Longines Master Collection “Year of the Horse”

In celebration of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, Longines introduces the Master Collection Moonphase “Year of the Horse”, a limited edition timepiece that blends cultural symbolism with the brand’s signature classical elegance. The year 2026 marks the return of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, and Longines honors this energetic and auspicious symbol through a refined 42mm moonphase model from its Master Collection. Limited to 2,026 pieces, the watch features a rich red dial accented with golden details and an engraved rotor depicting a galloping horse based on the art of renowned painter Peon Xu. With its harmonious balance of tradition, aesthetics, and horological craftsmanship, this release continues Longines’ growing series of Chinese zodiac tributes with poise and purpose.

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Crafted from polished stainless-steel, the case of the Longines Master Collection “Year of the Horse” presents a classically proportioned profile, measuring 42mm in diameter, 11.2mm in thickness, and 49.7mm from lug to lug. The round shape, smooth bezel, and fluidly integrated lugs give the watch an elegant, dress-oriented appearance, while the high-polish finishing enhances the depth and richness of the deep red dial. A slightly domed sapphire crystal offers a refined curvature and protects the dial from scratches.Turning the watch over reveals a transparent sapphire crystal caseback, which frames the gold-toned rotor engraved with Peon Xu’s Galloping Horse. This special rotor was executed in partnership with the Peon Art Museum and overseen by the artist’s son, Qingping Xu, depicting the horse in full stride, symbolizing motion, strength, and freedom. As the rotor turns, the engraving appears to gallop in perpetual motion, connecting Chinese cultural heritage with the rhythm of mechanical time.The fluted crown, positioned at 3 o’clock, is proportioned for comfort and manually winds the watch as needed. A cambered sapphire crystal safeguards the front of the watch, offering distortion-free legibility. Water-resistance can reach up to 30 meters (100 feet), making it suitable for daily wear in dry conditions.
The dial of the Longines Master Collection “Year of the Horse” presents a striking red sunray-brushed finish with a dramatic gradient effect, transitioning from a vibrant center to a darker perimeter. This warm hue is symbolically tied to joy, prosperity, and protection in Chinese culture, which provides an auspicious canvas for the timepiece. Its layout adheres to traditional elegance, with a date display and moon phase aperture positioned at 6 o’clock, creating visual balance while anchoring the design in astronomical heritage.Gilt-colored elements reinforce the celebratory theme, from the applied baton-style indices to the polished Longines winged hourglass logo beneath 12 o’clock. The hour and minute are indicated by slender leaf-shaped hands in polished gold tone, while a contrasting gold pointer hand sweeps across the peripheral date scale encircling the subdial at 6. The absence of excessive dial text or complications ensures the overall composition remains clean and legible.Adding dimension to the dial, each element is crisply defined against the brushed surface, which catches ambient light in a dynamic, almost ceremonial way. The moon disc features a golden moon and stars set against a midnight backdrop, reinforcing the connection to the lunisolar calendar. Despite the lack of lume, the glinting gilt components and tonal harmony elevate the design with richness and symbolic depth.

The Longines Master Collection “Year of the Horse” (Ref#: L2.919.4.09.2) is powered by the automatic self-winding caliber L899.5, based on the ETA A31.L91, with 21 jewels and a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour. It features a silicon balance spring for improved magnetic resistance and long-term stability. The movement is fitted with a special gilt rotor engraved with Peon Xu’s Galloping Horse, symbolizing motion and strength. Power reserve can last up to 72 hours when fully wound.
Mounted on this watch is a black alligator leather strap, secured by a stainless-steel triple-folding clasp with a push-piece opening mechanism.The refined texture and deep tone of the strap accentuate the dramatic gradient of the dial while enhancing the dressy elegance of the polished steel case. The supple leather conforms easily to the wrist, offering a luxurious feel and a secure, comfortable fit for daily or festive wear alike.
Released in a limited edition of 2,026 pieces, this commemorative model honors the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. Each piece features exclusive engravings and design cues tailored to the occasion, making it a culturally rich and collectible timepiece.
For more up to date information visit the official Longines website here.