The Lunar New Year excitement kicked off last weekend, and the Year of The Dragon (the Wood Dragon to be specific) has begun. We here at Hodinkee want to wish health and happiness to all who celebrate. And is there a better way to celebrate a holiday than a roundup of our favorite watches to gift yourself or gift your loved ones as a humble (or not so humble – you decide) token for a prosperous year to come? Probably! But this gift guide is, well, what we’re working with.
Our own Mark Kauzlarich already gave you all the skinny on the latest and greatest Year of the Dragon releases for the Chinese-specific market last week, so I will now take the baton from him and relay the ten picks from the Hodinkee Shop that, in some way or another, speak to the style, energy, and celebratory fervor of Lunar New Year. Prepare yourself for lots of gold, some killer red dials, a touch of green here and there, and some watches that are just too plain good-looking not to mention. Now, on to the good stuff!
Oris Aquis Sun Wukong Limited Edition
While I would have loved to start with the most blatantly obvious choice, a la G-SHOCK’s annual Lunar New Year MTG, as fate would have it, it has already sold out. In its stead, I will introduce you to a bit of a sleeper hit in the form of this limited edition from Oris.
A unique blending of the dive-oriented specs you’d expect from the Aquis along with subtle yet powerful references to the original animated retelling of The Monkey King, the Aquis Sun Wukong Limited Edition pays homage to the storied history of the character as told through the lens of the acclaimed Wan Brothers 1961 film, The Monkey King: Uproar In Heaven in honor of its 60th anniversary.
Housed in a 41mm case of stainless steel, you’ll find all of the durability and adventure-ready features that define the Aquis family – which seems like a perfect match for the daring spirit of the Monkey King himself. Within the film, the Monkey King, known as Sun Wukong in Mandarin, crafted his signature weapon from the act of shrinking a red and gold pillar into a staff for his use, which you can see recreated in watch form via the sweeping seconds hand. Furthering the sense of visual dynamism, the blue dial sports an oscillating pattern of gradient lines that make the seconds hand appear even more mighty.
Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph
I’ve already prepared you for quite a few killer red-dialed picks on this roundup, but we’ll begin with a personal favorite, the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph. Aside from its technological beauty and craftsmanship, the Mille Miglia is an instant charmer with its varied lustrous finishes that gleam from all angles.
Among the most immediately aesthetically appealing details is, no question, its cherry color. When the light hits the sunray finish of the red dial, the whole piece has the effect of glowing from within. This vibrant saturation is complemented perfectly by the Lucent Steel case – the brand’s newly introduced alloy that glistens to almost a bright white depending on the angle from which you view it.
Within that reasonably sized 40.5mm case, you’ll be pleased to find a genuine chronometer movement in the form of a COSC-certified, self-winding chronograph caliber, making this piece as sophisticated inside as it is alluring on the outside. It’s luxurious. Dressy. Statement making. But its sporty, motorsport-centric functionality helps to maintain an easy sense of laidback coolness. Kind of like the Wood Dragon itself, perhaps?
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm
While I believe I’ve waxed poetic about my affection for the recently released smaller model of the PRX Powermatic (which is still waiting for you here), I will now focus my attention on its slightly larger, but still reasonably sized 40mm predecessor. And with the recent release of the Piaget Polo 79 and Bulgari’s yellow gold Octo Finisimmo, there’s something in the air about yellow gold in all its ’70s opulence. But, sometimes, you want to channel that energy without the opulent price tag.
Coming in under the $1,000 mark per usual, the PRX continues to be a testament to great-looking, quirky, well-crafted watches at a price tag that won’t wring your pocketbook out dry right as we kick off the Year of the Dragon. I will also argue that even on smaller wrists, this 40mm sizing has the potential to create a nice cuff-like effect that further leans into the retro flair and is one of those pieces that, despite its clear ’70s influences, feels decidedly contemporary and won’t be going out of style any time soon.
Grand Seiko Elegance Manual Wind Genbi Valley
Departing from the typical red and gold selections for a moment, please allow me to ramble on about my affection for this fabulously sized and undeniably charming mint green limited edition from Grand Seiko’s elegance collection.
The Zaratsu polished 37.3mm case is the most decidedly unisex out of the bunch so far, and the fresh minty green tones are intended to call upon the serenity and harmony of the lush landscape of the Genbi Valley – not a bad sort of energy to channel as we venture forth into the Lunar New Year. Dressy, tranquil, and complete with the quality and sophistication that Grand Seiko is renowned for, this darling watch is a fabulous choice if you’re in the mood to manifest a peaceful and calm year ahead.
