Top 5: the best collectible watches designed for the Year of the Dog

January 3, 2018

By Katerina Perez

5 min read

According to the Chinese calendar, 2018 ushers in the Year of the Dog and – as is tradition – a handful of watch companies have released limited edition watch models featuring the celebrated hound.

As a rule of thumb, a watch released in a small series is automatically classified as a collector’s item. When I chose the top 5 watches dedicated to the Year of the Dog, I paid close attention to the design of the watch faces. In creating these watches, each designer has used a whole host of decorative techniques to ensure their brand’s dials are the star of the show.  And so, I present to you the best models of 2018, with unique dials depicting man’s best friend.

Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog watch

Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog watch

href=”http://www.vacheron-constantin.com/content/vac/website-com/north-america/en_us/home.html” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Vacheron Constantin

In 2018, Vacheron Constantin has added to its Métiers d’Art collection with The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Dog watch. On the dial, the sign of the Chinese zodiac calendar has been engraved within precious metal, and depicted with blue or bronze Grand Feu enamel. The Swiss company has released 2 limited-edition 40mm versions of the watch in platinum or rose gold, with only 12 models of each being created.

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Dog

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Dog

href=”https://www.chopard.com/intl/watches” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Chopard

Every year, Chopard creates a new Urushi dial for its L.U.C. XP watch that corresponds to the Chinese calendar zodiac, and for 2018, the pink gold model – a limited edition of 88 – celebrates the Year of the Dog. They represent a unique combination of impeccable Swiss movement craftsmanship and the traditional Japanese varnishing technique known as Urushi. An experienced maestro from the land of the rising sun – Minori Koizumi has recreated the image of an Akita standing in a flower bed on the face of the dial. The result is so detailed that you can see the individual hairs of the dog’s mane.

Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog in the making

Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog in the making

 Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog

Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog

 Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog in the making

Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dog in the making

href=”https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin is one of those watch manufacturers that launches limited edition models dedicated to the corresponding symbol of the year according to the Chinese calendar, and this year’s is the Classico ‘Year of the Dog’. Using the combined technique of hot and cloisonné enamel, contour carving is applied at the final stage to bring the dog to life. The selected shades used for decorating the watch are the traditional colours of the Ulysse Nardin’s Classico watch collection, which all feature miniature enamel dials, and only 88 copies of this exclusive watch were produced.

Ulysse Nardin Classico Year of the Dog watch

Ulysse Nardin Classico Year of the Dog watch

href=”http://www.jaquet-droz.com/en/watches” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Jaquet Droz

The Jaquet Droz company has presented two new watch models to mark the Chinese Year of the Dog: the Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Dog and the Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dog. Designed by the masters of the house, they are inspired by the Pekingese dog – an ancient breed popular with Chinese emperors. On the dial of the first model, the dog is depicted playing with butterflies on a background of peonies, and this sweetly animated drawing was applied using the technique of miniature painting with hot enamel.

The Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Dog watch is available with or without a diamond pavé around the rose gold case dial. The Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Miniature Relief Dog also comes in two variations: each with a slice of Mexican “Sonora sunrise” cuprite peeping through, adding colour to the charming scene. Limited to 28 models of each variation, the Pekingese and its entourage are crafted from white or yellow gold.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Dog watch in the making

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Dog watch in the making

 Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dog watch in white gold with diamonds

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dog watch in white gold with diamonds

 Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dog watch in rose gold

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dog watch in rose gold

 Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dog in the making

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Relief Dog in the making

 Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Dog in rose gold case

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Dog in rose gold case

 Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Dog with diamonds

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Dog with diamonds

href=”http://www.piaget.com/watches” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Piaget

Piaget celebrates the Year of the Dog with the release of the limited – edition Piaget Altiplano Chinese Zodiac watch. On the dial, a hunting dog resembling a Setter has been recreated in cloisonné enamel, hand-painted by the famous enamel artist Anita Porchet. Limited to 38 pieces, the ultra-thin case is made from white gold and the bezel is encircled by a row of diamonds.

Piaget Altiplano Chinese Zodiac watch with diamonds

Piaget Altiplano Chinese Zodiac watch with diamonds

Hunting dogs, watchdogs and stylish toy breeds – take your pick from the variety depicted on the watch dials of these 2018 limited-edition collections. The dog is an animal which occupies a special place in the hearts of many, so your choice of model will most likely come from the heart, rather than from the mind.

Winter 2018 trend: jewelled talismans

continue reading

Nature’s Folio: The Boucheron Untamed Nature High Jewellery Collection

Be prepared to feel transported to the French countryside, somewhere in the 19th century, armed with only a graphite pencil and the very earliest monochrome camera…

by Sarah Jordan

Galentine Gifts: Jewels to Celebrate Female Friendships this Valentine’s Day

If you are searching for the perfect present to spoil the hero BFFs in your universe, start with this shopping guide by Rachael Taylor

by Rachael Taylor

Unique Proposals: Alternative Engagement Ring Designs for 2025

This year, it's all change, with some of the key alternative engagement ring trends for 2025 representing a very real evolution of this most classic of jewels

by Claire Roberts

Ready for Love: Heart-Shaped Jewels for the Perfect Valentine’s Day

Find the perfect heart for your lover with Rachael Taylor’s guide to the latest designs, from chubby diamonds to gold embroidery and magical opals

by Rachael Taylor

Chain Reaction: Shells Reinvented with the Melanie Georgacopoulos Katina Collection

I spoke to Melanie to discover more about her latest, innovative offering…

by Sarah Jordan

Proudly Indian: The Myriad Facets of Zoya from the House of TATA

Let me take you behind the scenes of my visit and highlight some of the wonders I discovered…

by Katerina Perez

Mineral Masterpieces: Robert Procop on the Renowned 100 Carats Exhibition 

Let me take you behind the scenes of this important suite of centennial gems…

by Katerina Perez

Mocha Mousse: Getting Cosy with the Pantone Colour of the Year 2025

In keeping with its 25-year tradition, the Pantone Color Institute provided the fashion industry with a little winter pick-me-up back in December with the unveiling of its ‘Colour of the Year’ for 2025

by Katerina Perez

Mocha-Mousse_Simple-Pleasures-from-Pantone_2025_Katerina-Perez-scaled

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Gem Focus:Brazil Gem Commerce

Discover a company specialising in the cutting and trading of Brazilian and African precious gems, including Paraiba, rubellite and morganite

by Katerina Perez

Continue Reading

Ask Katerina:Diamond Jewellery Styling Tips for Modern Dressing

Here are some of the answers I gave during the presentation to aid your jewellery dressing…

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.