Gift The Perfect Luxury Watch This Chinese New Year With Our Expert Selections

Chinese New Year falls on February 1st this year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Tiger. Festivities begin the night before though, on New Year’s Eve, and continue on for sixteen days, culminating with the Yuan Xiao, or Lantern Festival, celebrated on February 15th. Known as the king of all beasts in China, the Tiger comes third in the Chinese zodiac and is associated with the qualities of competitiveness, self-confidence, bravery, and great willpower and strength.

As one of the most anticipated events on the traditional Chinese calendar, thoughtful gift-giving forms a key part of the celebrations. And while giving clocks can be taboo in Chinese culture, luxury watches are considered the exception. Of course, that doesn’t make finding the right gift on your own any easier. That’s why we’ve asked our team of luxury watch experts from across Australia to share with you their personal recommendations for the luxury timepieces they would give as gifts this Chinese New Year.

Here are their recommendations:

Ivy Chang – Collins Street Boutique, Melbourne
Jaeger LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Classic Night & Day Pink Gold, 34mm, Ref. Q3442440

At 34mm in diameter, the pink gold case of the Renez-Vous Classic Night & Day is perfectly sized for delicate wrists. Framing the ornate dial is a fixed bezel set with approximately 60 diamonds. While the fine finishing of the self-winding mechanical movement is visible through a sapphire glass case back.

“For her, the Rendez-Vous Night & Day presents modern elegance, combining beauty and horology, romantic yet at the same time mechanical. Diamonds and gold signify prosperity and good fortune in the year to come. Let your eyes be drawn to the mesmerising sparkle! I recommend this watch for all ladies. “

Adam McGregor – Collins Street Boutique, Melbourne
IWC Big Pilot 43 IW329304.

An absolute classic, reimagined in a slightly smaller case, the IWC Big Pilot 43 has become a firm favourite since its introduction in 2021. Styled after the original, the 43mm version features all the classic hallmarks of the Big Pilot, such as the oversized crown and utilitarian dial but in a more versatile case size.

“I chose this watch as I have always loved the look and aesthetics of the Pilots watch in a 46, but unfortunately that model is too big for myself and many other clients we come across.  The IW329304 meanwhile sits perfectly on my wrist. I love how the blue dial pops with the oversized crown. It provides a completely different look to other timepieces in its size.”

Elly Hsieh – Collins Street Boutique, Melbourne
Breitling Premier B15 Duograph 42 split-second Chronograph 18K red gold with black dial Ref RB1510251B1P1

Combining complexity with elegance, the Breitling Duograph has quickly become a sought-after model. Equipped with a rattrapante function – one of the most elaborate complications in watchmaking – it can accurately measure two sets of elapsed time simultaneously. Not to mention its powerful good looks.

“2022 is the year of Tiger in Chinese, this watch has exquisite 18K red gold bezel with black dial and strap. It signifies, the colour of Tiger, dressy, powerful and sophisticated. One of the best choices for watch collectors in 2022!“

Brian Tong – Melbourne Airport Boutique
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Monoface Burgundy Q3288560

A modern take on a classic icon, this Reverso One ladies’ watch is a vision in red. With its rectangular case, sleek gadroons, elegant Arabic numerals, Dauphine hands, and two rows of brilliant-cut diamonds surrounding its lacquered dial, it’s sure to please even the most discerning tastes.

”In my memory, red is always the best expression of Chinese New Year. Brilliant colour, shining diamonds and Art Deco style, perfect trinity for perfect ladies.”

Kenny La – Melbourne Airport Boutique
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire IW387903

Meet the vintage-infused version of IWC’s most recognisable pilot’s chronograph. With its cockpit instrument-inspired layout, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph is coveted for its versatility and extreme durability. Even the glass is secured against displacement by drops in (cockpit) air pressure. Yet, at 41mm it is also practical for everyday wear, and sufficiently understated so as to pair nicely with all but the most formal of outfits.

“I would love to achieve this timepiece for my collection. I love the sporty and vintage look, including the functionality and the dial with luminescence. Plus, the 41mm case size is perfect for the average gentlemen’s wrist.”

Mahmut Gedikoglu – George Street Boutique, Sydney
IWC Portugieser Automatic IW500705

An ageless classic, the IWC Portugieser Automatic has become the go-to watch for stylish gentlemen everywhere. The balanced dial design retains the classic appeal of the legendary original Portugieser first manufactured in the 1930s. The pawls, automatic wheel and rotor bearing in the legendary Pellaton winding system are made from extremely wear-resistant ceramic, while two barrels build up an impressive 7-day power reserve.

“The IWC Portugieser Automatic timepiece is suited to many environments & settings. Whether dressing it up or dressing it down it can adapt itself to fit your daily needs.”

Carol Deng – George Street Boutique, Sydney
Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Dazzling Moon Q3523570

Adorned with 168 diamonds (approximately 3.43 carats), the name of this incredible ladies timepiece from Jaeger-LeCoultre really says it all. In an aperture at 6 o’clock, a moon phase stands out in all its femininity and lightness. Set against the background of a starry sky blanketed by a sea of immaculate clouds, the star of the pearly night evolves gracefully. Completing the look is a diamond-set mother of pearl dial complete with polished rhodium-plated appliques.

“I love this Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous dazzling moon. I like the distinct character of diamonds, the whimsical beauty of the moonphase and the exquisite details of the mother of pearl dial. It is elegant and attractive.”

Tracey Peng – George Street Boutique, Sydney
Breguet Reine De Naples 8928BB/51/944

For a watch fit for a queen, look no further than the Breguet Reine De Naples collection. So-called because the distinctive oval shape of the case is inspired by an early bracelet watch the brand’s namesake, Abraham-Louis Breguet, created for the Queen of Naples. This model boasts a bezel, dial flange and lugs set with 139 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.255 ct). As well as a crown set with a briolette diamond (approx. 0.26 ct). All paired beautifully with an Individually numbered and signed Breguet dial in natural white mother-of-pearl.

“Distinguished by its unique craftsmanship, iconic oval case and complications, this timepiece takes me on a journey throughout key moments in history. A timepiece fit for a Queen, Reine De Naples by Breguet.”

Claire Xu – George Street Boutique, Sydney
Blancpain Women Complete Calendar

At a comfortable 35mm x 10.5mm high, you will barely feel the steel case of this Blancpain timepiece on your wrist as you go about your daily life. Yet, your gaze will be irresistibly drawn to its enchanting dial time and time again, framed by a dazzling diamond set bezel. Pairing practical functionality with aesthetic beauty, this model offers a complete calendar display (day, day and month) as well as a moonphase indicator.

“This is my dream watch. Day, Date and Month indicators with Quick Adjusting System, dial and bezel set with diamonds, and a Moonphase all come together to make this timepiece both elegant and functional for everyday wear.”

Happy New Year!

We hope you have enjoyed reading the recommendations from our experts and also found them useful in informing your gift-giving journey. As the time of celebration fast approaches, let Watches of Switzerland help you find the perfect Chinese New Year gift. In addition to the models highlighted above, we are pleased to offer a wide selection of the world’s finest luxury watch brands. Shop online or make an appointment to visit any of our seven boutique locations today.