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Past Monday, February 8, officially marked the start of Chinese New Year – the Year of the Monkey. It is the most important annual event celebrated in Asia, as well as in the main cities of Europe and North America. Therefore, it is not surprising that luxury watch brands, especially those with a massive following in the Far East, have presented unique high-end watches dedicated to the Chinese zodiac animal of the year. So here are the most outstanding new release watches from the best watchmaking manufacturers:
Piaget Altiplano Cloisonné Enamel “Year of the Monkey”
Continuing a wonderful tradition began in 2012, the company has presented a luxury watch that belongs to the Altiplano collection known for its elegant ultra-thin models and incredible craftsmanship. Each piece of the new wrist watches comes in a 38mm 18k white gold case topped by a diamond-set bezel that makes it perfect for both, men and women. Its marvelous dial in cloisonné enamel displays the Chinese Zodiac sign “Monkey” on a cottony cloud background. The fantastic model equipped with a hand-winding movement, Caliber 430P, is presented on a black alligator leather strap. The edition is limited to 38 copies.
Ulysse Nardin Classico “Year of the Monkey”
The Ulysse Nardin luxury watch brand honors its exuberant essence with the release of the Classico “Year of the Monkey” edition limited to 88 pieces. Distinguished by the decorative dial depicting a playful monkey among the palm fronds, the new model is presented in a 40mm 18k rose gold case fitted with a black leather strap. This splendid sample of new design watches is powered by a COSC-certified automatic chronometer movement, Caliber UN-815, visible through the transparent case back.
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Monkey
The Jaquet Droz brand has released several high end luxury watches for men and women to celebrate the Year of the Monkey. One of them is the Petite Heure Minute Relief Monkey with a striking dial that successfully combines mother-of-pearl, gold, onyx, and lacquer. This automatic winding model with a monkey relief applique is available in an 18k white or rose gold case measuring 41mm in diameter. Furthermore, the white gold version is additionally decorated with 272 diamonds. Each luxury watch model is offered in a limited edition of 28 pieces.
Chopard L.U.C. XP Urushi “Year of the Monkey”
Chopard has created a special but not limited edition dedicated to the Chinese Zodiac sign. This excellent example of new release watches features a unique dial depicting a monkey gathering peaches designed by Kiichiro Masumura, a Japanese master lacquer artist. It is enclosed in a 39.5mm 18k rose gold case mounted onto a matt black alligator leather strap. The new luxury watch model is equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement, L.U.C 96.17-L.
Except for these eye-catching designer watches, let us mention two more models worthy of your attention: the black PVD-treated stainless steel Perrelet Turbine Monkey model limited to 100 pieces that is distinguished by the rotating turbine decorated with the Chinese horoscope signs and the multifunctional platinum Blancpain Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar model with an engraved monkey on its winding rotor limited to only 36 pieces. Happy Chinese New Year!