Start the year with a timepiece that captures the rabbit on a dial or one with the lucky red colour in its full glory or hints of it; the choice is yours to make
Arnold & Son
The dial of the perpetual moon is turned into a canvas for Arnold & Son as it creates the rabbit sitting against a backdrop of black aventurine beneath a mother-of-pearl moon. Let’s not forget that the main draw is the rabbit crafted from 18-carat rose gold. Its expression, its pose and the details of its fur are hand-engraved and burnished to add depth and nuance.
On closer inspection, you will notice in a large aperture, a turning disc reveals the waxing and waning of the moon, the appearance of the crescent moon and its light. It is crafted from mother-of-pearl with painted elements in relief, all enhanced with Super-LumiNova.
Pale during the day, it shines brightly at night and is transformed, its face adorned with details. While those details may provide a sweet distraction, do take note of the dial’s aquatic elements and the pagoda’s windows which are hand-painted with luminescent material. The bunny gets its energy from the A&S1512 calibre developed, produced, decorated, assembled, adjusted and cased up at the brand’s Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Bell & Ross
This is Bell & Ross’ second collaboration with Alain Silberstein, an architect and designer who creates modern watches for everyday use. The Grail Watch 4: Bell & Ross × Alain Silberstein Black Ceramic Trilogy collection is based on the iconic BR 03, based on the design of an aviation cockpit console. The collection consists of the BR 03 time-only model with date, a BR 03 diving watch and a BR 03 chronograph.
All three watches use the BR 03 case, which at 42mm × 42mm is significantly smaller than the original BR 01’s 46mm × 46mm. This is in deference to the fact that collective tastes have shifted back to more classical dimensions. At 42mm × 42mm without lugs, the BR 03 is the perfect size for any wrist and is effortless to wear. All three watches also use black ceramic for their cases and are fitted with black rubber straps.
Fans will notice the absence of the brand’s logo, instead, in its place is just the ampersand, an indication that this timepiece is meant to be fun, and the matte black ceramic case and jet-black dial, are significant markers, such as the red circle to mark the hours, a blue arrow for the minutes, while an S-shaped form in bold yellow indicates the passing of the seconds.
Piaget
For the last 10 years, Piaget has diligently been creating timepieces celebrating the Chinese zodiac sign. This year, the rabbit gets its time in the spotlight on the limited-edition Altiplano timepiece in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel. The watch is created by master enameller Anita Porchet and showcases her talent in 38 pieces limited edition Altiplano depicting two luminous rabbits, housed in a 38 mm 18K white gold case set with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.71 ct). Watch gets its power from Maison’s ultra-thin, manual-winding 430P movement; the boutique-exclusive Altiplano is fitted with a black alligator leather strap.
See also: Defying traditions
Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko introduces the popular “Flow of Seasons” series in two new Elegance Collection models: SBGW281 and SBGW287. Watch lovers will love the classic design that features elements from Grand Seiko’s past such as the compact dimensions and dynamic dials. To mark the lunar new year, the SBGW287 is swathed in the bright red colour that captures the essence of Boshū or ‘sekki’ that represents the season when the trees surround the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi in northern Japan change colour to announce the coming of winter.
Housed inside the case and visible through an exhibition case back is calibre 9S64, a manual-wind movement with an accuracy rating of -3 to +5 seconds per day and 72 hours of duration, thanks to a long mainspring and a balance, both made of proprietary SPRON alloys. 9S64 showcases Grand Seiko’s long-held expertise in creating exceptional movements in terms of functionality, reliability, and finishing.
