Make your watch collection extra auspicious for the year of the dragon

Described as intelligent and confident in Eastern cultures, the mythical dragon of the lunar zodiac is an auspicious symbol of power. If you’re looking to incorporate it into your look for some extra luck, there’s no better place to start than on your wrist. Here’s how 10 watch brands have interpreted the motif for the Year of the Dragon, from everyday watches to investment timepieces.

1. Sleek and Covert: IWC
For those looking for a less conspicuous homage to the Year of the Dragon, IWC has embodied the distinguished zodiac with a dazzling burgundy dial, contrasted with gold-plated details in the limited edition Portugieser Chronograph. Turn it over and discover an impressive golden dragon engraved on the rotor, visible through the sapphire case back.

2. Fast and Fierce: Tag Heuer
Exuding Tag Heuer’s racing DNA while embracing Chinese tradition, the limited-edition Carrera in a red colorway comes with an elegant “Dragon” character on the dial, while a printed Chinese dragon displays prominently through its sapphire case back.

3. Showcasing Traditional Craft: Hublot
Wear a millennia of Chinese craft on your wrist with Chinese artist Chen Fenwan’s sculpted contemporary piece symbolizing perpetual life. The dragon’s details are crafted from layers of appliqué and paper-cutting, extending around the strap with scales, using a decorative rubber marquetry method made entirely by hand — a first for the brand.

4. Transitional Practicality: Bovet
This Bovet special edition prominently features a colorful Grand Feu enamel dragon painted on a gold dial, but the best feature of this white gold timepiece is the patented Amadeo system: enabling you to transition from wristwatch to pocket watch to table clock, all without tools.

5. Understated Elegance: Arnold & Son
2024 marks the year of the Wooden Dragon, which symbolizes an auspicious year of calm determination. Ideal for those seeking quiet grandeur, the Perpetual Moon Red Gold “Year of the Dragon” showcases the Chinese dragon contemplating amongst the woods; while the Luna Magna Red Gold “Year of the Dragon” — limited to just eight pieces — depicts an encounter between a sculptural dragon and the moon.

6. Intricate Dynamism: Ulysse Nardin
Detail lovers will appreciate how the 3D dragon appears to jump out from the dial, perched slithering between the X-structure and the gear train. It’s a stellar show of Ulysse Nardin’s cutting-edge craftsmanship that took two years to develop.

7. Impeccable Date-keeping: H. Moser & Cie.
In the follow-up to its award-winning Perpetual Calendar, H. Moser & Cie. has managed to combine both Lunisolar and the Gregorian solar calendars — calculated separately – in the new Endeavour Chinese Calendar watch, requiring no corrections for 12 years. The flip to “Dragon” at the 12 o’clock on February 10th will be a satisfying one for all.

8. Everyday Auspiciousness: Swatch
For an everyday watch that doesn’t skimp on style, radiance and good fortune, Swatch’s homage to the Year of the Dragon comes in five colorways. Exude bold Chinese tradition with the red chronograph, featuring a sun-brushed dial paired with golden details, or pure lavish prosperity with the gold-on-gold iteration.

9. Spirited Mascot: Hamilton
The unconventional shape of Hamilton’s sleek Ventura is presented in two colorways making for two fierce wrist mascots to choose from: dark and gold with emerald eyes, or pure jet black with red eyes looming on the dials — both paired with rubber straps embossed with dragon scales.

10. Artful Irreverence: Bell & Ross
The BR 05 Artline is transformed with a meticulously laser-engraved special edition in time for the Year of the Dragon, great for art lovers and bold personalities alike. The dragon’s whiskers form the whimsical lacquered watch hands — with the motif extending seamlessly through every link of the bracelet, worn like a wrist tattoo representing benevolence and prosperity.