ore and more people today consider watchmaking as fine art, now that this craft has abandoned its utilitarian origins to fully embrace essentially emotional values. What is certain is that the bridges between watchmaking and the world of fine art are numerous. Chronoswiss, a brand that has helped revive the great tradition of mechanical watchmaking since its creation in 1983, can certainly claim a proximity to this world.

Renowned for its mastery of crafts such as guilloché and enamel, the Lucerne-based brand, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, has long partnered with craftsmen and artists to give watchmaking a strong emotional value. Its creation is a perfect fit for the Year of the Rabbit and is a testament to this: Chronoswiss has teamed up with Chinese contemporary artist Shao Fan to produce a powerful limited edition in its Artist Collection.

One of Shao Fan’s most striking works is the “Moon Rabbit” he created in 2010. It is a tribute to a widespread East Asian legend about a white rabbit living on the moon, stirring the elixir of eternal life. This work is immortalised on the dial of the Chronoswiss Sirius Artist Chinese Edition by the power of miniature painting.

A particular challenge in translating the artwork to the timepiece was to match the exact delicate colours and the special, slightly grainy feel of the dial surface. The basis of the timepiece is a hand-enamelled solid sterling silver dial, which is then decorated by a master miniature painter to depict the “Moon Rabbit”. A suitable frame for the painting, the dial is finally placed in an 18-carat white gold case.

Shao Fan’s work has become an icon of modern Chinese art, as he was one of the first Chinese artists to explore the boundaries between visual arts and design. In particular, his work focuses on ancient themes, which distinguishes him in the avant-garde pioneers of his generation.

Chronoswiss is producing a limited edition of only eight pieces of the Moon Rabbit, priced at CHF 44,000. For inquiries, directly contact [email protected]

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Displays Sweep hours, minutes and seconds, date window at 6 o’clock

Case Solid 26-part case of solid white gold (18-karat); polished, flat, screw-down polished bezel with full thread and anti-reflective coating on one side of sapphire crystal; screw-down polished case back with full thread and anti-reflective coating on one side of sapphire crystal; onion-style crown (solid in the material of the case); screw-in lugs with patented Autobloc System; water-resistant to 3 atm

Measurements Ø 40 mm, height 8,80 mm

Movement C.281, automatic

Diameter Ø 25,60 mm

Height 3,60 mm

Jewels 21 jewels

Balance Glucydur, three-legged

Balance spring Nivarox I

Shock protection Incabloc shock protection

Frequency 4 Hz., 28.800 vph (oscillations)

Power reserve Approx. 42 hours

Special features Skeletonized rotor with guilloche details performed by hand and ball bearings; polished pallet lever, escape wheel and screws, plates with perlage, bridges with Côtes de Genève

Dial Solid sterling silver (925), gold-plated applied markers

Hands Rhodium plated and diamond-cut hands, Feuille shape

Strap Louisiana alligator skin

Price CHF 44,000 (limited edition of 8 pieces)

MORE INFORMATION HERE