A special edition of sets of 12 timepieces, inspired by the bronze Zodiac Animal Heads which adorned an ornate fountain in the famous Yuanming Yuan (Old Summer Palace) outside Beijing, China.

These watches feature elaborately engraved animal heads for the 12 Chinese zodiac symbols. Each of the animal heads engraved by master artist Michèle Rothen, using the bas relief technique, is in the middle of the dial of the watch, backed by a grand feu enamel relief of the corresponding Zodiac symbol.

A completely new movement, Calibre DB 2145, was created to free the centre of the dial. The resulting movement uses peripheral hour and minute hands, circling the engraved Zodiac head. New techniques, such as the use of micro ball bearings and a new transmission system capable of driving the revolving discs, were developed specifically for this movement.

Source: Europa Star October - November 2013 Magazine Issue