Renowned brands such as Blancpain, Longines, and Vacheron Constantin have introduced limited-edition watches that blend traditional Chinese symbolism with exquisite craftsmanship.
The Chinese Year 2025 in luxury watches: a tribute to tradition and artistry
As the Chinese Year 2025 approaches, the luxury watch industry is unveiling exceptional timepieces to honor the Year of the Wood Snake.
Blancpain
Blancpain unveils its latest masterpiece, the Villeret Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel, to mark the Chinese Year 2025, which begins on January 29. This year heralds the transition from the Wood Dragon to the Wood Snake. For the fourteenth consecutive year, Blancpain merges Eastern and Western traditions with a commemorative timepiece designed to honor the lunar new year. Featuring symbolic engravings, this limited-edition watch seamlessly integrates cultural heritage with horological excellence.
The Chinese Year 2025 introduces the Wood Snake, a creature revered for its intuition and wisdom. For the first time, this zodiac sign is celebrated with a unique design that combines a vivid green grand feu enamel dial with a 45.2 mm platinum case.
The centerpiece of this extraordinary watch is its 22-karat white gold oscillating weight, adorned with a frosted depiction of the snake. Crafted in Blancpain’s Métiers d’Art workshop, the motif is meticulously engraved by master artisans, accompanied by a natural ruby and Chinese characters symbolizing “snake” and “wood.” This artistic masterpiece embodies the intricate craftsmanship and cultural homage that have become hallmarks of the Villeret collection.
Longines
As the Chinese Year 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake draws near, Longines presents a special edition of its iconic Conquest Heritage model. To commemorate this auspicious year, the brand collaborated with acclaimed Chinese artist Wu Jian’an, who designed an exquisite engraving of a mystical snake holding a Lingzhi mushroom. This intricate design graces the case back, imbuing the watch with deep cultural symbolism.
In Chinese culture, the snake represents transformation, wisdom, and resilience. These qualities are elegantly reflected in this limited-edition timepiece, which is restricted to 2,025 pieces. The watch features a vibrant sunray gradient red dial, complemented by gilt hands and indexes that evoke the celebratory spirit of the New Year. Its 40 mm stainless steel case is paired with a screw-down case back, showcasing the snake motif as a symbol of prosperity.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin celebrates the Chinese Year 2025 with its latest Métiers d’Art collection, The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac. This year’s edition honors the Year of the Snake with two limited series, each comprising 25 pieces crafted in pink gold or platinum.
These exquisite watches combine traditional Chinese art forms with Swiss watchmaking expertise. The intricate snake motif, rendered through engraving and miniature enameling, symbolizes wisdom and renewal. Powered by the Calibre 2460 G4 movement, the disc-based display ensures an unobstructed view of the dial’s artistry. This unique series reflects Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to blending heritage, innovation, and cultural appreciation in its timepieces.
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