 42 hours of power reserve.
Piaget Ultra-Thin Altiplano Year of the Tiger
Featuring the work of renowned enamel artist Anita Porchet, the elegant beast on the dial has been depicted in cloisonné (a technique involving the use of supremely fine gold wires) grand feu enamel. Housed in a 38mm 18-carat white gold case set with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds, this limited edition of 38 pieces is powered by the maison’s ultra-thin, manual winding 430P movement. The watch is a true testament to Piaget’s ultra-thin watchmaking, gem-setting and artistic craftsmanship acumen.
Tag Heuer Carrera Year of the Tiger Limited Edition
To cut a dash among its stablemates, Tag Heuer sets the limited edition timepiece apart with its eye-catching dial integrated with the tiger motif, and a blue calfskin leather strap to match. The “cut-out” effect deftly combines a deep slate blue brushed main surface with recessed elements in black. To make the 41mm case stand out even more, a polished crown in rose gold echoes the gleam of the dial details. Turn the watch around, and you’ll find a sapphire window adorned with an illustration of a blue tiger ready to pounce.
Harry Winston Premier Chinese New Year Automatic 36mm
If other brands are highlighting the tiger’s vigour in full display, Harry Winston takes the whimsical route by featuring two tiger cubs crafted in 18-carat rose gold on the dial. They are also surrounded by three gold rosettas, a motif -- inspired by the grand entryway leading into Harry Winston’s iconic Fifth Avenue Salon – that was used in its jewellery collection. The 36mm case, garlanded with 57 brilliant-cut diamonds to match the bold red dial, is a shining example of Harry Winston’s penchant for precious jewels. Only eight timepieces are made for this festive occasion.
Dior Grand Soir Tiger
In an elegant representation of the animal that graces the upcoming Lunar Year, Dior unites the maison’s refined expression of creativity and sense of colour with classic watchmaking features such as oscillating weights, bezels, calibers and dials. A 36mm case is accentuated with a dial decorated with white and gold-tone feathers, set with trillion-cut and marquise-cut diamonds; while hour and minute hands come in pink gold for a swipe of colour. At the back, the sapphire crystal is adorned with a tiger pattern, revealing its automatic movement. Limited to 88 pieces only.
Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar: Year of the Tiger
A fusion of Gregorian and Chinese calendar elements housed in a platinum case sounds complex, which explains the reason Blancpain took five years of R&D to perfect. The inclusion of a lunisolar calendar is useful to determine festival dates (such as the Lunar New Year) and define traditional Chinese months, revealed inside an aperture above 6 o’clock. The Traditional Chinese Calendar comes in a gleaming 45mm platinum case, embellished with a bright pink Madagascar cabochon-cut ruby set in the crown. The large cat makes an appearance on the caseback, which exposes the large platinum rotor.
