A central element of the design is the color gold, which in Chinese culture symbolizes fortune, prosperity and prestige. The highlight is hidden on the case back: the oscillating weight is sculpted in the shape of three goats – a cultural symbol of bliss in China for thousands of years.
The 6th of February 2027 marks the beginning of the Year of the Goat – a sign in the Chinese zodiac with profound significance. In ancient Chinese, the character for goat – “yáng” – was interchangeable with auspiciousness. Many inscriptions on artifacts feature a combination based on this character that symbolizes “great good fortune”. This connotation has evolved into the modern-day view of the goat as emblematic of beauty and kindness – a view that is reflected in the Chinese characters, where the character for goat is found integrated into the characters signifying both “beauty” and “kindness”. These qualities also aptly describe people born in this zodiac sign: they are considered compassionate and caring, as well as elegant and gentle.
To welcome the Year of the Goat, IWC Schaffhausen introduces the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Year of the Goat (Ref. IW388310) – a distinctive timepiece limited to 500 pieces.
“Our new Chinese New Year edition is rich in symbolism and meaning, from the color of the dial to the rotor on the case back. The black ceramic bezel and the black subdials contrast with the gold-colored dial – a color lending this performance-oriented chronograph a soft and warm character that reflects the traits typically associated with this zodiac sign,” says Christian Knoop, Creative Director of IWC Schaffhausen.
A Dial in the Auspicious Color of Gold
The colors red and gold are omnipresent during Chinese New Year celebrations. While the previous special editions have been distinguished by their rich burgundy dials, this new one is the first to feature a gold-colored dial. In Chinese culture, gold is associated with fortune, prosperity and prestige. Every glance at the dial therefore serves as a reminder of the positive wishes exchanged at the beginning of the new year. To welcome the Year of the Goat, IWC Schaffhausen introduces the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Year of the Goat (Ref. IW388310) – a distinctive timepiece limited to 500 pieces. “Our new Chinese New Year edition is rich in symbolism and meaning, from the color of the dial to the rotor on the case back. The black ceramic bezel and the black subdials contrast with the gold-colored dial – a color lending this performance-oriented chronograph a soft
The gold-colored dial with contrasting black subdials and gold-plated hands is framed by an understated brushed titanium case with polished edges and a black ceramic bezel. Black is also the color of the calfskin strap. Thanks to the integrated EasX-CHANGE® system, the strap can be exchanged at the touch of a button and without the need for tools.
Three Goats as Symbols of Bliss
The highlight of this watch is hidden from view when it is worn on the wrist. The gold-plated oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire glass case back, depicts a small herd of three goats. For thousands of years, three goats have served as a symbol of bliss in China. This tradition can be traced back to the “Book of Changes” (“I Ching”), in which “yang” – pronounced the same way as the word for goat – represents the counterpart to “yin” and symbolizes positive energy and the beginning of a new cycle. The three-goat motif has remained a popular theme throughout Chinese history, appearing on cultural artifacts as well as on everyday objects dating back to the Han dynasty. The oscillating weight of this year’s special edition artfully reinterprets this popular and enduring motif, integrating it into an IWC Schaffhausen watch design for the first time.
Robustness, Reliability and Precision
The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Year of the Goat is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 caliber, a mechanical chronograph movement engineered with an unwavering focus on robustness, reliability and precision. The automatic winding system generates a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring. The chronograph counters on the dial are arranged in IWC’s characteristic vertical subdial layout, with the elapsed minutes displayed at 12 o’clock for enhanced readability. Another practical feature is the day and date indication at 3 o’clock, which contains another nod to the Chinese New Year: on the 8th day of each month, the Chinese character for “goat” appears in the aperture instead of the eight numeral.
