By Brent Robillard
A measured tribute to tradition, movement, and momentum
There’s something fitting about encountering Longines’ Master Collection Year of the Horse edition while standing at the edge of a ski course in Mont Tremblant. As Official Timekeeper of the FIS World Cup, Longines exists in a world defined by motion, precision, and controlled speed. Watching racers hurtle down the mountain while wearing a watch that celebrates those same ideas—momentum, balance, forward drive—created an unexpected resonance.
Okay, okay… I was actually in my condo when I opened the box. But you get my drift.
The Master Collection Year of the Horse was officially released shortly after that weekend, and in a year largely defined by updates to the Conquest and Spirit lines, its arrival feels deliberately understated. Yet, in context, it makes perfect sense. Longines has long maintained a deep connection to equestrian sport, and the lunar calendar’s Year of the Horse offers a natural bridge between cultural symbolism and the brand’s historic identity.
A Cultural Collaboration with Purpose
This special edition was developed in collaboration with the Peon Art Museum in China and draws directly from Galloping Horse, a celebrated work by modern painter Peon Xu. Known for blending Western realism with traditional Chinese techniques, Xu’s horses convey motion not through excess detail but through posture, rhythm, and restraint.
That sensibility carries through here. The watch’s visual identity centres on a red sunray dial with a gentle gradient—evoking sunrise and renewal rather than spectacle. The colour choice feels intentional rather than ornamental, referencing the cultural symbolism of red while maintaining the quiet formality expected of the Master Collection.
Turning the watch over reveals where the collaboration truly comes to life. The gilt rotor is engraved with the galloping horse motif, rendered with surprising delicacy. As the rotor moves, the image appears to stride forward—an effect that feels more poetic than performative. Accompanying the artwork is Peon Xu’s personal seal, curated by his son, Qingping Xu, who also contributed the calligraphy featured in the broader visual language of the piece.
The inscription “奔马得势” roughly translates to a horse gaining momentum—an idiom associated with progress, favourable timing, and forward motion. It’s a thoughtful choice, and one that aligns neatly with Longines’ long-standing relationship with sport and precision timing.
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Key Features of the Longines Master Collection Year of the Horse
Familiar Proportions, Thoughtful Execution
The watch itself remains firmly within the established Master Collection framework. The 42mm stainless steel case wears with familiar ease, offering enough presence to balance the rich dial without feeling oversized. The polished surfaces and restrained case profile feel intentionally conservative—this is not a piece meant to chase trends.
The dial layout remains clean and symmetrical. Applied indices and gilt hands provide contrast against the red gradient, while the moonphase at six o’clock adds a traditional complication that feels appropriate for a lunar-themed release. The date window integrated into the moonphase keeps the design cohesive, avoiding unnecessary visual disruption.
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Inside, the Longines L899.5 automatic movement powers the watch. Featuring a silicon balance spring and a 72-hour power reserve, it’s a modern, reliable calibre that reflects the brand’s continued technical evolution without calling attention to itself. It does what it needs to do, and does it well.
A Subtle Nod to Heritage
What stands out most about the Year of the Horse edition is its restraint. While many lunar new year watches lean heavily into symbolism or decorative flourish, Longines has opted for a quieter approach—one rooted in continuity rather than celebration for its own sake.
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The equestrian connection feels genuine here. Longines has been involved in horse sport timing since the 19th century, and that lineage lends credibility to the theme. Rather than borrowing symbolism, the brand is revisiting something already embedded in its history.
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The choice to house the artwork on the rotor rather than the dial is also telling. It allows the watch to remain versatile and wearable while still rewarding closer inspection. It’s a detail for the owner rather than the audience.
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Specs
| Case | Stainless Steel 42mm Diameter 49.7mm Lug to Lug 11.2mm Thickness Display Case Back 30m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Red Sunray Dial Gilt Applied Markers Gilt Leaf Hands |
| Movement | L899.5 (ETA A31.L91 base) Engraved Gilt Rotor 21 Jewels 25 500vph 72-Hour Power reserve |
| Strap | Black Alligator Leather |
Longines Master Collection Year of the Horse
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Final Thoughts
Spending time with the Master Collection Year of the Horse during the Mont Tremblant World Cup weekend offered an appropriate backdrop. Surrounded by speed, precision, and controlled chaos, the watch felt quietly in place—never demanding attention, but consistently reinforcing its purpose.
This isn’t a statement piece, nor is it meant to be. Instead, it’s a thoughtful expression of Longines’ ability to blend cultural storytelling with mechanical consistency. For collectors who appreciate subtlety, heritage, and symbolism that unfolds over time, it’s a fitting way to mark the lunar new year—and a reminder that momentum, when properly measured, doesn’t need to shout.
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Pricing & Availablity
The Longines Master Collection Year of the Horse retails for $4100 CAD and is available from the brand website and select authorized dealers. It is limited to 2026 pieces.
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About the Author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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