Last month, we brought you a look at three top Year of the Rooster watches from brands such as Chopard, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin. You can see those watches here. Now, we bring you a close up look at three more Year of the Rooster watches — as January 21 rings in the Chinese New Year.
By Roberta Naas Last month, we brought you a look at three top Year of the Rooster watches from brands such as Chopard, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin. Now, we bring you a close up look at three more Year of the Rooster watches -- as January 21 rings in the Chinese New Year. These exceptional pieces are being produced in limited editions by Ulysse Nardin and Jaquet Droz.
From Ulysse Nardin, the new Year of the Rooster Classico watch is a stunning rendition of technical mastery and elegant craftsmanship. The rooster, a confident and punctual bird proud of his looks and gregarious nature, is portrayed on the dial using the centuries-old technique of champleve’ enamel, wherein individual sections are chiseled directly on to the dial and then filled with enamel. To achieve the vibrant colors and bold shimmer, a host of different metallic oxides are blended by the brand’s master artisans at Donze Cadrans -the brand’s dial factory.
The 40mm watch is powered by the UN-815 self-winding mechanical movement that is also a COSC certified chronometer. It is water resistant to 50 meters and offers 42 hours of power reserve. The caseback is sapphire to allow for viewing of the meticulously finished movement. Just 88 pieces will be made.
Additionally, Jaquet Droz also unveils two dramatic Year of the Rooster watches. The two different dial versions are each offered in two renditions for a total of four choices of the limited edition Year of the Rooster Petite Heure Minute watch.
Jaquet Droz Petite-Heure Chinese Fire Rooster
One version of the rooster is depicted in hand-painted elegance on the dial. A choice of either a vibrant blue and gold rooster, or a black, white and smoky gray version is being created.
There is also a sculptured rooster version, wherein an 18-karat gold rooster is sculpted by hand on the dial and stands in the center against a background of Grand Feu enamel. In this version, the rooster is standing ready to make its dawn call, chest puffed and bright red comb standing straight. Each of the 35mm or 39mm Jaquet Droz Petite-Heure Chinese Rooster watches is created in a limited edition of just 28 pieces.
