As the Chinese Year of the Monkey begins February 8, 2016, watch companies have begun releasing models with a primate theme that commemorate the year. According to Chinese zodiac lore, people born during the year of this sign are clever and intelligent, especially in their career and wealth. They are said to be lively, flexible, quick-witted and versatile. Yet they still have shortcomings, according to the seers, including an impetuous temper and a tendency to look down upon others.
We don’t see much in the way of shortcomings in any of these five early Year of the Monkey timepieces, which each display their dial hero a different, highly artistic manner. Given the nature of the subject, all are limited editions.
Ulysse Nardin Year of the Monkey
Ulysse Nardin’s entry is this 40mm timepiece, the latest addition to its Classico Collection. On the champlevé enamel dial the monkey appears in a comic strip-like style leaping through a brush of palm fronds. The champlevé technique consists of cells being carved with a chisel directly on the dial and filled with enamel. Its colors are generated from different metallic oxides, and for this piece, a neutral palette has been selected. The piece is then fired until the enamel melts. Year of the Monkey is a limited edition of 88 pieces in rose gold and is powered by the self-winding UN-815 movement, which is a COSC-certified chronometer. Price: $39,800.
Vacheron Constantin Métiers d Art La Légende du Zodiaque Chinois
These watches replica also celebrate the Year of the Monkey. The 40mm case is made from platinum or pink gold and each is powered by in-house Vacheron Constantin caliber 2460 G4. Inspired by Chinese iconography and created with artisanal Swiss craftsmanship, the dial is enameled in successive Grand Feu enamel layers, which enhances the intensity of the blue or bronze tone. The monkey, made of platinum or gold, is hand engraved and delicately applied to the dial center. The hands-free time display is achieved through four apertures showing the hours, minutes, days and dates. Vacheron Constantin includes a hand-stitched dark blue or brown alligator leather strap, a corrector stylus and even a magnifying glass, so the wearer can see every detail on its artistic dial. The platinum version retails for $124,000.
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Monkey
Based on this brand’s Petite Heure Minute are two new automatic watches replica that celebrate the Chinese calendar 2016 Year of the Monkey. Two new models—each available in two versions¬– depict the monkey leaping onto branches to pick a peach. Chinese traditionally give peaches as a welcome gift or a symbol of eternal life, while peach trees signify long life and their branches are used to chase away evil spirits. A second 35mm or 39mm design called Petite Heure Minute Monkey (not pictured) portrays the monkey painted on a cream-colored dial. The Petite Heure Minute Relief Monkey, pictured, features a sculpted gold monkey and is made in a 41mm gold case. Each model is made in 28-piece limited edition. Price: $77,700 (white gold with diamonds) and $68,300 (red gold, no diamonds).
Harry Winston Premier Monkey Automatic 36mm
On this glittering dial is an 18-karat gold monkey with a diamond eye positioned against a gold-flecked pink mother-of-pearl dial. Using appliqué and marquise-cut openwork evocative of Jianzhi–a prized Chinese art form used for centuries to convey lifelong prosperity–the primate comes to life. Inside the rose gold diamond-studded case is an automatic movement, HW2008, decorated with circular Côtes de Genève, rhodium plating and circular graining. Price: $48,500
Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Monkey
As we showed you a few months ago, Chopard has created this new watch with firm Yamada Heiando, master lacquer artisans and official purveyor to the Japanese imperial family. Urushi master Minori Koizumi applied many layers of lacquer on the dial using the Maki-technique to create a monkey gathering eight peaches believed to bring good luck and health. This watch is also beautiful inside: It’s fitted with ultra-thin movement L.U.C Calibre 96.17-L with 22-karat gold micro-rotor set inside a 39.5mm rose gold case. This movement powers central hours and minute hands using two barrels to ensure a 65-hour power reserve. Price: $24,290