Back in 2022, when China and Chinese communities around the world were celebrating the Chinese New Year and, more specifically, the Year of the Tiger, the French watchmaker launched an ultra-limited series of 8 dragon-themed timepieces entitled "En attendant l'année du Dragon" (Waiting for the Year of the Dragon)!
But in 2024, the temptation was too strong... Because according to the Chinese zodiac based on the lunar calendar, 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon. And, exceptionally, we decided to follow the lead of other watch brands by launching two series on the theme of Asian dragons.
2024 marks the return of the Dragon. After a 12-year absence from the Chinese calendar, this celestial creature returns. Associated with prosperity, symbolizing luck, strength and wisdom, the dragon is also an imperial emblem, embodying life and immortality.
Corresponding to the year 4722 on the Chinese calendar, the year 2024 celebrates the wooden dragon. And we've decided to decorate the dial base of our new WRX Automatic "Dragon" with a warm brown color reminiscent of this material.
In popular culture, the dragon is the mark of strong, courageous and virile men, but also the attribute of benevolence, prosperity and good luck. Dragons in Asian mythology are bearers of good news.
Thus, 2024 - or the Year of the Dragon - is also imbued with special significance, reminding the Chinese of their cultural heritage and underlining the importance of balancing tradition and renewal.
Named "Black Dragon" and "Golden Dragon", these new versions revisit the 2022 WRX Automatic "Dragon", adding new colors and finishes while retaining the spirit of the 2022 model. A balance between tradition and renewal, as we saw earlier.
Based on the WRX Automatic series, the "Dragon" is distinguished by new technical features never before seen at RALF TECH.
Equipped with the traditional Swiss movement RTA001 on an ETA 2824-2 base, the WRX Automatic "Dragon" proudly displays a matte dial depicting a traditional Chinese dragon.
Their bezels, now in Ceramfine (a ceramic/titanium alloy), echo the case colors.
Another special feature is the case backs, decorated with the same dragon finely chiselled in steel, and indicating the number of the piece in the series.
And while we're on the subject of series, and limited series at that, the WRX Automatic "Black Dragon" is a one-off made at the request of a discerning collector, while the "Golden Dragon" series features the magic number 8, a symbol of infinity and success.
The new WRX Dragons are both ultra-elitist and bearers of universal values. They will undoubtedly bring good luck to their future owners.
The WRX Automatic "Dragon" will be available from February 2, 2024 in boutiques and at www.ralftech.com
WRX Automatic "Black Dragon", unique piece, € 5,000
WRX Automatic "Golden Dragon", 8 pieces, € 4,500
