Today is officially the second day of the Lunar New Year, but the season of festive celebrations have just barely started. Traditionally, the celebrations last over 15 days, which means that there is effectively almost two weeks’ worth of festivities to go.
Within these fifteen days, there will certainly be a plethora of house visits and gatherings. So, what should be the kind of watches that you’ll want to wear? Gold watches, which signifies prosperity and wealth? Or watches with red elements to symbolise good luck? Well, for today’s article, we will be taking a peek into our archives, and select six different watches which we think will suit the occasion. Of course, any watch will do, but let’s put on the spirit of fun and pick some for the Lunar New Year. What have we selected? Let’s find out!
Longines Heritage Diver 1967
The Longines Heritage Diver 1967.
We begin the article by having some elements of red, with the Longines Heritage Diver 1967.
The watch, which features a distinctive red bezel and irregularly sized sub-dial, is inspired by timepieces from Longines’ archives. Powered by an ETA-based movement, the Heritage Diver comes with both the chronograph and date indicator. It is very functional, and the 42mm watch appears to be very hefty and solid as well.
Priced at S$4,770, the Heritage Diver is definitely a timepiece that performs as good as it looks. We particularly fancy its classic aesthetics, and the hint of red will certainly please the elders. Do we want to have it for this Lunar New Year? Certainly.
Tudor Black Bay Bronze
Tudor Black Bay Bronze. It was one of the highlights for us in BaselWorld 2016.
When the Black Bay Bronze was launched last year, we were enamoured by its rustic appearance. We feel that the combination of the design, coupled with the use of a bronze case, gives the watch a rather unique proposition that many other manufacturers fail to achieve.
It is pretty difficult to find fault with the watch, really. This particular iteration is one of the prettiest models in our opinion, and the fact that it is fitted with an in-house movement makes it even more compelling. The Calibre MT5601 comes with a decent power reserve of around 70 hours, and it is chronometer-certified as well. We also like the fact that the watch does not come with the date indicator, which keeps the dial clean and more symmetrical.
The Black Bay Bronze retails at S$5,800, and we think that it provides an excellent alternative to the flashier gold watches.
HYT H4 Alinghi
HYT H4 Alinghi with the LEDs activated, in the dark.
HYT has always been an intriguing watchmaker, most notably known for the use of liquid to tell time. But the H4 Alinghi comes with a pleasant surprise within.
The highlight of the watch’s magnificence is the LED lights, which illuminates the timepiece in the dark. It is powered by a dynamo system, in which it comprises of 89 more additional components. On a full wind, the LED is able to keep the watch lighted up for a full 12 seconds. As for the time-telling capabilities, the watch is fitted with the same movement as the HYT H1. It still features the same liquid tube to indicate the hour, and it is finished in red to pay homage to the colours of Team Alinghi.
This uber-cool 51mm watch, which is fitted with a 3DTP carbon case, is priced at S$127,000. It is a tad different from the rest of the watches, and it certainly brings some different into one’s collection. Definitely a great piece to light up the Lunar New Year!
Patek Philippe Nautilus Rose Gold
The Nautilus, Reference 5711, in rose gold.
The Nautilus is perhaps one of the watches that have attained a cult status amongst collectors. It’s no surprise, considering its iconic design and the provenance behind the model and manufacturer.
In this week’s article, we have selected the base Nautilus model for Lunar New Year. The particular model that we have chosen for this occasion is the rose gold variant. It is pretty apt as gold, in Chinese culture, symbolises wealth and luck. The choice of rose gold is excellent as well, as the red hue gives off a warm vibe. It also seem less ostentatious than its yellow gold brethren too.
The watch is powered by the Calibre 324 SC, an automatic movement that is a mere 3.3mm thick. It comes with a date indicator, and the finishing is stunning to say the least. The watch truly deserves its status as an icon, and it is definitely a watch that we’d love to have it on our wrist during the festive season.
Richard Mille RM27-02 Rafael Nadal
The Richard Mille RM27-02 Rafael Nadal Edition.
Next, we have a novelty from Richard Mille: the RM27-02 Rafael Nadal.
Richard Mille is an interesting watch manufacturer. Over the years, the brand had constantly try to outdo themselves by producing mind-blowing timepieces that emphasise on lightweight. One of the watches that the Les Breuleux-based watchmaker had produced is the RM27-02, specially for Rafael Nadal. The watch weighs a mere 19g, all thanks to the use of a composite that comprises of both NTPT Carbon and TPT Quartz.
The watch comes with a manual-winding movement, which boasts a power reserve of around 70 hours. It is fitted with a tourbillon, and it is strong enough to withstand a force of up to 5,000G. After all, the watch is meant to be worn during tennis matches, which are prone to great shocks. This price, however, is quite a shocker though. It retails at CHF 734,500 (approximately S$1,050,000), and it will be limited to 50 pieces. But the orange strap and red elements on the watches gives the watch a rather lively outlook, and it will certainly gain the approval of many this Lunar New Year.
Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Dual Time
Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Dual Time in red gold and dual level enamel grande feu dial.
We round off the article with the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Dual Time.
The Jaquet Droz is an easy choice. This particular model, with a grand feu enamel dial, is a sight to behold. We like how the watch has a double layer, which gives off a three-dimensional effect. It simple yet elegant design also brings out the exquisiteness of the enamel dial. But what is more interesting is its dial layout. The two off-centre dials – which is a signature of the watchmaker – resembles the number “8”. According to popular Chinese numerology, 8 is an extremely auspicious number. It is definitely an apt piece for this Lunar New Year.
Besides its gorgeous looks, the Jaquet Droz is fitted with an excellent movement as well. The JD 2663 is a self-winding movement that is based on the F. Piguet 1150. It is equipped with a silicon balance spring and pallet horns, double barrel, flat bridges, and an 18-carat red gold oscillating weight. In addition it has a power reserve of 65 hours, and the finishing is rather spectacular. Overall, the watch is magnificent, and its retail price of S$43,000 might interest many Chinese gentlemen who highly regard the number “8”.
Concluding Thoughts
In this week’s article, we have selected quite a wide spectrum of watches for the Lunar New Year. Each of them has its own merits, and they are certainly watches that will fit the theme of the Chinese New Year rather aptly.
Anyways, we hope that you have enjoyed our article this week. Let us know what are some of the pieces that we should have included in the comments section below. And finally, here’s wishing everyone a wonderful Lunar New Year! And as we say in these neck of the woods…”Huat ah!”
