Elite Traveler January-February 2016

DISCOVER

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2016 29

Watches

Monkey business Chopard is releasing a series of watches depicting the animals of the Chinese zodiac calendar. The launch coincides with the Chinese New Year on February 8, which marks the beginning of the year of the monkey. For its first watch in the series, a special limited edition of the L.U.C XP, Chopard commissioned two Japanese masters in the art of Urushi lacquer, Kilchiro Masumura and Minori Koizumi to design and hand paint the dial with the beautifully detailed and intricate scene of a monkey gathering eight peaches. This imagery is a traditional Chinese theme symbolizing good luck and prosperity. $24,290 chopard.com

Above: The fine, detailed work that goes into each dial Right: Drawing for the dial design Far right: Minori Koizumi a master of Urushi laquer

Words: Kristen Shirley