Top 10: The Most Comprehensive Look ‘Year of the Rabbit’ Watches

Next week, the Chinese New Year, Year of the Rabbit, comes into full swing (as of the 22^nd of  January 2023). That means that the finest watch brands on the market are unveiling spectacular limited-edition watches that celebrate what is considered the luckiest animal on the zodiac lineup.

Recently, we covered five Year of the Rabbit watches individually, and your can see those from Piaget, IWC Schaffhausen, Harry Winston, Vacheron Constantin and Chopard. Now, we take a look at five more “Year of the Rabbit” watches from brands like Ulysse Nardin, Arnold & Son, Parmigiani Fleurier, Breguet and Blancpain – bringing you the most comprehensive look at 10 terrific Year of the Rabbit timepieces.

Parmigiani Fleurier

Taking a less “rabbit in your face” approach to the Chinese New Year, Parmigiani unveils a highly complex Chinese Traditional Complete Calendar watch: the Tonda PF Xiali Calendar.  An ode to the Chinese civilizations, the newest complete calendar combines elements from both a Lunar and solar calendar. The two are created separately, but then synchronized in this watch thanks to the addition of an extra 13^th month that allows the two to coincide once every three years. The system, like the Chinese calendar, is very complex since the months, days and dates all vary.

The 42mm watch is powered by an all-new movement, the Caliber PF008,  that displays the information using classical Chinese characters. The watch boasts a multi-level Imperial Red dial made of  18-karat white gold. The moon phase indication is created using blue aventurine. The case and bracelet are crafted in stainless steel but with a knurled platinum bezel. A sapphire case back allows for viewing of the 353-part movement. The watch retails for 59,000 Swiss Francs.

Ulysse Nardin

Created in a limited edition of just 88 pieces, the Ulysse Nardin Classico Year of the Rabbit watch reflects the luckiest animal of the 12 with a whimsical dial that is incredibly artistic. It features two rabbits sitting back to back on the dial. One white, one brown. They are outlined in gold and are resting on a field of greens with the mountains and sunset in the background. The dial is created using champleve and cloisonné enamel techniques. The watch is powered by the UN-815 self-winding movement with 42 hours of power reserve. It is crafted in 18-karat rose gold and the 40mm diameter makes the piece very wearable. It retails for $45,900.

 

Arnold & Son

The new 41.5mm Perpetual Moon Year of the Rabbit watch from Arnold & Son depicts a finely sculpted 18-karat gold rabbit at the 6:00 position on the dial with a Chinese Pagoda in the background and the moonphase display in an arc above it. The dial is made of black aventurine that sparkles with gold flecks. The oversized moon is crated in mother of pearl and the story is meant to depict the rabbit as the moon’s loyal friend.

The dial is a magnificent work of art and a technical feat, as the movement is one of the brand’s prized calibers. The A&S1512 caliber was entirely developed, produced, decorated, assembled, adjusted and cased up at the brand’s Manufacture located in La Chaux-de-Fonds. This calibre is powered by a double barrel with an oscillation frequency of 3 Hz, delivering 90 hours of power reserve. The moonphase indication is precise for 122 years before needing an adjustment. Just eight pieces will be made.

Breguet

Offering a whimsical dance of rabbits for its Chinese New Year celebratory watch, Breguet  releases the Classique 9075 in a limited edition of just eight pieces. Each dial features six rabbits in different poses along the outer portion of the dial instead of numerals. In the center of the dial is a garden of flowers. Top notch enameling and engraving on an 18-karat gold dial bring this timepiece to life.  The dial is a rich blue enamel with lighter blue/turquoise flowers and clouds. The watch is finished with a color-coordinated blue alligator strap. It is powered by the    hand-decorated self-winding 591C caliber with a silicon in-line Swiss lever escapement and a silicon flat balance spring. This movement, equipped with 171 components, beats at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a 38-hour power reserve.

Blancpain

Another brand that creates a Traditional Chinese Calendar instead of a full-fledge animal dial is Blancpain, which started its tradition in 2012. The newest Year of the Rabbit watch boasts an aperture at 12:00 where a jumping rabbit resides (although there is a crown that allows the wearer to change the rabbit to another zodiac sign if they so choose). The watch offers a Chinese and Gregorian calendar date indication. Turn the watch over and the rotor is engraved with two beautiful rabbits. The dial is crafted in gold and the subdials boast Chinese characters.   Just 50 pieces of the 45mm platinum Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar “Year of the Water Rabbit” watch will be made. 89,360 Euro.