The Year of the Snake holds a special allure in the watch industry, blending the art of horology with the rich symbolism of the Chinese zodiac. Celebrated for its association with wisdom, elegance, and transformation, the snake inspires luxury watchmakers to craft limited-edition timepieces featuring intricate designs and fine craftsmanship. These watches incorporate vibrant snake motifs, exquisite materials, and unique artistry, paying homage to the zodiac’s cultural significance while showcasing the innovation and creativity of the watchmaking world. The Year of the Snake exemplifies the industry’s ability to merge tradition with modernity, creating timeless pieces that resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike. RAYMOND WEIL celebrates the Year of the Snake with the Millesime Burgundy, Perrelet launches the Turbine Snake, Longines enchanted with the Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake Edition, IWC goes small with the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake, Franck Muller proposes the Silhouette CX Snake Emerald, exclusive to the South-East Asian market.
RAYMOND WEIL Millesime Burgundy
An ode to refined aesthetics and technical mastery, the Millésime Infinite Burgundy from Raymond Weil effortlessly bridges tradition with bold sophistication. The vibrant burgundy dial, adorned with a sector finish, commands attention, while the perfectly matched leather strap completes the monochromatic elegance. Encased in 39 mm of polished stainless steel, the watch achieves a harmonious balance between contemporary design and timeless charm.
Inside beats the RW4200 automatic movement, offering a reliable 41-hour power reserve, a testament to Raymond Weil’s enduring dedication to Swiss horological excellence. Limited to just 88 pieces, each engraved as “ONE OF 88,” this exclusive creation is a celebration of artistry, precision, and rarity.
With a sapphire crystal on both the front and the case back, the Millésime Infinite Burgundy captures light with stunning clarity but also allows a glimpse into the movement within. Water-resistant to 50 meters and adorned with a fluted crown featuring the RW monogram, it exudes both form and function.
The Millésime Infinite Burgundy is a statement of elegance, a symbol of enduring legacy, and a nod to the vibrant spirit of those who wear it.
Perrelet Turbine Snake – A Celebration of the Year of the Wood Snake
Perrelet honours the Chinese New Year 2025 with the limited-edition Turbine Snake, an ode to wisdom and renewal. A vibrant red lacquered sub-dial, adorned with golden ideograms for prosperity, forms the backdrop for a mesmerizing 3D snake motif, crafted with gilded metal and dynamic texture. At its core, Perrelet’s patented 12-blade turbine mechanism animates the dial, revealing the intricate serpent in motion.
Encased in black DLC-coated titanium, the 41mm case harmonizes durability and elegance, complemented by a custom black rubber strap. Driven by the COSC-certified P-331-MH calibre, this self-winding marvel is a symphony of precision and artistry, designed to enchant collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Perrelet Turbine Snake masterfully blends artistry and innovation, transforming timekeeping into a dynamic celebration of culture and craftsmanship. Its hypnotic turbine motion unveils the captivating serpent, a symbol of wisdom and renewal, while the luxurious details and impeccable mechanics reflect Perrelet‘s enduring legacy. A true masterpiece, the Turbine Snake is as much a work of art as it is a testament to horological excellence.
Longines Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake Edition
Longines’ Conquest Heritage “Year of the Snake” edition is a masterful blend of cultural homage, artistic expression, and technical excellence. Released to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2025, marking the Year of the Wood Snake, this limited-edition watch encapsulates the brand’s commitment to blending heritage and innovation. Limited to just 2,025 pieces, it presents a design that resonates with elegance and tradition while offering cutting-edge watchmaking technology.
The 40mm stainless steel case houses a captivating sunray gradient red domed dial, whose fiery hue symbolizes passion and vitality, accented beautifully by gilt hands and indexes. This bold aesthetic pays tribute to the celebratory spirit of the Lunar New Year, making it a perfect companion for moments of joy and reunion. The angled, screw-down case back features an intricate engraving designed by renowned Chinese artist Wu Jian’an. Titled “Divine Snake Presents Treasure,” the design draws inspiration from East Asian mythology and culture, reinterpreting the classic tale of “The Legend of the White Snake.” The artwork depicts a snake holding a Lingzhi mushroom in its mouth, a powerful symbol of wisdom, rebirth, and infinite vitality. The snake’s spiraling form evokes ripples in time, embodying continuity and transformation, while the Lingzhi mushroom signifies prosperity and well-being.
Beneath the artistry lies impressive watchmaking innovation. The Conquest Heritage “Year of the Snake” is powered by the Longines L888.5 calibre, a mechanical self-winding movement equipped with a silicon balance-spring. This advanced component enhances the timepiece’s precision and longevity, ensuring magnetic resistance ten times greater than the ISO 764 reference standard. With a power reserve of up to 72 hours, the watch is as reliable as it is beautiful. The piece is completed with a luxurious black leather strap, adding a touch of timeless sophistication.
