Story Highlight
– Lunar New Year inspires unique watch designs for 2026.
– Horse symbolizes energy, speed, and bold decisions.
– Eight limited-edition Year of the Horse watches introduced.
– TAG Heuer and Oris showcase intricate horological artistry.
– Longines features cultural storytelling in special edition timepiece.
Full Story
The Lunar New Year represents a significant moment for watchmakers to showcase their creativity, and the upcoming 2026 celebration of the Year of the Horse is no exception. This year is said to embody characteristics such as vitality, advancement, swiftness, and independence, though it may also evoke a sense of restlessness. These traits align well with the dynamic nature of the watch industry.
Celebrated for making bold choices, collectors often seek out limited-edition watches during this festive time, perhaps using the excuse of the holiday to justify adding new pieces to their collections. While traditionally gifting clocks during the Lunar New Year is considered bad luck—symbolizing the approaching end of time—watchmakers are embracing the occasion with a variety of unique Horse-themed timepieces.
**TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Year of the Horse**
TAG Heuer offers a striking celebration with its Carrera Chronograph limited to just 250 pieces. Featuring a champagne-colored backdrop accentuated by 18K rose gold detailing, this watch emphasizes its Eastern influence through the character for ‘horse’ displayed at the 9 o’clock position. The intricate Calibre TH20-07 movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case back engraved with a fire horse, provides an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
**Price:** £3,500 / $4,150, available at tagheuer.com.
**Oris Year of the Horse Limited Edition**
Utilising the symbolism of the Lunar New Year, Oris presents a limited edition of just 88 pieces from its Artelier line. This model showcases the caliber 113 movement, featuring two horses that indicate the 10-day power reserve: a galloping horse signals a full wind, while a resting horse indicates when it needs winding. The piece, measuring a notable 50.5mm, also includes a business calendar displaying the day, date, and month.
**Price:** £6,100 / $8,000, available at oris.ch.
**Bulova ‘Year of the Horse’ Super Seville**
Marking its debut in the realm of Chinese Zodiac-themed watches, Bulova has released the Super Seville, featuring a gleaming gold-tone stainless steel case with a coin-edge bezel and a sophisticated red-and-gold dial. Highlighting a rearing horse surrounded by floral designs, this watch is limited to 888 pieces, a significant number in Chinese culture representing luck and fortune.
**Price:** £599 / $895, available at bulova.com.
**Swatch Riding The Clouds**
Swatch takes an artistic route with Riding The Clouds, designed by Shanghai and London-based artist Yu Wenjie. The bright red timepiece features two flying horses—one black and the other white—embodying the yin and yang concept. The design is embellished with flaming manes and clouds, symbolising passion and resilience, and extends to the strap for a cohesive aesthetic.
**Price:** £86 / $105, available at swatch.com.
**Dior Grand Soir Year of the Horse**
Each year, Dior’s Grand Soir collection introduces a unique piece reflecting the lunar calendar’s theme. The 2026 model is distinguished by its intricate design, showcasing rose gold horses amidst a backdrop of mother-of-pearl and opulent floral motifs, epitomising elegance.
**Price:** £36,000 / $41,000.
**Piaget Altiplano Zodiac Horse Edition**
In a departure from traditional colour schemes, Piaget opts for a rich blue palette for its Horse edition, skillfully crafted with the expertise of master enameller Anita Porchet. This luxurious piece, limited to only 18 units, features gold threads and a brilliant array of diamonds, powered by the exceptionally thin 830P calibre, offering a 60-hour power reserve.
**Price:** POA, details at piaget.com.
**Harry Winston Chinese New Year Automatic**
Harry Winston celebrates the New Year with a striking creation from its Moments collection. The 18K rose gold watch features a vivid red lacquer dial adorned with a galloping horse, surrounded by 151 brilliant-cut diamonds and numerous gemstone hour markers, demonstrating a commitment to luxury and craftsmanship.
**Price:** POA, details at harrywinston.com.
**Longines Master Collection Year of the Horse Edition**
Longines pays tribute to the equestrian world with a special edition featuring 2,026 pieces. This steel model boasts a subtly gradient dial, complemented by a moon phase indicator. Its unique reverse showcases an engraved rotor inspired by Peon Xu’s Galloping Horse painting, merging tradition with contemporary design.
**Price:** £2,700 / $3,400, available at longines.com.