Welcome the new year adorned with these timepieces featuring dragon embellishments

Bell & Ross delves into its artistic side to reinterpret the BR 05 for the BR 05 Artline Dragon, a 99-piece limited edition, inspired by the bold personality of those born under the Dragon zodiac sign. “We wanted to launch a watch that was dressy and decorated. The BR 05 had potential, with a case with ample space for embellishment,” says Bruno Belamich, Creative Director of Bell & Ross. A tribute to the ancestral technique of engraving practised in China for more than a millennium, this first Artline model sports the graphic codes of an exclusive laser engraving, reminiscent of a tattoo.

Flanked by the sun and moon, flora and fauna, and the swallow, the dragon motif is juxtaposed against the modernity of the BR 05 signature bezel with rounded corners, attached to the case by four screws. A collaboration between the graphic designer and watchmaker, the seamless patterns from the dial to the integrated bracelet and across the different surfaces showcase variations of strokes — a play on light and shadow. Each link is engraved with flawless precision before assembly while the time indications remain legible. The BR-CAL.321 self-winding mechanical movement powers the watch with a 54-hour power reserve.

CORUM’s Bubble collection emerges with two 88-piece limited editions that pay homage to the Year of the Dragon: Bubble 47 Dragon and Bubble 47 Dragon Eye. Inspired by Severin Wunderman’s experimental diver’s watch in the 1960s, the Bubble collection cuts a cool form as a watchmaking icon, courtesy of its radical design and domed crystal. The Bubble 47 Dragon features an elaborate dial with a centrepiece of a gold-toned mystical beast, set against a black sunray base to evoke the nocturnal sky, alongside a mother-of-pearl dial moon. In contrast, the Bubble 47 Dragon Eye zooms in and depicts the eye of the mythological creature on the dial. Meticulously handcrafted using the metal casting technique where the dial’s artisanal relief is emboldened by the artistry in rendering the dragon’s eye and scales.

The Bubble’s signature domed sapphire crystal magnifies the finesse and precision of the watchmaking work of art and its craftsmanship. Fitted with a 47 mm diameter case in stainless steel with a black PVD finish along with a vulcanised rubber strap, both the Bubble 47 Dragon and Bubble 47 Dragon Eye timepieces are equipped with the CO 082 automatic movement, visible from the sapphire crystal case back, with a power reserve of 42 hours.

In 2024, Chopard hits a momentous milestone, marking the completion of 12 L.U.C XP Urushi timepieces, crafted annually in conjunction with the Lunar New Year. This year’s Wood Dragon is a symbol of harmony with nature, an identity that resonates with Chopard’s commitment to sustainability. Inspired by the traditions of the Chinese zodiac cycle harking back to the first Emperor of China, Chopard pays homage to this legacy with the L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon, showcasing the fusion of gold and lacquer.

The timepiece features a 39.5 mm ethical 18k rose gold case with the in-house L.U.C 96.17-L calibre with a micro-rotor that results in a 6.80 mm slim profile. Technical savoir-faire merges with artistic flair where the dial is masterfully decorated with Urushi lacquer, gold powder and mother-of-pearl inlays to portray the dragon soaring high above the clouds. All 88 dials of the L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon limited edition are crafted by master artist Minori Koizumi from the workshops of the century-old company Yamada Heiando, requiring at least 20 hours for each dial. This is the 12th year running in the Chopard Urushi story where the dial is entrusted to a Japanese master lacquerer specialising in the ancestral Maki-e lacquer technique.

A fine example of artistic crafts harmonising with technical watchmaking mastery, the made-to-order Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’ by Jaeger-LeCoultre is a celebration of the Chinese zodiac, as well as La Grande Maison’s vision of culture and creativity. Launched in 1931, the Reverso’s trademark swivelling case was originally created to protect the watch dial when worn on the polo field. Its case back of blank metal has since morphed into an ideal canvas for artistic expression.

Amassing the talents of the master enamellers and engravers in its Métiers RaresTM atelier, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’ is engraved with the majestic animal, surrounded by golden clouds, on the pink gold metal of the case back that has been painstakingly treated with glossy black Grand Feu enamel. The dragon’s polished body surface — accentuated by detailed scales with black rhodium highlights — contrasts with the sandblasted texture of the clouds to evoke movement and power. Using the modelled engraving technique, the master engraver uses 10 differently sized chisels to meticulously sculpt the metal to avoid damaging the enamel coating, devoting 80 hours to achieve this. The overlay of opaque black Grand Feu enamel on the case back and the dial is meticulously matched, while faceted appliqué hour-markers, chemin de fer minutes track and Dauphine hands complete the dial.