The Longines Conquest Heritage collection itself carries a rich legacy, being a tribute to the first Conquest models introduced in 1954. This Lunar New Year edition continues that tradition, seamlessly merging vintage-inspired design with contemporary craftsmanship. It stands as a testament to Longines’ dedication to honouring cultural narratives while pushing the boundaries of modern horology. Whether worn as a celebratory accessory or cherished as a collector’s item, the Conquest Heritage “Year of the Snake” is a radiant symbol of artistry, craftsmanship, and enduring elegance.
IWC Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake
The IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake is an exquisite timepiece created to celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year and the Year of the Wood Snake. Housed in a 37mm stainless steel case, the watch features a rich burgundy dial, a color symbolizing vitality and prosperity in Chinese culture. At 12 o’clock, a golden moon phase display captivates with its celestial charm, designed with remarkable precision to deviate by just one day every 122 years. Gold-plated hands and appliqués harmonize beautifully with the warm hues of the dial, creating a timeless aesthetic that embodies understated luxury.
At its heart, the watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured calibre 32800, an automatic movement offering a five-day power reserve. The mechanism operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and incorporates 21 jewels, ensuring reliability and smooth performance. On the reverse side, a gold-plated serpent-shaped rotor is intricately crafted, paying homage to the Chinese zodiac. This design not only symbolizes wisdom and transformation but also serves as a personal and meaningful connection to the Lunar New Year festivities.
The versatility of this timepiece is further enhanced by its interchangeable straps. The watch is paired with two calfskin straps—one in classic black and the other in a matching burgundy shade—both equipped with IWC’s convenient quick-change system and butterfly clasp. This allows the wearer to effortlessly adapt the watch to different styles and occasions, adding a practical touch to its refined design. The thoughtful combination of functionality and elegance makes it a perfect companion for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Limited to just 500 pieces, the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake is a masterpiece that celebrates cultural heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. By blending the legacy of the Portofino collection with the symbolic richness of the Lunar New Year, IWC Schaffhausen has created a timepiece that transcends mere functionality. It serves as a celebration of artistry, tradition, and the enduring beauty of change, making it a coveted addition to any watch collection.
Franck Muller Silhouette CX Snake Emerald
The Silhouette CX Snake by Franck Muller is an enchanting tribute to the Year of the Snake, blending artistry, symbolism, and groundbreaking craftsmanship. Crafted from 18K rose gold, this limited-edition timepiece exudes a sense of transformation and elegance, reflecting the mystique of its zodiac inspiration. The asymmetrical curves of the revolutionary Silhouette CX case evoke the sinuous grace of a snake in motion, with every twist and turn a testament to Franck Muller’s mastery of form and function. This Asia Pacific exclusive piece, limited to just 28 creations, sets a new benchmark in the world of haute horology.
At the heart of the Silhouette CX Snake is an interplay of technical mastery and artistic detail. The asymmetrical case defies conventional dimensional controls, requiring painstaking precision in crafting every component. Its sapphire glass, a marvel of engineering, curves dramatically to showcase the opulent dial. Handset with emeralds in a hypnotic snow-setting technique, the dial captures the essence of a snake gliding across its surface, creating a narrative that is as alluring as it is mysterious. The serpentine motif is further enhanced by emeralds arranged in varying diameters, amplifying the dial’s visual allure.
Driving this masterpiece is an in-house movement, housed within a casing ring custom-designed for the asymmetrical shape. The meticulous finishing—featuring Côtes de Genève, perlage, and snailing—speaks to Franck Muller’s dedication to elevating the art of watchmaking. The attention to detail extends to the strap, made of calf leather embossed with a snakeskin texture, which harmonizes seamlessly with the vivid green accents of the emeralds. Ergonomic integration ensures comfort without compromising on luxury, a hallmark of Franck Muller’s ethos.
The Silhouette CX Snake is an ode to innovation and elegance, a celebration of the symbolic power of the snake. With a price of SGD $66,000, this extraordinary timepiece offers collectors not just a functional accessory but a conversation starter, a piece of wearable art that embodies the essence of Franck Muller’s unparalleled legacy in haute horlogerie.
In the Year of the Snake, the watchmaking industry demonstrates its remarkable ability to blend cultural heritage with cutting-edge craftsmanship. These captivating timepieces not only celebrate the elegance and symbolism of the snake but also stand as a testament to the enduring creativity and artistry of horology. From Raymond Weil’s Millesime Burgundy to Franck Muller’s regionally exclusive Silhouette CX Snake Emerald, each creation tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a deep appreciation for fine details. As collectors and enthusiasts embrace these unique pieces, the Year of the Snake serves as a brilliant reminder that watches are more than instruments of time—they are timeless symbols of art, culture, and ingenuity.