Lunar New Year has long been a moment where symbolism takes centre stage. For 2026, the Year of the Horse ushers in a spirit defined by momentum, independence, and unbridled optimism. In Chinese culture, the horse is a symbol of freedom and progress; a reminder to move boldly, trust one’s instincts, and gallop toward opportunity. From jewellery steeped in symbolism to timepieces that transform mechanical craft into storytelling, these are the pieces setting the pace for 2026.
Tiffany & Co
Tiffany & Co welcomes the Lunar New Year with a campaign that feels distinctly hopeful—anchored by a Pegasus motif that blends myth, movement, and imagination. Inspired by a brooch created under the artistic direction of Nathalie Verdeille and rooted in the fantastical world of Jean Schlumberger, the Pegasus becomes a symbol of transcendence and possibility, aligning naturally with the Year of the Horse’s spirit of forward momentum.
The standout Lunar New Year release is the Tiffany Knot mini key pendant in 18k rose gold, set with a pink sapphire. Reimagined in a delicate key silhouette, the piece gestures toward new beginnings and emotional continuity, with the pink sapphire adding a note of warmth and joy. It’s celebratory without being literal—a quietly meaningful talisman for the year ahead.
Harry Winston
Few maisons approach Lunar New Year watchmaking with the theatrical mastery of Harry Winston. For 2026, the house celebrates the Year of the Horse with a spectacular rose gold timepiece from the Harry Winston Moments Collection—limited to just eight pieces, a nod to the luckiest number in Chinese culture.
The dial unfolds like a miniature tableau: a fiery red horse, rendered in hand-applied lacquer, rears triumphantly against a golden mother-of-pearl sky. Billowing clouds crafted through mother-of-pearl marquetry anchor the scene, symbolising the bridge between heaven and earth. Marquise-cut diamonds mark the hours, growing larger as they descend, while an emerald-cut diamond at six o’clock (which pays homage to Mr. Winston’s favourite cut).
The 36mm rose gold case is crowned with a pearl-set cabochon at noon—an emblem of wisdom and prosperity—while the automatic movement within boasts a seven-day power reserve. It is horology as storytelling: exuberant, emotional, and unapologetically opulent.
IWC Schaffhausen
IWC Schaffhausen continues its Lunar New Year tradition with a dedicated Year of the Horse edition of the Portugieser Automatic 42, limited to 500 pieces. Understated yet deeply symbolic, the watch channels the horse’s association with strength, independence, and progress through refined design rather than ornamentation.
The stainless steel case houses a rich burgundy dial—a hue synonymous with celebration and good fortune—balanced by gold hands, Roman numerals, and appliques. Turn the watch over, however, and the tribute reveals itself fully: a gold-plated rotor shaped like a galloping horse, visible through the sapphire caseback. Powered by the in-house calibre 52011 with a seven-day power reserve, the timepiece feels quietly confident—an expression of momentum that favours precision over spectacle.
Qeelin
Qeelin welcomes the Year of the Horse with a spirited new addition to its beloved Bo Bo universe. Reimagined as a dashing stallion, Horse Bo Bo transforms the brand’s iconic character into an auspicious emblem of movement, freedom, and good fortune—capturing the irrepressible energy of the year ahead with charm and technical finesse.
Crafted using meticulous three-dimensional sculpting, the piece is fully pavé-set with 184 brilliant-cut diamonds and rubies, creating a radiant, metal-free surface that glimmers with every movement. Festive symbolism is woven into every detail. A ruby-set red saddle adds a celebratory flourish, while three articulated Chinese lucky coins sway beneath, chiming softly as a poetic nod to the phrase “wealth and luck arriving together.” Contemporary accents—such as ruthenium-coated hooves and saddle contours—sharpen the silhouette, while Bo Bo’s signature panda eyes, rendered in black diamonds, inject a note of wit and personality.
Swatch
This year, Swatch is approaching the Year of the Horse with colour, creativity, and cultural storytelling. Created in collaboration with former Swatch Art Peace Hotel artist-in-residence Yu Wenjie, the Riding the Clouds timepiece is a vibrant expression of zodiac symbolism.
White and black horses represent yin and yang, while flames and drifting clouds—rendered across the dial, case, and strap—signify luck and prosperity. The composition flows seamlessly, recalling traditional Chinese scroll paintings and protective talismans, yet remains unmistakably contemporary.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Singapore.
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