2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, an astrological convergence that occurs once every 60 years. These are the finest horological tributes we've covered. When the Fire Horse succeeds the Wood Snake today, February 17, 2026, it inaugurates one of the Chinese zodiac's most potent symbols—vitality, elegance, courage, and unbridled energy.
The Fire Horse specifically arrives once every 60 years, when the element of fire converges with the seventh sign of the zodiac. Swiss manufactures have responded with timepieces that range from three-dimensional sculptural métiers d'art to culturally inventive dial substitutions. Here are the best Year of the Horse watches we've published on WCL—a curated selection for the collector who appreciates both horological mastery and cultural significance.
Happy Year of the Fire Horse. May it bring the vitality, courage, and good fortune that its symbol promises.
Relevant 2026 Releases
1 · Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art 'Year of the Horse' Limited Edition—25 Pieces Each in Platinum and Pink Gold
The second cycle of Vacheron Constantin's Chinese zodiac series—and arguably the finest yet. A three-dimensional horse mid-leap sculpted from 18K 4N gold dominates a grand feu enamel dial that requires roughly three weeks of handwork per piece. The Calibre 2460 G4's hands-free disc display provides an uninterrupted canvas. This is 180 years of cultural dialogue with China, distilled into 40 mm. Sticker Price Upon request.
02 · Arnold & Son Perpetual Moon 41.5 Red Gold 'Year of the Horse' Limited Edition—8 Pieces
A rearing stallion carved from solid 18K red gold against a black aventurine dial that glimmers like a star-studded night sky. The horse's ember trail and constellation details transform entirely under low light via Super-LumiNova, while a mother-of-pearl moon carrying Cassiopeia and Ursa Major requires just one day of correction every 122 years. Independent watchmaking at its métiers d'art finest. Sticker Price CHF 62,600—approx USD 78,500.
03 · Girard-Perregaux La Esmeralda Tourbillon "A Secret" Eternity Edition
Girard-Perregaux marks the Year of the Horse with a striking expression of its most storied complication—La Esmeralda Tourbillon "A Secret" Eternity Edition, a watch that channels the Maison's deep heritage through a lens of auspicious symbolism and unmistakable craft. It is a piece that invites study rather than a glance, rewarding sustained attention with layers of historical reference and decorative refinement. Sticker Price Upon request.
04 · Louis Moinet Tourbillon Puzzle Fire Horse Unique Piece
Eighty-one meticulously interlocking pieces arranged across four distinct levels, hand-painted by expert micro-painters. The horse appears head thrown back in triumph, its mane transforming into stylized flames — a visual metaphor for the Fire Horse's once-every-60-years blazing spirit. Beneath the sapphire dome, a tourbillon anchors the mechanical foundation. Pure artisanal spectacle from Les Ateliers Louis Moinet. Sticker Price CHF 140,000—approx USD 182,000
05 · Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni PAM02088 — 'Chinafornia' Limited Edition — 300 Pieces
The most inventive California dial variation in recent memory. Chinese numerals replace the Arabic figures at four, five, seven, and eight o'clock on a layout that traces directly to the wartime Ref. 3646. The Brunito eSteel case guarantees no two pieces share identical patina. At USD 13,100, this is the most accessible Year of the Horse tribute on the list — and possibly the most wearable.
45mm, Brunito eSteel · Calibre P.5000, manual wound · 8-day power reserve · Chinese-Roman-bar numeral California dial · Wire lugs, domed sapphire
Sticker Price: USD 13,100
Bonus Releases Not Zodiac Specific—Hermès and the Horse
While not zodiac-specific, no house is more synonymous with the horse than Hermès. These recent métiers d'art pieces belong in any equestrian horological conversation.
Hermès Arceau 'Rocabar de Rire' An animated horse sticks its tongue out on demand via a pusher at 9 o'clock. Hand-engraved appliqué, miniature painting, and horsehair marquetry—limited to 12 pieces. Sticker Price USD 162,200.
Hermès Arceau Mon Premier Galop A 30-piece jigsaw dial uniting silk threads, leather marquetry, and grand feu enamel to depict a horse's first galloping strides. Limited to 24 pieces in 18K white gold with a diamond bezel. Sticker Price Upon Request.
