Year of the Dog

According to the Chinese calendar, the Year of the Dog begins on February 16, 2018 and ends on February 4, 2019. Similar to the Western Zodiac system, the Chinese calendar is also based on 12 signs, but is determined by the movement of the moon and so is a lunar calendar. It is also linked to the five elements and, since 2018 is also an Earth year, this year is that of the Earth Dog, which occurs only once every 60 years. Earth Dogs are broad-minded, faithful, considerate, disciplined, and very principled. They have clear goals, are persistent, and never give up. Some famous Earth Dogs include Madonna and Michael Jackson.

A few of the haute horlogerie marques have unveiled masterpieces that are inspired by the Year of the Dog; we bring you their highlights.

L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog ­– Chopard

Chopard depicts the Year of the Dog through the extremely beautiful Asian ‘Akita’ breed, in a lush natural setting dotted with wild orchids and a fluttering dragonfly. Issued in an 88-piece limited series, the watch is a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship. Master Kiichiro Masumaro – a master of his art who has been raised to the status of “national human treasure” in Japan – oversaw the creation of the Urushi dials, which were executed by the Urushi Grand Master Minori Koizumi.  This 18-carat rose gold masterpiece houses the mechanical self-winding L.U.C 96.17-L movement with a 65-hour power reserve.

Classico Dog – Ulysse Nardin

The Classico Collection numbers a series of original enamelled pieces, beloved and collected by many. For this Chinese New Year, Ulysse Nardin presents the “Year of the Dog” Timepiece to the Classico Collection. A limited edition of 88 pieces in 18-karat rose gold, it is powered by the self-winding UN-815 movement. It boasts a 42-hour power reserve along with a COSC certification. Set in a 40-mm case, the unique Grand Feu Champlevé enamel timepiece is water-resistant to 50 m and held in place with an alligator strap.

Luminor 1950 Sealand 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44mm – Officine Panerai

The dog that appears on the cover of this new special edition is engraved with a technique inspired by traditional Chinese iconography and is surrounded by plum flowers. Each of the 88 watches produced for this special edition has been hand-engraved using the ancient technique of “sparsello”. The engraved cover protects a grey dial, and is fitted to the Luminor 1950 case, 44 mm in diameter and made of brushed stainless steel. The movement of the new watch is the P.9000 automatic calibre, produced in-house, and enjoys a power reserve of three days.

Classique 7145 Chow-Chow – Breguet

The Classique 7145 pays tribute to the art of guilloche, with a hand-engraved image of one of the most cherished breeds of dog in China. It highlights the meticulous work of the Manufacture’s artisans, whose expert hands have breathed life into matter. A chow-chow etched onto the gold plate of the watch dial lights up this new creation, with each iteration representing a unique work of art. The Classique 7145 Chow-Chow houses a mechanical self-winding movement visible through a sapphire case back that gives the final touch to this prestigious timepiece.

Petite Heure Minute Dog & Petite Heure Minute Relief Dog – Jaquet Droz

The Petite Heure Minute Dog collection consists of two miniature paintings with nature-inspired scenes that are presented in a red gold case set with diamonds, 35 mm in diameter; and a red gold case without diamonds, 39 mm in diameter. The first is a celebration of feminine beauty, showing the legendary Pekingese playing with a butterfly on a background of peonies in a fusion of Chinese and Western styles. The second depicts the friendly canine in a landscape of rocks and plants, ensuring that this timepiece can grace a female or male wrist with equal sophistication. The Petite Heure Minute Relief Dog, playing on contrasts between colours and materials, is presented in two versions. The red gold case has yellow gold engraving, with an onyx centre, atop which are hands matching the case. The white gold piece is embellished with a white mother-of-pearl centre and enhanced with the same engraved reliefs. All editions are limited to 28 models each, are powered by a Jaquet Droz self-winding mechanical movement, and boast a power reserve of 68 hours.

Traditional Chinese Calendar watch – Blancpain

For the sixth consecutive year, Blancpain presents a limited-edition wristwatch equipped with the Traditional Chinese Calendar in tribute to this age-old culture. A horological complication exclusively developed by the Manufacture in Le Brassus, the Traditional Chinese Calendar is housed in a platinum case, while the movement’s oscillating weight is engraved with the symbol of the current lunar year. In 2018, the sign of the dog is thus highlighted on the back of this model.  The self-winding calibre 3638 powering this watch is endowed with a 7-day power reserve.

Premier Dog Automatic 36mm & Midnight Dog Automatic 42mm – Harry Winston

The House of Harry Winston celebrates the Chinese Year of the Dog with a charming Chow Chow reimagined on a timepiece dial, through the refined art of mother-of-pearl marquetry. A limited edition of eight pieces for women and eight pieces for men, the Year of the Dog timepiece for ladies is presented in a classic 36mm rose gold case from the Premier Collection and is embellished with 57 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case, two brilliant-cut diamond hour markers, and a dazzling emerald-cut diamond crowning the dial. The men’s limited edition model is housed in an elegant 42mm rose gold case from the Midnight Collection, and also features an emerald-cut diamond at 12 o’clock. Both versions are powered by the HW2008 Calibre mechanical, automatic movement, and boast a power reserve of 72 hours.