In this year of the horse, Swatch is celebrating the Lunar New Year with artist and former Swatch Art Peace Hotel artist-in-residence Yu Wenjie’s unique timepiece that celebrates the Fire Horse.
The unique design, rooted in Chinese art and culture, is titled RIDING THE CLOUDS ($137); combining the Fire element, associated with fierce passion, and the auspicious symbol of the Horse, the Chinese zodiac sign that often represents qualities like resilience, independence, and drive.
On the face of the timepiece, you’ll find two spirited steeds, their energy amplified by a raised print that adds a dynamic sense of movement. The two almost identical animals are depicted in mid-flight with one in white and the other in black, evoking the eternal balance of yin and yang.
With wings and manes made of fire, the horses charge forward against a background of smaller flames, which are symbols of tenacity and determination, while the drifting clouds represent blessings of luck and prosperity.
You’ll also find the red-toned background flow from the face to the strap as it is inspired by Chinese scroll paintings and the red bracelets tied to power and protection in Chinese mythology.