Longines Spirit Zulu Time
Packed with hard-hitting functionality, incredibly easy-wearing dimensions, and touches of 18K yellow gold just where you need it, all for just a touch over $4K, this iteration of Longines’ Spirit Zulu Time is something of a dream come true.Â
Aside from the ever-handsome brown dial and ceramic bezel that makes the perfect complement to the luxurious yellow-gold tones, this piece distinguishes itself in the movement department and is a cut above the rest from many other offerings at this price point. Within the 39mm case lies the sophisticated L844.4 movement, which has achieved COSC chronometer certification and “flyer” functionality and has a power reserve of up to three days. It’s a tool watch when you need it, and just a damn good-looking timepiece when you want it. Simply put, it’s the best of both worlds.
Breitling Top Time Chevrolet Corvette A25310
While it might be inspired by classic muscle cars, Breitling has equipped this deep burgundy red rendition of its legendary Top Time chronograph with details that make it versatile and elegant enough to wear just as happily beyond the boundaries of the racetrack. This specific take calls upon the bold design of the Chevrolet Corvette in its use of color and unique geometry. I’m particularly taken with the squared-off corners of the chronograph subdials that channel the feeling of being behind the wheel without feeling cheap or too on the nose.
As far as the tech specs go, it’s 42mm, water resistant 100 meters, and complete with the automatic Concepto 2000-RAC-2822 caliber with a reasonable power reserve of 42 hours. Somehow, this piece is both restrained and dangerous – making it a worthy option to commemorate the bold energy the Dragon is said to have.
Rolex Daytona 116503
I can’t imagine a more fitting symbol of good fortune to come than this two-tone beauty. Gazing directly at these photos almost makes one feel faint….
The Rolex Daytona has a legacy that proceeds it, and if you’ve made it this far, I’m sure you are already well-versed in its mystique. The important thing to note with this model is that it was introduced in 2016 as the brand’s modern two-tone offering. To avoid belaboring the point, I will go ahead and let the images speak plainly for themselves. Feel free to “Ooh” and “Ahhh” if necessary.Â
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
This primarily falls into the “too cool not to mention category,” but would you permit me to make the argument that the red-tipped seconds hand is subtly on-theme?
Slimmer and easier to wear than its predecessors, the Bathyscape continues to proudly carry the torch of the original modern dive watch. The grey dial, with its dynamic sunray brushed finish, looks particularly handsome with its adornment of mid-century design elements, most notably the retro geometry of the applied indices and the large rectangular hands. I personally find the slanted date window at four thirty to be the perfect amount of quirky, but I doubt my abilities to convince date window naysayers of that.
With its 300 meters of water resistance, hardworking movement with an impressive power reserve of 120 hours, historical relevancy, and understated yet elegant sense of style, the Bathyscape makes an excellent contender if you want to add a new go anywhere, do anything piece to refresh your collection.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph
While I recently gave the green-dial family member some air time, it feels fitting I turn my attention to the all-gold rendition of the ever-iconic Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional to beef up the luxury factor of this gift guide.Â
Aside from its 18K Moonshine Gold case and matching bracelet, one more thing to love about this iteration of the Speedmaster Professional, in particular, is its fusion of modern luxury along with verisimilitude to its vintage predecessor. Most notably, this model features the famous “dot over 90″ tachymeter scale, the inclusion of”Professional” on the dial, clear functionality, and sporty style. Additionally, thanks to the manually-wound Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 3861, this is the first Speedmaster Professional to feature a hacking second hand.Â
Casio CA-500WEG-1AVT ‘Vintage Gold’ Calculator
Given the astronomical price tag of my previous pick, I thought it might be nice to round out this guide with a sub-$100 piece for a change. That is, quite selfishly, a recent addition to the Shop that I’ve been eyeing for myself…
Now reimagined in all gold, Casio revives the ultimate symbol of the geek-chic style with its signature calculator watch. It’s funky, it’s nostalgic, and there’s a ton of streetwear potential despite its nerdy reputation. And you can do up to 8-digit calculations on this thing. Ultimately, this piece has the ironically cool factor that helps to round out any type of watch collection. Nuff said.Â
