Out with the old and in with the new. Luxury Swiss watchmakers are celebrating the beginning of a new 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle by paying tribute to the arrival of the Rat.

1. Harry Winston

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The Premier Chinese New Year Automatic 36mm (Photo: courtesy of Harry Winston)
Above Photo: Harry Winston

Inspired by the art of jiǎnzhǐ, also known as Chinese paper cutting, this Premier timepiece has a red-beaded mother-of-pearl dial that recalls the hue of the paper used in jiǎnzhǐ. The image of the Rat is delicately crafted in 18k rose gold and set with brilliant cut diamonds. As a homage to Chinese numerology, only eight - an auspicious number -pieces of this limited edition are available.

See also: The 2 Watches That Showcase Harry Winston's Watchmaking Brilliance

2. Chopard

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Above Photo: Chopard

Collaborating with Japanese lacquerware specialist Yamada Heinado, the handcrafted dial of the L.U.C XP Urushi features a golden rat perched on an ear of corn to symbolise abundance while the persimmon represents longevity. The colours blue, gold and green signify luck. Encased in 18k rose gold, the sapphire caseback reveals the automatic L.U.C 96.17-L calibre, which possesses a power reserve of 65 hours when fully wound.

See also: Chopard And Its League Of Gentlemen

3. Piaget

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Above Photo: Piaget

Elegantly minimal in design, the Piaget Altiplano 38mm is decorated with 2 silver-toned Rats inside a white gold case set with 78 brilliant cut diamonds on the bezel. 

See also: These Piaget Altiplano Watches Made Out Of Meteorite Stones Are Out Of This World

4. Vacheron Constantin

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 Photos: Vacheron Constantin)
Photo 2 of 2

Presented in blue and bronze, the Métiers d’Art Legend of the Chinese Zodiac showcases the marriage of two traditional handcrafts - Chinese and Swiss paper-cutting techniques. To enhance the intensity of the colours, the manufacture employs grand feu enamel, serving as a radiant backdrop for the hand-engraved Rat. Deliberately hands-free to fully appreciate the artistic aspect of the watch, time is read via four apertures indicating the hour, minute, day and date.

See also: Find Out How Vacheron Constantin Solved Perpetual Calendar’s Most Practical Problem

5. Blancpain

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Above Métiers d'Art Porcelaine (Photo: courtesy of Blancpain)

Blancpain's first ever porcelain dial is enamelled by hand and then painted to reveal 3 Rats foraging for fruits. The Métiers d'Art Porcelaine comes in a 33mm white gold case set with 48 brilliant cut diamonds and is limited to 8 pieces. 

Related: Blancpain’s Metier D’Art ShowcasesThe Four Great Beauties Of China

6. Louis Vuitton

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Photo: Louis Vuitton
Above Photo: Louis Vuitton

Featuring 12 new dials that correspond to the Chinese zodiac, the Tambour Horizon smartwatch also incorporates Louis Vuitton's iconic monogram in its design. This one features the new zodiac animal for 2020, the Rat rendered in cute cartoony form and seen holding the brand's classic weekender. Customisation is also available, with different colours and patterns for the dial. 

See also: Have A Chic Chinese New Year 2020 With Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi & More

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