Astrology-based selections, can’t argue with that.
In Malaysia, Chinese New Year is synonymous with a few things – red packets, lion dances, mandarin oranges and firecrackers! Even though it is unlikely that we would see any of these things this year, as MCO will still be in full effect when this auspicious day rolls around, the one thing we can still partake in is the yearly predictions based on the Chinese Zodiac. Whether you believe that these Zodiac animals were based on star constellations, or the Jade Emperor’s Great Race, or neither, it is fun tradition to sneak a peek at what the next year has in store for us all.
Based on the predictions on the Chinese zodiac for 2021 from the famous Chinese metaphysics expert, Dato Joey Yap, here are 12 watches that we feel are the perfect accompaniment for the year 2021 – the year of the Metal Ox.
Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984)
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Messner Limited Edition
Kicking off with the Rat zodiac, this will be the year to stand on the shoulders of giants. The Rat will find themselves using the knowledge of the greats in their industry, and hence, should not shy away from any opportunities. With that said, we chose the Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Messner Limited Edition, which was inspired by one of the greatest mountaineers to ever live, Reinhold Messner. Reinhold Messner is the first solo ascent on Mount Everest, as well as the first to do it without the use of supplemental oxygen. Additionally, Montblanc got their watchmaking know-how from one of the greats in the industry – Minerva.
Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985)
Hautlence HL Sphere 02
As 2021 is the year of the Metal Ox, those born with this zodiac will be the center of attention. For those who do love the attention, they need not worry. However, for those who are not too keen on it, they will need to learn to embrace it, which brings us to this specially selected timepiece. The Hautlence HL Sphere 02 is big and chunky, and a perfect conversation starter with any watch enthusiast. It has a sphere denoting the jumping hours and a retrograde hand for the minutes, perfect for captivating audiences.
Tiger (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986)
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT
The Tiger finds themselves guiding others this year and showing them the way. In return, they will have the opportunity to meet good mentors and friends. As the best way to lead is often by example, we chose this Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT to fit the character of the Tiger. Over the years, Bulgari has broken numerous records when it comes to thin movements, and this watch represents the thinnest of its kind. It also one of the few references in the collection that come in a stainless-steel case.
Rabbit (1951, 1975, 1963, 1987)
Zenith Chronomaster Sport
This new year will be one for self-reflection for the Rabbit. Not only is it time to pull back from the hustle, it should be the year for the Rabbit to find new hobbies and acquire new skills. As Joey Yap says, “focus on long-term plans, not short-term gain”. Thus, the new Zenith Chronomaster Sport is the perfect watch for this purpose. It offers a new movement with a chronograph that is accurate up to 1/10th of a second, where this movement was developed a few years ago and will see more and more use over the next few years.
Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988)
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
For the Dragon, the moon activates their inner desire to start their own business. They will be attracted to new money-making ideas and stumble upon opportunities to join these types of ventures. With that said, what better way to spend all this newfound income than with the first watch on the moon? The Omega Speedmaster series has a legendary reputation as the Moonwatch, and with this newly launched version, it is only fitting that its status remains.
Snake (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989)
Pasha de Cartier
The Snake will appear to receive a lot of attention this year and also look forward to a jump in social status. We recommend the Pasha de Cartier to accompany them on this journey as the unique shape of the lugs and the crown cover are sure to attract attention. Apart from that, Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier’s famed Artistic Director of the past, was a known legend within the social circles at her time.
Horse (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990)
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano
Things are going to get turned around a lot for the Horse this year. While this suggests that things may be topsy turvy for a while, it can also turn problems into opportunities. Taking the literal meaning into consideration, we recommend the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Fagliano. This collaboration with Casa Fagliano, the renowned Argentinian maker of artisanal polo boots, offers a watch with two dials. The front is adorned with a delectable red dial and a small seconds indicator, while flipping it over, reveals a second dial with a gillouche pattern and a second time zone.
Goat (1955, 1967, 1979, 1991)
Bell & Ross BR05 Chronograph
The Goat, unfortunately, sits on the opposite end of the Grand Duke. So be prepared for a lot of change during the year. Nevertheless, if one learns to embrace change, they will do just fine. Take Bell & Ross for example. For a long time, they were only associated with aviation watches. Though in recent years, they decided to refresh their look and offer more dressy watches with the BR 05 and its elegant case shape. At present, they are even adding a chronograph to this well-received family.
Monkey (1956, 1968, 1980, 1992)
TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph Special Edition
For those born in the year of the Monkey, this year will be a challenging one as new problems are set to pop up. However, every cloud has a silver lining, as networking opportunities seem to be at an all-time high. Perhaps one of these new acquaintances can be a part of the solution. Take TAG Heuer for example. In line with the Lunar New Year, TAG Heuer has announced a brand-new partnership with Porsche, marrying the two icons that inspired the Carrera Panamericana race. This particular timepiece is bold and sporty, offering the in-house Heuer 02 calibre movement.
Rooster (1957, 1969, 1981, 1993)
Breguet Double Tourbillon Ref. 5345
The year 2021 is going to be a good year for the Rooster as it is the year of the harvest. All of the hard work in the past will finally pay off; so, why not treat yourself? This fantastic Breguet Double Tourbillon timepiece is equipped with two tourbillon complications that sets the whole plate in motion, via a central differential that makes one full turn every 12 hours. The back of the movement is engraved with “House on the Quai”, as a reference to the Parisian building where the founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, fulfilled his life’s work.
Dog (1958, 1970, 1982, 1994)
Breitling Endurance Pro
The year is filled with adventure for those born with the Zodiac of the Dog. It is pegged as a year to make happy memories with friends and family, and perhaps, even a year for new romance to blossom. For this reason, the Breitling Endurance Pro will prove to be a loyal companion with every step we take. The watch is built sturdy and lightweight with the brand’s proprietary Breitlight material. While its Chronometer-certified, the thermo-compensated quartz movement means it will be incredibly reliable throughout one’s journey.
Boar (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983)
Moser & Cie Swiss Alp Final Upgrade
For those born in the year of the Boar, attention will split in many ways. The Boar needs to slow down, prioritize and focus more on the important things. This H. Moser & Cie Swiss Alps watch perfectly understands the importance of slowing down, as it was designed as a device that gives you more personal time with your loved ones. This marks the final piece in the Swiss Alps collection, and it uses the darkest material known to man, Vantablack, for the dial. Additionally, the small seconds cleverly resembles the loading icon, giving the watch the illusion of being suspended in a perpetual loading state.
