Swatch welcomes the Lunar New Year 2026 with “Riding the Clouds“, a vivid artistic creation shaped around the rare Fire Horse zodiac cycle. Designed by Chinese artist Yu Wenjie, the timepiece blends symbolic imagery, fiery energy, and modern craftsmanship, resulting in a watch that stands out visually while honoring deep cultural roots.
The design is by Yu Wenjie, a multidisciplinary Chinese artist who was previously a resident of the Swatch Art Peace Hotel program in Shanghai. He holds an MFA in Sculpture from the Royal College of Art and typically works with mixed media, including painting, sculpture, and textile art. His approach centers on expressing inner experiences and combining historical elements with future-oriented concepts – an appropriate match for a watch celebrating ancient zodiac traditions and contemporary design sensibilities.
The dial represents the sun and features two horses in mid-gallop: one white and one black. This references the eternal yin-yang balance found in Chinese philosophy. The animals have wings and manes with flame motifs and are charging through clouds and smaller fire elements. These elements are printed with raised texturing that adds tangible dimension to the composition.
Follow all the latest news from Fashionotography on Flipboard, or receive it directly in your inbox with Feeder.
You might also read
The color palette leans heavily into red tones, flowing from the dial onto the strap. Inspired by traditional Chinese scroll paintings and protective red bracelets from Chinese mythology, Yu translates these references into a visual language that is clear from a distance but reveals layered details upon closer inspection.
The horse occupies the seventh position among the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac and typically represents freedom, energy, and independence. When paired with the Fire element, these characteristics intensify considerably. Fire Horses are associated with courage, transformation, and Yang Fire, a bright, fast-burning flame, according to Chinese astrology. Since 2026’s governing element is also fire, practitioners call this a “doubling effect,” creating especially potent energy around momentum and passionate pursuits.
The clouds on the watch represent luck and prosperity, and the flame elements symbolize tenacity and determination. The overall design captures the restless, forward-moving energy of Fire Horse years without being overly dramatic.
“Riding the Clouds” will launch in Swatch stores worldwide and on swatch.com on December 5th, 2025. The brand hasn’t disclosed pricing yet, though Swatch’s special editions typically cost less than most commemorative timepieces from Swiss manufacturers. The watch uses Swatch’s standard quartz movement and bio-sourced materials, which have become a hallmark of their recent collections.