Dragon Slayers

In the Chinese culture, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. Considered by many to be an extraordinary creature, the dragon symbolizes power, nobility, honor, luck and success. So it’s hardly a surprise that some of the world’s leading watchmakers have created exquisite timepieces to honor this auspicious year in the Chinese zodiac calendar.

How many ways can designers tip their hats to this legendary creature? Just do a little dragon hunting among these four exceptional designs and you’ll truly be amazed by how each timepiece tells a unique story. Bell & Ross pays tribute to the art of tattooing with its design. Breitling’s model showcases a striking red dragon emblem. IWC Schaffhausen incorporates a vibrant color to symbolize the power of fire, and Breguet lets clients choose the shape and color of the dragon to create a true, one-of-a-kind timepiece. You’re sure to find each of these intricately designed and crafted timepieces worthy of celebrating the Year of the Dragon.

BELL & ROSS | BR 05 ARTLINE DRAGON

Furthering the Bell & Ross philosophy of pushing one’s limits, the watchmakers moved into a whole new field by adopting graphic codes linked to the art of tattooing with the introduction of their BR 05 Artline Dragon. Playing on light and shadow through the relative fineness and thickness of each stroke, the line work on this timepiece transcends the realm of drawing to that of a metal tattoo. Its fine engraving pays tribute to this ancestral art form that has been practiced in China for more than a millennium. The watch has automatic mechanical movement and a 54-hour power reserve.

BREGUET | CLASSIQUE DOUBLE TOURBILLON DRAGON

Symbolism reigns supreme in this special edition of Breguet’s unique double tourbillon design. In this version, a hand-engraved dragon twirls between the two tourbillons, and the mythical creature is depicted clutching a mother-of-pearl in its talons. Legend has it that the pearl possesses the sacred essence that gives the dragon its power. It is also said to represent wisdom. Breguet even offers each client a one-of-a-kind timepiece, as the dragon’s shape and color can be personalized as desired.

BREITLING | SUPER CHRONOMAT B01 44 YEAR-OF-THE DRAGON LIMITED EDITION

Breitling celebrates the Year of the Dragon in extraordinary style. Those born in one of the years represented by this Chinese zodiac animal are characterized by their decisive actions, commanding personalities, and exceptional abilities. The timepiece encapsulates this essence with its black dial paired with a black chronograph counter and striking purple-red ring that highlights the tachymeter. The case back proudly displays a red dragon emblem, showcasing the exceptional Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 through the open sapphire crystal. The timepiece is paired with a black Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap and is limited to just 88 pieces. Available in mainland China.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN | PORTUGIESER CHRONOGRAPH

IWC Schaffhausen pays tribute to the Year of the Dragon with this classic and elegant Portugieser Chronograph. It features a 41-millimeter stainless steel case, a burgundy dial, and gold-plated hands and appliques. Burgundy was chosen to symbolize the vibrant color of fire, which is traditionally used to welcome the Lunar New Year in China and promises longevity and luck. A glance at the movement through the transparent sapphire case back reveals that the gold-plated rotor of the automatic winding system takes the form of a beautifully detailed dragon. Two straps are included: one in black calfskin and the other in burgundy rubber.

BOVET | RECITAL 26 CHAPTER TWO DRAGON

The Chinese idiom, “Paint the Dragon, Dot the Eyes,” represents striving to achieve perfection, and that’s what BOVET’s artisans have done to create this elegant watch. Limited to a production of just 12 pieces, this award-winning timepiece is fitted with a hand-engraved solid 18K gold golden dragon sculpture and comes presented in BOVET’s patented 18K red gold writing desk case. Other notable features include a unique hemispherical world time display, BOVET’s patented double-sided flying tourbillon, an indexable second time zone indicator and a precision moon phase display in mother-of-pearl. The timepiece has a power reserve of five days, is water resistant to 30 meters, and features a double face full skin alligator bracelet with platinum thread stitching and an 18K red gold folding buckle.

HUBLOT | SPIRIT OF BIG BANG TITANIUM DRAGON

In the Chinese calendar, the dragon only comes around every 12 years, and this revered celestial creature is associated with prosperity. To honor this Chinese sign of the zodiac, Hublot’s creation layers its hands, wheels and H-shaped screws to form a 3D silhouette of an eastern dragon. It also includes a rubber strap with a marquetry design for the very first time. Created in collaboration with the Chinese artist Chen Fenwan, this limited edition of just 88 pieces offers a fusion of tradition and modernity by combining metaphors and symbols to honor the spirit of Hublot which is to be first, unique and different. The timepiece draws its inspiration from the traditional Chinese art of paper cutting which is used to symbolize happiness and good luck.

JAEGER-LECOULTRE | REVERSO TRIBUTE ENAMEL ‘DRAGON’

Created to honor Chinese New Year, this new timepiece pays tribute to the Year of the Dragon and to the talents of the master enamellers and engravers in the Métiers Rares atelier of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. Swiveling the watch case to its reverse side reveals a majestic dragon surrounded by golden clouds. Engraved into the pink gold case metal, the dragon seems to leap out from the background of glossy black Grand Feu enamel. The fine details of the dragon’s scales are highlighted with black rhodium and the clouds feature a sandblasted texture that catches and refracts the light. Master engravers devote 80 hours to the creation of each masterpiece. The strap is fashioned of black alligator and the timepiece has a power reserve of 42 hours.

ULYSSE NARDIN | BLAST TOURBILLON DRAGON

The year 2024 heralds the Year of the Dragon. These revered creatures symbolize strength, power and good fortune and are frequently associated with pearls, which represent purity, wisdom and wealth. These two elements come together in the new Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Dragon which features a dragon symbolically guarding a magical pearl. The rose gold dragon is engraved and micro-painted entirely by hand and the inclusion of five claws is not incidental. Five-clawed dragons are traditionally seen to signify the highest prestige. The timepiece features a skeleton dial with a double X in black, a rose gold case, black DLC titanium middle case and bezel and a choice of black alligator or black rubber “velvet” strap with a rose gold and black titanium folding clasp.