The Best Chinese New Year–Themed Watches of 2026 (Part 2)

In an article last month, we predicted that more Chinese New Year–inspired watches would come charging in. That anticipation is hardly surprising. The upcoming Year of the Fire Horse (February 17, 2026 to February 5, 2027) has generated considerable excitement, as both the fire element and the horse zodiac are powerful symbols of vigor, movement, and change.

I’m not one for astrology or divination, but for those who are, the Fire Horse year—which occurs only once every 60 years—is believed to be especially intense. It’s said to be fueled by passion and momentum, encouraging bold action and forward motion rather than hesitation or indecision.

Recently announced Chinese New Year–themed watches reflect that fiery energy and definitely don’t disappoint. They include crimson-hued reinterpretations of icons from Bulgari, Bulova and Hz Watches, a salmon-colored dual Gregorian-and-Chinese calendar from Blancpain, a Louis Moinet pièce unique, and a lavish métiers d’art reimagining of Piaget’s history-making ultra-thin Altiplano.

Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar “Year of the Fire Horse”

I vividly recall the wave of praise that swept through the watch community when Blancpain unveiled its Villeret Chinese Calendar in 2012. Packing seven days of power reserve and tucking correctors discreetly under the lugs, this movement has returned in the new Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar “Year of the Fire Horse”. Limited to 50 examples, this 45mm platinum timepiece brandishes a ravishing salmon-toned enamel dial. The maison’s signature openworked sage-leaf hour-and-minute hands and serpentine date pointer sweep over calendar counters and a tiny horse at the 12 o’clock position.

Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori

On the occasion of the Year of the Snake (2025), Bulgari made significant technical upgrades to its beloved Serpenti Seduttori: for the first time, this Serpenti sub-collection was equipped with a new in-house automatic movement—the Lady Solotempo BVS100—marking a shift from predominantly quartz or external movements to in-house mechanical calibers. This icon just returned limited to 188 pieces and swathed in a rich shade of red, which to the Chinese represents exuberance and prosperity.

Bulova Super Seville Year of the Horse

151-year-old New York City brand Bulova has released a handsome yet affordable timepiece in tribute to the lunar new year. This gold-toned staineless steel timepiece has a horse inscribed on its dial, as well as the Chinese word for horse (“馬”) on its caseback. Its stately, vintage feel is accentuated by a cyclops date window and a suave three-link bracelet. This fluid bracelet sits comfortably on the wrist, plus its 37.5mm cushion-shaped case is only 11mm thick. This watch is limited to 888 pieces, as the Chinese consider the number 8 auspicious.

HZ.01 Lunar New Year

Australian microbrand Hz is best known for the HZ.01—its versatile and lightweight titanium flagship timepiece that is priced under US$500. This independent icon has been conferred Chinese numerals and a red leather strap. The Chinese word for prosperity (“福”) that is pasted on the doors of many Chinese families also adorns the caseback medallion of this laidback timepiece.

Louis Moinet Tourbillon Puzzle Fire Horse

Since its debut in 2023, Louis Moinet’s Tourbillon Puzzle collection has been the canvas for exquisite hand paintings of various animals and cities. Succeeding 2024’s Louis Moinet Tourbillon Puzzle Dragon, the 2026 Louis Moinet Tourbillon Puzzle Fire Horse showcases the blazing beast, hand painted across 81 puzzle pieces and framing its namesake flying tourbillon. Its 40.7mm red gold case is reinforced within by titanium. Unfortunately, acquiring this timepiece might prove difficult because it is one-of-a-kind. However, the brand is known to continually produce Tourbillon Puzzle pièces uniques, and I can vouch that its CEO Jean-Marie Schaller is very approachable and personable.

Piaget Altiplano Zodiac Horse Edition

A historic timepiece that set multiple records in ultra-thinness, the Piaget Altiplano has returned as a breathtaking objet d’art. Its dial is first hand-engraved by skilled artisans, before prominent enameler Anita Porchet endows it with deep shades of blue, gray and white. Only after the cloisonné and paillon enameling meet Porchet’s exacting standards, is the dial set with baguette- and brilliant-cut diamonds. Limited to 18 pieces, this head-turner is powered by Piaget’s 830P movement, housed within a 41mm white gold case.