What better way to begin the new year than with a new timepiece to make every moment count?
Here are five of our favourite watches to welcome the Year of the Wooden Snake with.
As we embrace the 2025 Lunar New Year, heralded by the arrival of the Wood Snake, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on the symbolism of this elegant zodiac sign and discover timepieces that capture its essence. Distinguished from Snakes of other elements, the Wood Snake is revered for its charm, warmth, and adaptability. Symbolising renewal and growth, wood embodies vitality and progress, perfectly aligning with the spirit of new beginnings. The Wood Snake’s sophistication and creative energy further enrich the serpent’s universal symbolism across ancient cultures—wisdom, rebirth, fertility, and transformation.
Whether you’re looking for a gift to honour these qualities or a personal piece to begin the new year with intention, our curated selection of timepieces is designed to capture the essence of this special year.
BOVET 19Thirty Red Guilloché
The BOVET 19Thirty, inspired by a historical timepiece from the 1930s – the golden era of Hollywood – is an exquisite creation that embodies the spirit of craftsmanship and tradition. At 42mm, this manually-wound watch features a mesmerising guilloché dial, filled with vibrant, translucent layers of red lacquer that reflect light from changing angles, evoking the snake’s transformative energy.
The ergonomic red gold case boasts a slim 9.05mm profile for everyday comfort, complemented by an elegant crown set with a sapphire cabochon. Its off-centre dials pay homage to 19th-century pocket watches, while the remarkable seven-day power reserve, achieved through BOVET’s artisanal expertise, symbolises endurance and renewal.
With a sapphire exhibition case back showcasing its finely-finished movement and a design steeped in horological history, the watch, dressed in auspicious red and luxuriant red gold, stands as a celebration of precision and a timeless tribute to the abundant Lunar New Year.
H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon Vantablack
With its striking design and luxurious execution, the Streamliner Tourbillon in 5N red gold is an exceptional choice for a new acquisition to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Crafted entirely from a richer-toned red gold, the brushed and polished Streamliner case and integrated bracelet create a warm contrast against the mesmerising Vantablack dial. The red gold indices, fixed from the back, seem to disappear and reappear depending on the angle, adding depth and intrigue to the infinite blackness of the dial.
The star feature is the hypnotic one-minute flying tourbillon at six o’clock, which appears to float effortlessly in the dial’s lower half. Powered by the automatic HMC 804 calibre with a double hairspring for precision, this watch combines technical brilliance with elegance. At 40mm, it’s bold without being ostentatious, making it a perfect symbol of transformation, renewal, and sophistication for the Year of the Snake.
Franck Muller Vanguard Beach
Unapologetically daring and infused with bold energy, this Franck Muller’s Vanguard Beach is the fabulous way to kickstart the Year of the Snake in style. Offered in three vibrant hues, it makes its most striking statement in auspicious bright red – a fitting symbol of vitality and renewal for the lunar new year.
Encased in an advanced glass fibre composite, the watch is impressively lightweight—just a quarter of the weight of steel—while remaining exceptionally robust. The case features a distinctive wave-like pattern, created through an intricate process of treating glass fibres, evoking ripples in the sand and the carefree spirit of a tropical beach celebration.
A colour-matched Velcro strap enhances its sporty aesthetic, while the hand-painted Arabic numerals and recessed date window on the dial showcase Franck Muller’s unmistakable artistry. Bold yet functional, this vibrant timepiece is an irresistible addition for those who embrace life with audacity and style.
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Xiali Calendar
Master Watchmaker Michel Parmigiani once remarked, “Calendars are the X-rays of civilisations, born from the patient observation of humans and nature; they reflect a universal harmony in the perception of time.” Across cultures, calendars have shaped our understanding of nature’s cycles. Inspired by this ethos, Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF Xiali Calendar is a groundbreaking achievement—the first complete mechanical watch based on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.
This extraordinary timepiece interprets the intricate Chinese calendar, which synchronises solar and lunar cycles, including a 13th intercalary month every three years. It also integrates 24 solar terms and the complex rules governing Lunar New Year. Its innovative cam system enables the watch to run continuously for 12 years without adjustment, while rapid correctors simplify resetting. It may well be one of the most complete and precise Chinese calendar watches so far.
Originally introduced in steel, Parmigiani Fleurier now debuts a sumptuous red gold version with a striking red dial, perfectly honouring the Chinese New Year’s vibrant traditions.
OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
The Speedmaster Moonwatch in 18K Moonshine™ Gold is a remarkable fusion of heritage, innovation, and luxury, embodying Omega’s pioneering spirit and mastery of watchmaking.
Crafted from Omega’s proprietary Moonshine™ Gold – a paler and more fade-resistant alloy than traditional yellow gold – the 42mm case exudes both elegance and durability. Its sun-brushed gold dial, accented with blackened subdials and indexes, radiates sophistication, while the black ceramic bezel with OMEGA Ceragold™ tachymeter scale pays homage to its racing heritage.
At the heart of this iconic timepiece is the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, a movement that seamlessly combines precision with luxury finishing. With its bold aesthetic and historical significance – having been part of all six moon landings – the Moonwatch has evolved over the years. Yet, each new iteration stays true to its original DNA, offering timeless charm and making it a fitting tribute to the transformative energy of the Year of the Snake.
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