Longines has a classy take on the Year of the Horse, the kind you quietly admire while nodding appreciatively. But for timepiece collectors who prefer their zodiac watches loud, proud, and unmistakably on theme, Swatch has entered the chat. Meet the Swatch Year of the Horse wristwatch, officially known as RIDING THE CLOUDS, and yes, subtlety… is well, what subtlety?
This one sits on the opposite end of the spectrum from Longines’ refined moonphase. RIDING THE CLOUDS is a full-on visual celebration of the Fire Horse, part of the Five Elements cycle for the upcoming lunar year. Fire Horse, by the way, means passion, drive, and momentum. Not the flaming motorcycle variety from pop culture, but close enough in spirit. Anyhoo, Swatch teamed up with Yu Wenjie, former Swatch Art Peace Hotel artist-in-residence, and basically let art and symbolism run wild.
The dial is designed to resemble the sun and features two winged horses mid-flight, rendered in raised print for extra movement and drama. One horse is black, the other white, a clear nod to yin and yang. Their manes and wings appear to be made of fire, charging through drifting clouds that symbolize blessings, luck, and prosperity. It is energetic, unapologetic, and very Swatch.
That fiery red palette flows straight onto the strap, inspired by Chinese scroll paintings and traditional red bracelets associated with protection and strength. The matte transparent case keeps things playful, while gold-colored hands with glow-in-the-dark treatment ensure legibility when the sun, symbolic or otherwise, goes down.
Specs-wise, this is classic Swatch Originals territory. It runs on a quartz movement, offers 3 bar water resistance, and comes in a 41 mm polymer case that measures 9.85 mm thick with a 47.4 mm lug-to-lug. The silicone strap keeps it comfortable, light, and ready for daily wear. Packaging is special, too, as it should be for a Zodiac release.
RIDING THE CLOUDS launched earlier this month and is now available globally through Swatch stores and swatch.com.
The best part is that it costs a modest US$105, which is a good start to the year.
Images: Swatch.
