Today is Chinese New Year, and 2016 is the year of the Monkey, the Fire Monkey to be precise. In Chinese folklore, the Monkey is the ninth animal in the Chinese Zodiac, which is also connected to one of the five elements this year being fire. The monkey is considered to be an intelligent but mischievous animal, quick-witted and curious. We at Lux Afrique have decided to celebrate by looking at the brands that have designed pieces to encapsulate this year Chinese symbol.
Luxury watch brand Ulysse Nardin have designed a timepiece to honour the playful, exuberant animal with the latest addition to their Classico collection. A Limited edition piece made with 18k rose gold featuring the self-winding UN-815 movement and COSC-certified chronometer.
The monkey is drawn in a cartoonish design, which captures his playful nature. Drawn in gold the monkey stands out against the black bushes and palm fronds design, which is meant to depict the monkey emerging from the bushes.
The champlevé method was used to enamel the piece, using cells being carved with a chisel directly on the dial and filled with enamel. Its colours are generated from different metallic oxides, and for this piece, a neutral palette is used. It is then fired until the enamel melts. It is mastered in-house at Donzé Cadrans, a member of the Ulysse Nardin group.
