The phrase ‘giving a clock’ sounds like the Chinese words for ‘attending a funeral ritual’ in addition to timepieces symbolising the running out of time. So, giving a clock or watch as a gift is the biggest no-no in Chinese culture.
However, this doesn’t deter the watch industry and, as the Asian market continues to grow in importance for brands, more and more attention is lavished on the Lunar New Year.
And, with few exceptions, these usually limited-edition timepieces are lapped up by enthusiastic collectors.
One brand that pays particular attention to Asia’s biggest celebration of the year is Piaget.
In 2012, the house welcomed in the Year of the Dragon with an entire capsule collection of timepieces.
Piaget Dragon and Phoenix watches
Now, as the 12-year cycle begins anew, Piaget is reviving the spirit of daring creativity, remarkable sophistication, and unexpected beauty with another special Lunar New Year Capsule Collection dedicated to the energies of the Dragon and the Phoenix.
Symbolising power, strength, and prosperity, the Dragon holds a special place in Chinese zodiac symbolism.
Piaget’s 2012 Lunar New Year collection featured 24 references, including high watchmaking complications, metiers d’art timepieces, and high jewellery secret watches.
Each subsequent year witnessed the release of meticulously crafted watches paying homage to the relevant zodiac sign.
As the new 12-year cycle unfolds, the brand introduces another spectacular collection honouring both the Dragon and Phoenix – symbols of masculinity and femininity, strength, power, hope, rebirth, harmony, and balance.
The Dragon embodies “yang”, while the Phoenix represents “yin”, together forming a harmonious union that establishes equilibrium.
This divine pair stands as an enduring symbol of love, with their union epitomising the ultimate expression of marital joy.
The collection comprises 10 exceptional timepieces and high jewellery pieces, including exclusive made-to-order cuff watches, each reflecting Piaget’s codes and celebrating unparalleled craftsmanship and watchmaking skills.
Symbolising power, strength, and prosperity, the Dragon takes centre stage in two 38mm Altiplano Zodiac references, featuring intricate cloisonné enamelling by Anita Porchet.
The blue Dragon and the Phoenix, depicted in red, pink, and orange hues, are brought to life with gold engraving, adding depth and dimensionality.
These watches, limited to 38 pieces each, showcase a modern and vibrant expression of the Lunar New Year.
The capsule collection also includes four new high jewellery watches. The 41mm Altiplano High Jewellery Dragon watch, limited to eight numbered editions, boasts fine paillonné enamel work complementing a gold-engraved Dragon with red lacquered eyes.
The Dragon motif continues onto a Piaget Emperador watch, featuring a flying tourbillon and a captivating gold-engraved Dragon winding around the case.
For a feminine interpretation, two Phoenix High Jewellery watches feature marquise and brilliant-cut diamonds on a 32mm watch with asymmetrical motifs, limited to eight pieces each.
Additionally, a 4-carat cushion-cut Mozambique ruby is the highlight of a bold signet ring, accompanied by a dazzling Dragon brooch encircling yellow sapphire, spessartite and spinel stones.
For the first time, the capsule collection includes high jewellery creations: a unique Dragon brooch and ring, and two Phoenix ear-cuffs.
Echoing the Phoenix jewellery watches, the cuffs come in diamond and rose gold or ruby and white gold, showcasing marquise, pear, and brilliant-cut diamonds.
The collection culminates with two made-to-order high jewellery cuff watches – a Dragon cuff fringed in onyx and a Phoenix cuff draped with pink rubies, sapphires, and spinels. Both cuffs are unique, allowing clients to customise finishes and stones.
Bursting with energy, emotion, and a hint of playful irreverence, Piaget’s Dragon & Phoenix Lunar New Year Capsule Collection heralds an exciting new cycle of the Chinese Zodiac, showcasing a maison mastering its house codes to push the boundaries of creativity and daring.
