As we prepare to usher in the Year of the Snake on January 29 for Lunar New Year, why not commemorate the event by donning something appropriate on the wrist? It’s a great opportunity to go with a statement piece either representing the zodiac animal and/or the popular auspicious colours of red, yellow and gold. Here are our top five picks for examples that won’t break the bank.
5: Swatch Golden Red Bamboo
The highlight of brand-new reference SYXZ105 is the gold-coloured dial showcasing bamboo print and snakeskin details with glow-in-the-dark red hands. The 38-millimetre stainless steel case is covered in a shiny gold PVD (physical vapor deposition) coating, and intricate embroidery adorns the combination leather and textile strap. Swatch says the versatile ultra-thin design of the quartz model, measuring only 5.8 millimetres thick, is a nod to the flexible nature of bamboo and the snake alike. A matching gold buckle rounds out the package.
4: Bulova Lunar Pilot
Nothing says lucky like the vibrant red dial found on the Bulova Lunar Pilot Blood Moon chronograph, the latest addition to the Archive Series line now utilizing a high-precision quartz movement. The 43.5-millimetre stainless steel case features unique slim chronograph pushers, and the contrasting bright silver-white tachymeter ring and sub dials yield a high degree of visibility. In the dark, the slim hands and indices glow brightly thanks to a treatment of special luminous material. Both a quick-release bracelet and black/red leather strap are included.
3: Versace V-Circle
While a slightly older reference, the Swiss-made V-Circle ladies quartz watch boasts classic Versace styling. The gold-tone stainless steel bezel, 12 o’clock signature Medusa head logo and index markers are complemented by a snake print calfskin leather strap and pop of red cabochon on the crown. The Greek key pattern surrounds the guilloche dial, and is engraved on the case back as well around an oversized Medusa logo. Sapphire crystal provides scratch resistance.
2: Seiko Year Of The Snake Limited 2025
This Japanese market Quartz-powered beauty is set to release in February. The stainless steel chronograph has a textured dial, gold hour hand, numbered markers and sub dials, red second hand and a jeweled snake on the bottom sub dial, protected under curved Hardlex crystal. The case size is 47 x 39.8 x 12.8 millimetres and the watch is 10 bar water resistant. The case back also includes intricate detailing such as engraved Year of the Snake lettering, artwork and production number. Limited to just 2025 units.
1: Citizen Tsuyosa
Citizen’s Tsuyosa (meaning “strength” in Japanese) stainless steel sports watch collection gives some serious bang for the buck offering in-house mechanical operation, seamless integrated bracelet, convenient deployment clasp, flat anti0reflective sapphire crystal, exhibition case back and an array of fun colours, all at a price point under $600. And what better variant to choose for the occasion than the yellow, which in Chinese culture symbolizes prosperity, hope, royalty and power.
Wearers will certainly feel like an emperor with the sunray yellow dial gleaming on the wrist. A cyclops at 3 o’clock keeps the date is legible, and stick indexes — doubled at 12 and 6 o’clock — look classy and, pardon the pun, timeless. The 40-millimetre case size is right in that sweet spot for many enthusiasts, and a band size between 120 and 220 can be selected during ordering to ensure a perfect fit right out of the box.
One caveat is the interesting design choice of placing the small crown at 4 o’clock making adjustment a bit finnicky. The 50 metres of water resistance is on the lower side as well, but should be sufficient for most.
Powering reference NJ0150-56Z is the Japanese-made 8210 caliber introduced in 2023. Featuring 21 jewels and a frequency of 21,600 vph (vibrations per hour), the self-winding movement has an energy reserve of about 40 hours.
Fancy a different palette? A recently-joined member of the Tsuyosa family is the equally prosperous gold and green NJ0152-51X.