A vivid red dial, a galloping golden steed, and a calibre brought to life through art
Longines’ latest Master Collection release arrives with celebratory flourish, but in that very measured, elegant way the brand does best. Created for the Year of the Horse and limited to 2,026 pieces, this special edition leans into the brand’s long-standing equestrian heritage while drawing from the dynamism of modern Chinese art. The result is a watch that feels festive yet sophisticated—a piece with presence, but also one that remains remarkably wearable.
At the heart of the project is Peon Xu’s Galloping Horse, the modern masterpiece that marries Western realism with the fluid energy of Chinese ink art. Longines collaborated with the Peon Art Museum in China to bring this motif into the movement itself, etching the horse and Xu’s personal seal onto a yellow-gilt rotor. Viewed through the sapphire caseback, the engraving animates subtly with each wrist motion, giving the watch an unexpectedly poetic touch within its mechanics.
Up front, the watch keeps things visually elegant. The 42mm stainless-steel case frames a gradient red sunray dial inspired by first light—a nuanced reference to renewal and auspicious beginnings as the Lunar New Year approaches. Gilt hands and applied indexes give the dial a warm, celebratory glow without drifting into excess. At six o’clock, the moonphase display sits within a calendar ring, adding a traditional Master Collection complication that balances the dial’s rich tones.
Inside, the watch is powered by Longines’ L899.5 automatic movement, featuring a silicon balance spring and a 72-hour power reserve—a solid, modern engine that underlines the piece’s practical appeal. A black alligator strap with a triple-safety folding clasp completes the look.
Festive without being flashy, cultural without being literal, and mechanically sound without ever feeling intimidating, the Longines Master Collection Year of the Horse is a thoughtful tribute to both horology and heritage. It captures momentum, artistry and symbolism in a way that feels genuinely celebratory—a limited edition with charm, depth and quiet confidence.
