Horological Thoroughbreds: 10 Must-See "Year of the Horse" Limited Editions
As the Year of the Horse approaches, the world of haute horlogerie is galloping into action. Here is a curated list of the Top 10 Year of the Horse timepieces to help you decide which "horological stallion" will lead your collection in 2026.
1. Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac
Vacheron Constantin presents two stunning models in Platinum and 18K Pink Gold. At the center of the dial, a hand-sculpted 18K gold horse leaps over a rocky base. Each horse takes a master engraver three full days to complete, with manual oxidation adding depth to every muscle and mane. The backdrop features delicate Grand Feu enamel, while the Calibre 2460 G4/3 provides a hands-free display via four apertures (hour, minute, day, and date), ensuring all eyes remain on the magnificent stallion.
Ref. 86073/000P-H066 Limited to 25 pieces
Ref. 86073/000R-H067 Limited to 25 pieces
2. Blancpain Villeret Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel
For the first time, Blancpain introduces a salmon-colored Grand Feu enamel dial for its Traditional Chinese Calendar. This horological masterpiece tracks lunar hours, the five elements, celestial stems, and the zodiac, alongside the Gregorian calendar and moon phase. The 22K gold rotor features the legendary "Celestial Horse Galloping on a Swallow," accented with a ruby and the "Bing Wu" (丙午) inscription to mark the Fire Horse year.
Ref. 0888 3432E 55B Limited to 50 pieces
3. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Horse’
JLC transforms the iconic swiveling case of the Reverso into a canvas for micro-painting. Inspired by the legendary Chinese artist Xu Beihong, the case back features a galloping horse rendered in enamel, capturing the fluid ink-wash style of traditional masterpieces. The front remains minimalist with a white Grand Feu enamel dial, embodying the philosophy of "hidden artistry" and the noble spirit of the horse.
Ref. Q39324D3 Limited to 10 pieces
4. Piaget Altiplano Zodiac Horse Edition
Collaborating once again with world-renowned enamelist Anita Porchet, Piaget utilizes the Cloisonné technique. Using ultra-fine gold wires to outline the horse, Porchet applies varying shades of blue enamel to depict a stallion charging under a starry sky. Housed in an 18K white gold case with baguette-cut diamonds, it is powered by the ultra-thin 830P movement, measuring just 2.5mm thick.
Ref. G0A50545 Limited to 18 pieces
5. Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold ‘Horse’
Arnold & Son captures the "Celestial Horse" with a massive moon phase set against a glittering aventurine glass sky. A hand-engraved 18K red gold horse stands atop a mountain peak, gazing toward the oversized moon. The A&S1512 movement is a mechanical marvel, boasting moon phase accuracy for 122 years without adjustment.
Ref. 1GLBR.Z11A.C1293A Limited to 8 pieces
6. IWC Portugieser Automatic 42 «Year of the Horse»
IWC celebrates the 2026 Fire Horse with a festive burgundy dial paired with gold-plated accents. While the face is classic and elegant, the true surprise lies behind the sapphire case back: the gold rotor of the 52011 manufacture movement has been intricately sculpted into the shape of a galloping horse, visible as it rotates with the wearer's movement.
Ref. IW501709 Limited to 500 pieces
7. TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph «Year of the Horse»
TAG Heuer blends racing heritage with tradition. This Fire Horse special edition features a vibrant vermilion "Glassbox" dial. In a clever nod to the horse's 7th position in the zodiac, the number "7" in the date window is replaced with the Chinese character for horse (马) on the 7th of every month. The case back showcases a stallion surrounded by a victory laurel, symbolizing triumph on the track.
Ref. CBS221D.BA0048 Limited to 250 pieces
8. Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Horse
Hublot takes a "dark horse" approach with a frosted carbon fiber case. Each case is hand-layered, creating a unique texture reminiscent of rock or feathers. The dial features a Tang Dynasty-style horse mural outlined in 3N gold-plated brass. This fusion of high-tech carbon and ancient art creates a striking, multi-layered visual impact.
Ref. 646.QK.1230.VR.CNY26 88 pieces
9. Breitling Top Time B01 Shadow Rider
Breitling brings the horse to its "Top Time" racing chronograph. The 9 o'clock sub-dial features a subtle silhouette of a stallion, while the "Year of the Horse" inscription sits between 12 and 2 o'clock. Powered by the COSC-certified Breitling 01 manufacture movement, this watch is a perfect blend of 1960s retro style and modern equestrian energy.
Ref. AB01773A1B1X1 Limited to 288 pieces
10. Longines Master Collection «Year of the Horse»
Longines honors the Fire Horse through a partnership with the Xu Beihong Art Museum. The rotor is engraved with Xu Beihong’s famous "Galloping Horse," preserving the power of traditional ink brushstrokes. The dial features a deep red gradient sunray finish with a moon phase at 6 o'clock, balancing classic Swiss watchmaking with Eastern aesthetic soul.
Ref. L2.919.4.09.2 Limited to 2,026 pieces
