China’s rise as a major player in the luxury watch market has nudged some of the world’s most iconic watchmakers into creating dazzling zodiac-themed pieces year after year. These timepieces are more than just stunning accessories; they’re a nod to heritage, art, and cultural nuance. From jaw-dropping craftsmanship to modern quirks, here are the standout watches paying homage to the serpent:

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Snake’ 

A showpiece for Jaeger-LeCoultre’s master artisans, the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Snake’ turns its swivelling case into a canvas for true artistry. Flip the watch, and you’ll find a hand-engraved snake gliding through golden clouds on a backdrop of black Grand Feu enamel. The craftsmanship here is off the charts—80 hours of engraving to get the scales just right! Meanwhile, the dial keeps things classic with an Art Deco-inspired design and Dauphine hands. Inside, the manually wound Calibre 822 ticks along with elegance, proving this watch isn’t just a pretty face. Bespoke and breathtaking, it’s a true collector’s piece. 

Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Year of the Snake 

If snakes could be regal, this would be their crown. The Métiers d’Art series channels high art with a cobra crafted in pink or white gold, lounging atop a dial that’s part Grand Feu enamel, part miniature sculpture. Each of the 25-piece editions is powered by the hands-free Calibre 2460 G4, which makes room for all the artistry by replacing traditional hands with rotating discs. Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to blending Chinese cultural motifs with Swiss precision shines here, and the result is nothing short of mesmerizing. 

Longines Conquest Heritage ‘Year of the Snake’ 

This one’s for those who like a little mythology with their horology. Designed by Chinese artist Wu Jian’an, the Conquest Heritage features an engraved snake clutching a Lingzhi mushroom on its case back—a symbol of rebirth and prosperity. The gradient red sunray dial is equally dramatic, paired with gilt hands and indexes for vintage flair. Powering it all is the L888.5 calibre with a generous 72-hour reserve. Limited to 2,025 pieces, it’s a tasteful nod to East Asian storytelling wrapped in Longines’ classic elegance. 

IWC Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 ‘Snake’ 

Understated and effortlessly chic, the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 is all about quiet luxury. Its 37mm case comes in either stainless steel or rose gold, with subtle snake motifs snaking around the moon phase complication. The black or pearl-white dials keep things simple yet sophisticated, and the automatic calibre ensures a smooth 50-hour power reserve. This is the watch you’d wear to a dinner party where the conversation flows as smoothly as the time on your wrist. 

Franck Muller Silhouette CX Snake

Franck Muller brings a fresh twist to the Year of the Snake with the Silhouette CX Snake, featuring a brand-new asymmetrical case shape that’s as bold as it is captivating. Designed to mimic the curves of a slithering serpent, the fluid form is complemented by green emerald accents on the dial, which blend seamlessly with the stamped guilloché pattern and the brand’s signature Arabic numerals. Inside, the MVT FM 2038 automatic calibre keeps things ticking with a slim 8.3mm profile and a 40-hour power reserve. Completing the look is a green calf leather strap embossed with snake-scale textures, making this limited-edition piece a true standout.

Oris ProPilot X Year of the Snake 

Oris goes bold with the ProPilot X Year of the Snake, a watch that practically screams “look at me!” The 44mm brushed titanium case houses a skeletonised cyan dial with snake-like details, including a power reserve indicator shaped like a serpent’s tongue. The in-house Calibre 115 delivers a whopping 10-day power reserve, and the engraved case back adds a final flourish to this highly functional yet incredibly cool timepiece. If you’re after something that stands out, this one’s for you. 

CIGA Design Year of the Snake 

Modern, unconventional (and Chinese-made), the CIGA Design Year of the Snake puts a golden snake front and centre. Using patented Non-Synchronous Follower Technology, the snake itself acts as the hour and minute indicators, slithering across an abstract dial pattern inspired by scales. The jadeite case gives it a distinctly Eastern vibe, making it a wearable piece of art. Bold, inventive, and dripping with personality, this watch is pure fun for the modern zodiac enthusiast. 

Swatch Year of the Snake Collection 

Leave it to Swatch to bring a twin splash of colour to the party. The BIG BOLD BIOSOURCED ‘Lithe Dancer’ sports a snake slinking across a deep blue background, while the SKIN IRONY ‘Golden Red Bamboo’ combines a gold case with a textile strap adorned with bamboo and snake motifs. Playful yet meaningful, these affordable options embrace the zodiac’s themes of adaptability and transformation with a wink and a smile. 

G-Shock G-STEEL ‘Ouroboros’ Edition 

G-Shock’s ‘Ouroboros’ edition is a tough yet symbolic take on the Year of the Snake. The watch’s metal bezel features snake-scale textures, while its black-and-gold accents bring a sleek aesthetic to the rugged G-STEEL design. With solar power, Bluetooth connectivity, and a shock-resistant build, this piece is as functional as it is stylish. Plus, the engraved ouroboros on the case back ties everything together with an eternal twist.