12 luxury timepieces celebrating the Year of the Dragon: from Tag Heuer’s Carrera Chronograph and Breitling’s Chronomat B01 42, to Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

Jan 30 , 2024

Hamilton, Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger LeCoultre all featured the dragon on their watches for Chinese New Year. Photos: Hamilton, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger LeCoultre

Chinese New Year is fast approaching and luxury watchmakers have jumped on the bandwagon with fierce dragon-inspired timepieces, from meticulously crafted masterpieces to more subtle designs

Jaeger LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute shows the mythical animal engraved on its reverse while Chopard employed the Japanese urushi technique of lacquer painting together with lucent steel

As the Year of the Rabbit draws to a close, we’re anticipating the bold Year of the Wood Dragon as we count down to Lunar New Year in February. And what better way to celebrate last year’s success and look forward to this year’s victories than with a quality timepiece on the wrist?

Here are our 12 favourite watches celebrating the Year of the Dragon to shop for this festive season.

1. Arnold & Son Luna Magna red gold Year of the Dragon

Arnold & Son’s Luna Magna red gold Year of the Dragon features opulent dragon motifs, reminiscent of high-end Chinese restaurants. Photo: Arnold & Son

Kicking off the list is British watchmaker Arnold & Son, who is giving us two stunning pieces to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, featuring two different types of moonphase alongside meticulously crafted dragon motifs.

The Luna Magna is our favourite by a slight margin, coming in black onyx and blue pietersite with 3D hand-engraved dragon motif and 3D moonphase. The other dragon piece, Perpetual Moon Year of the Dragon, is black and blue aventurine, and features a more traditional moonphase enlarged to dominate the top half of the dial.

2. Bell & Ross BR 05 Artline Dragon

Bell & Ross BR 05 Artline Dragon evokes imagery of tattooed dragons. Photo: Bell & Ross

Bell & Ross pays tribute to the dragon with a piece featuring laser engraving – even on the integrated bracelet. Equipped with the BR-CAL 321 automatic movement that boasts a 54-hour power reserve, the piece is tough and built to accompany you on all occasions – from formal events to casual, sporty outings.

3. Bovet Recital 26 Chapter Two Golden Dragon

Swiss watchmaker Bovet’s Recital 26 Chapter Two Golden Dragon uses rubies to emulate the dragon’s eyes. Photo: Bovet

Inspired by the Chinese idiom “paint the dragon, dot the eyes” – referring to putting the finishing touches on an already excellent piece of work – per its website, Bovet impresses once again with a hand-engraved, jewel set dragon motif alongside a 3D, asymmetrical dial design and world timer complication. The eyes of the dragon, fittingly, are “dotted” with rubies.