The upcoming Lunar New Year will see the arrival of the rat, which incidentally is the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac. The rat – actually the metal rat for 2020– according to Chinese astrology is commonly associated with abundant positive qualities ranging from intelligence to vitality and wealth. This year as we wait for the rat to arrive, we peruse some of the elements in relation to time, which will help bring good luck and fortune for the year ahead.
Vacheron Constantin is one of the first to the party to help usher in the year of the rat, with its two stunning creations that pay homage to this year’s Zodiac animal. Limited to just 12 pieces each, the watchmaker has truly delivered a fitting example of a timepiece that embodies the animal star of 2020. Made available in either platinum or 18k pink gold, the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rat, is presented in blue or brown Grand Feu enamel with a hand-engraved rat taking centre stage. The hours, minutes, day of the week and date are also uniquely presented in apertures. The heart of the timepiece is the calibre 2460 G4 self-winding movement, which can be duly admired via the sapphire case back.
The colour is considered an auspicious one as it represents the water element, which goes hand in hand with the rat as metal is also a mother element of water. The colour is commonly associated with honesty and inspiration whilst encouraging peace and contemplation. Powered by an automatic mechanical calibre BR-CAL.322. movement, the Bell & Ross 05 Blue Steel suits this purpose effectively as it features a beautiful blue dial with applique indices coated in Super-LumiNova. Adding to that, the BR05 Blue Steel is also housed fittingly in a 40mm square steel case paired with a satin-polished steel bracelet or matching blue rubber strap.
Like the colour blue, green is also a positive colour for the year of the metal rat as it is said to promote rejuvenation. It is also commonly associated with joy and prosperity. The Radiomir – 48mm (PAM997), naturally, should work like a lucky charm with its 48mm black ceramic case and military style matte green dial. Powering the hours, minutes and small seconds is a hand-wound mechanical P.3000 calibre, equipped with a power reserve of three days. The timepiece’s classic design is enhanced with a smoked see-through sapphire crystal and a Calf Ponte Vecchio Black strap with impeccable beige stitching.
All Chinese Astrology Signs have corresponding birthstones, which are said to serve as talismans for luck. For the rat, the diamond is the favoured gem as it is promotes both luck and health. Need a conduit for these elements in 2020? Well the Cartier Tank Américaine is formidable choice as it comes adorned with 48k brilliant-cut diamonds along with a 9-sided crown set against a rhodium-finish 18k white (also an auspicious colour for the year) gold case. Stylish as well as classy, the timepiece measures 34.8 mm x 19.0 mm and features a silver flinqué dial and blued-steel sword-shaped hands. Like the case, the quartz movement timepiece is presented with a matching 18k white gold bracelet.
It may be their year of the rat but a lot of attention also needs to be focused on the Chinese Zodiac that it is most compatible with. We’re talking about the dragon of course, which shares similar traits with the rat. To ensure that it continues to be a year filled with memorable moments with your dragon partner, opt for the Petite Heure Minute Dragon from Jacquet Droz. Featuring an 18k red gold 43mm case, the timepiece features a self-winding movement with a power reserve of 68 hours. Of particular interest though is the watch’s Black Grand Feu enamel dial, which features a miniature painting of a dragon occupying the lower half.
The upcoming Lunar New Year will see the arrival of the rat, which incidentally is the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac. The rat – actually the metal rat for 2020– according to Chinese astrology is commonly associated with abundant positive qualities ranging from intelligence to vitality and wealth. This year as we wait for the rat to arrive, we peruse some of the elements in relation to time, which will help bring good luck and fortune for the year ahead.
Vacheron Constantin is one of the first to the party to help usher in the year of the rat, with its two stunning creations that pay homage to this year’s Zodiac animal. Limited to just 12 pieces each, the watchmaker has truly delivered a fitting example of a timepiece that embodies the animal star of 2020. Made available in either platinum or 18k pink gold, the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rat, is presented in blue or brown Grand Feu enamel with a hand-engraved rat taking centre stage. The hours, minutes, day of the week and date are also uniquely presented in apertures. The heart of the timepiece is the calibre 2460 G4 self-winding movement, which can be duly admired via the sapphire case back.
The colour is considered an auspicious one as it represents the water element, which goes hand in hand with the rat as metal is also a mother element of water. The colour is commonly associated with honesty and inspiration whilst encouraging peace and contemplation. Powered by an automatic mechanical calibre BR-CAL.322. movement, the Bell & Ross 05 Blue Steel suits this purpose effectively as it features a beautiful blue dial with applique indices coated in Super-LumiNova. Adding to that, the BR05 Blue Steel is also housed fittingly in a 40mm square steel case paired with a satin-polished steel bracelet or matching blue rubber strap.
Like the colour blue, green is also a positive colour for the year of the metal rat as it is said to promote rejuvenation. It is also commonly associated with joy and prosperity. The Radiomir – 48mm (PAM997), naturally, should work like a lucky charm with its 48mm black ceramic case and military style matte green dial. Powering the hours, minutes and small seconds is a hand-wound mechanical P.3000 calibre, equipped with a power reserve of three days. The timepiece’s classic design is enhanced with a smoked see-through sapphire crystal and a Calf Ponte Vecchio Black strap with impeccable beige stitching.
All Chinese Astrology Signs have corresponding birthstones, which are said to serve as talismans for luck. For the rat, the diamond is the favoured gem as it is promotes both luck and health. Need a conduit for these elements in 2020? Well the Cartier Tank Américaine is formidable choice as it comes adorned with 48k brilliant-cut diamonds along with a 9-sided crown set against a rhodium-finish 18k white (also an auspicious colour for the year) gold case. Stylish as well as classy, the timepiece measures 34.8 mm x 19.0 mm and features a silver flinqué dial and blued-steel sword-shaped hands. Like the case, the quartz movement timepiece is presented with a matching 18k white gold bracelet.
It may be their year of the rat but a lot of attention also needs to be focused on the Chinese Zodiac that it is most compatible with. We’re talking about the dragon of course, which shares similar traits with the rat. To ensure that it continues to be a year filled with memorable moments with your dragon partner, opt for the Petite Heure Minute Dragon from Jacquet Droz. Featuring an 18k red gold 43mm case, the timepiece features a self-winding movement with a power reserve of 68 hours. Of particular interest though is the watch’s Black Grand Feu enamel dial, which features a miniature painting of a dragon occupying the lower half.
