Affordable Luxury Zodiac Timepieces: Three Eye-Catching Works of Art for the Year of the Ox

Today we take stock of three high-end watches that can be called works of art and are affordable for everyone. To be honest, they are a bit of a joke.

Casio G-SHOCK has launched several Chinese New Year limited edition watches so far, but I can still answer without hesitation that my favorite is the Year of the Ox limited edition launched this year. The collision of gold and red is eye-catching and fits the theme of the Year of the Golden Ox. In addition, Casio has selected the most popular 5600 and 6900 models in the G-SHOCK series, one square and one round. I personally particularly like the small golden squares, paired with a red dial and a red rubber strap, it looks really cool.

Both watches are equipped with a special case back engraved with a gold bull pattern. In addition, the Casio G-SHOCK 2021 Year of the Ox limited edition gift box is also specially made, containing gifts such as craft horn cups and craft ornaments, which are of great collection value. The official price of the square GM-5600CX-4PFN is RMB 1,890; the official price of the round GM-6900CX-4PFN is RMB 1,990.

Chopard L.U.C XP Year of the Ox Maki-e watch

What is unique about Chopard’s zodiac watch is that it uses Maki-e technology, which is an ancient Japanese lacquer painting art. The same is true for the new L.U.C

The golden bull is made of gold, decorated with mother-of-pearl and colorful lacquer paintings. It is not only a symbol of farming, but also shows the aura of the emperor in a subtle and wonderful way. The case is made of a single piece of 18K rose gold that complies with ethical standards. It has a diameter of 39.5 mm and a thickness of only 6.8 mm. This is due to the L.U.C 96.17-L watch factory self-made movement equipped with the watch. It has a power reserve of 65 hours and the 22K gold micro eccentric oscillating weight is extremely delicate. The watch is limited to 88 pieces and the official price is 186,000 yuan.

Ulysse Nardin gilt series gold bull watch
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Ulysse Nardin's gilt series of zodiac watches are also famous. In the new Ulysse Nardin gilt series of Taurus zodiac watches, Ulysse Nardin uses gold carving techniques to depict the scene of the earth turning ugly and the sun rising, full of vitality. The golden bull made with enamel filling is as powerful as a rainbow and marches forward with its head held high. The master of art captures the natural spirit and shape of the cow, and gives life to the image on the square dial through enamel painting and firing. Filled enamel is a common enamel process. The production method is to first carve grooves on the metal dial with a chisel tool according to the texture of the pattern, and then carefully fill in the enamel glaze mixture.

Different metal oxides will extract different colors and tones, which are then fired at high temperatures to set the color. After the dial is polished, it is the final extremely delicate process. Master engravers will hand-carve the metal outlines between the main images on the dial to enhance the visual effect. The procedures are complicated and time-consuming, and the result is a miniature work of art with an enamel dial. The 40 mm case is made of rose gold and is equipped with UN-815 automatic movement. It is limited to 88 pieces.