Dragon watches for New Year 2012

The most fabulous holiday of the year is approaching closer and closer with every hour closer - a change of years. And perhaps the main protagonist of this event, as always, will be a watch, leading the countdown of the latest seconds in the year. On the eve of New Year, some watch companies have released models with a dragon - the symbol of the coming year.
According the Chinese horoscope the patron of 2012 is a mythical creature - black water Dragon.
Dragon, perhaps, exists in all known mythological systems, but in Chinese mythology it is central. Unlike European dragons (traditionally the carriers of evil), the Chinese mythical creatures symbolize the strength and kindness.
There are many types of Chinese dragons: Feng Yun residents are divided by the number of their claws, the color and the ability to fly (dragon occupies a higher level of hierarchy). This mythical image has inspired many designers to create thematic watches.

Collection Petite Heure Minute Dragon Majestic Beijing by Jaquet Droz

For its history Swiss watchmaker Jaquet Droz has took a special interest in China, and, as a tribute to the centuries-old traditions and culture of the Middle Kingdom, in the New Year's Eve has released a collection of Petite Heure Minute Dragon Majestic Beijing. The basis for the creation of a new lineup became a legend of the imperial dragon.
In China dragon has also considered as a symbol of imperial power. The most famous of the mythological family, perhaps, is golden-yellow dragon with two horns and five claws on their feet. According to legend, in the throat of this fantastic creature who is the personification of supreme spiritual power, is hidden the magic pearl of wisdom - a symbol of harmony and achieving goals, as well as wisdom and righteousness of emperor solutions.
At the background of ivory enamel dial are performed two Chinese imperial dragons, fighting for a magic pearl. The pattern is made in the technique of Grand Feu : the glass-colored powder is applied to the surface of the dial, then it is fired. The masters can create with the help of this complex system colored enameling insert, similar to the inlay with gems.
Masters of Jaquet Droz added to the dyes smallest particles of gold, in the result of which the watch has got truly luxurious look and "flashed" with bright colors. The flicker of the dragons’ scaly sets off the vivid colors on the dial and the smooth lines of the stretching hands reinforce the overall effect.
For time indication are using off-center extra dial with digital classic Roman markings, designed to resemble the eternal connection between East and West.

HMS1 Dragon by Arnold & Son

Swiss watch company Arnold & Son has also released the watch, decorated with symbols of the coming year. The figurine of a mythical creature is made of rose gold and remarkably contrasts with the black lacquered dial, on a circle of which are located barely visible hour markers. The prototype for a golden image of mythical figures became an animal carved in the majestic Wall of Nine Dragons, based in Beijing, in the Forbidden City. The exquisite gold applique is made by hand.

Dragon and Phoenix collection by Piaget

In December, the watch company Piaget has presented its new collection of Dragon & Phoenix, released to celebrate the Year of the Dragon by the Chinese calendar. The new line is represented by more than 20 wristwatches, decorated with figures of Dragon and Phoenix - the main symbols of yin and yang in oriental cosmology and mythology. In Chinese culture the dragon is a symbol of courage, wisdom and power, and the phoenix - the personification of feminine splendor, beauty and compassion.
In the men’s models on the black dial a figure of a luxurious golden dragon is highlighted and a white dial of the women’s model is engraved with Phoenix, decorated by 355 diamonds.
In creating the dial is used by traditional Chinese applying enamel technique.

The watch with the dragon by Wei & Friends

The Czech watch company Wei & Friends, following the lead of their Swiss counterparts, in 2011, has announced the release of two new models (Ref. 800.1 and Ref. 800.2) with the image of the imperial dragon, which differs from each other by the mythical animal location on the dial and colors - black gray with red elements (800.1) or orange-terracotta (800.2).
Images of the imperial dragon on white enamel dials are handmade by artists Lalin Menslova and Doris Oplova.
The novelties has issued in a limited edition of 8 items.

Classico Enamel Champleve Dragon Limited Edition by Ulysse Nardin

Watchmaker Ulysse Nardin has also announced the release of a wristwatch with a dragon. The model Classico Enamel Champlevé Dragon Limited Edition by Ulysse Nardin is presented in two versions - in the case of 18K white and rose gold. Each version is limited edition of 30 items.
The magnificent Dragon is set on a dark blue dial. Picture of mythical creature is made in the technique of cloisonné enamel. To recreate the most realistic image of a dragon has managed through the use of a miniature mesh of gold threads (the thickness of no more than a hair). It filled in some pieces of colored enamel, and thus forms a unique pattern that shows the smallest details, down to each of the scales.

Dragon Gate Legend of Cornelius & Cie

A young Swiss watchmaker Cornelius & Cie has also produced the thematic model. On the partly skeletonized dial is engraved the episode from the ancient Chinese legend about the conversion of carp into a dragon.
As legend tells, a carp is swimming upstream to the mythical Dragon Gate. Overcome all obstacles in its path, it gets to the gate, passing through which it is transformed into awe-inspiring dragon. The myth confirms a well-established tenet for human being - only overcome all difficulties and obstacles, we can achieve success in life.
The artfully decorated mechanism details are viewed under the image. The general concept of the watch model is perfectly complemented by the central direction of unusual shape, resembling wood.
The watch is fascinated with the excellent artistic engraving completed by renowned master printmaker and co-founder of Cornelius & Cie Kees Engelbarts.

Caruso Chinese Dragon Limited Edition by Blancpain

In the eve of New Year's holidays the watchmaker Blancpain has also released a limited series of watches with the symbols of the coming year. The watch Caruso Chinese Dragon Limited Edition differs from the above mentioned models with the location of the dragon. The picture of the mythical animal is engraved on the watch case back. The engraving is done skillfully - with careful study of the silhouette and the smallest details.
The watch is issued in a limited edition of 50 items.