The Chinese Zodiac has long been a fountain of inspiration for the world’s most prestigious watchmakers. As we enter the Year of the Fire Horse in 2026, the horological world is celebrating with designs that capture the spirit of freedom, energy, and strength.
For collectors of affordable and mid-range timepieces, these special editions offer more than just a way to tell time. They are cultural artifacts that blend ancient symbolism with modern engineering. Whether you are looking for a bold fashion statement or a refined mechanical marvel, these three Year of the Horse watches represent the best of the zodiac cycle.
Bulova Super Seville: The Precisionist Stallion
Bulova has galloped into the Lunar New Year spotlight with its first ever Chinese Zodiac release, the Super Seville Year of the Horse (Ref. 97B242). This watch is a masterclass in blending 1970s retro charm with the cutting edge technology that modern collectors crave. Its vibrant crimson dial serves as a celebratory canvas, featuring a gold tone rearing stallion that perfectly captures the vitality and free spirit of the Horse.
What makes the Super Seville genuinely exciting is how it pairs this bold cultural artistry with technical superiority. The gold tone stainless steel case, inspired by the iconic TV shaped silhouettes of the 70s, wears with an effortless elegance on the wrist. Whether you are celebrating the lunar cycle or simply appreciate a high performance timepiece, this limited edition of 888 pieces offers a level of precision and personality that is rare to find at this price point.
Case/Dial: 37.5 mm gold tone stainless steel case with red and gold layered stallion dial
Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with date magnifier and anti reflective coating
Water Resistance: 30 m / 3 ATM (Splash resistant)
Movement: Proprietary Precisionist High Precision Quartz (262 kHz), 8-jewel mechanism
Strap: Gold tone stainless steel integrated 3-link bracelet with push button deployment clasp
Why it stands out: As Bulova’s first foray into zodiac timepieces, this watch combines a smooth sweeping seconds hand with a limited production run of just 888 pieces. The high frequency 262 kHz movement provides accuracy to seconds per year, making it a functional powerhouse wrapped in an auspicious, retro aesthetic.
Vario Versa: The Reversible Art Deco Tribute
If you are looking for a watch that offers two distinct personalities in one, the Vario Versa Year of the Horse is a captivating choice. Inspired by the Streamline Moderne movement of the 1930s, this reversible timepiece is a love letter to Art Deco elegance. One side features a striking red enamel dial with gold flecks and a golden calligraphy symbol representing the Horse, while the flip side reveals a classic silver dial for more formal occasions.
What makes the Versa genuinely exciting is its clever dual-time functionality. Because it houses two independent Swiss quartz movements, you can track two different time zones simultaneously—one on each face. It is a rare “affordable alternative” to high-end reversible icons, offering a tactile, clicking mechanism that makes switching styles or time zones an addictive experience.
Case/Dial: 39 mm x 26 mm 316L stainless steel reversible case with red enamel/gold fleck and silver dials
Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
Water Resistance: 50 m / 5 ATM
Movement: 2 x Ronda Slimtech 1062 Swiss quartz movements
Strap: Vegetable-tanned Italian leather with a deployment clasp
Why it stands out: The Versa is a mechanical playground on the wrist, offering a reversible “flip” case that essentially gives you two watches for the price of one. The red enamel side captures the fiery energy of the 2026 zodiac, while the dual-movement setup allows for independent time-setting across two different zones.
G-Shock GBM-2100CX-9A: The Mythical Thousand-Li Steed
For the collector who demands legendary durability alongside cultural artistry, the G-Shock GBM-2100CX-9A is a standout release for 2026. This special edition is inspired by the “Thousand-Li Horse” (Qianlima), a mythical creature capable of galloping 500 kilometers in a single day. Casio has taken the beloved octagonal “CasiOak” silhouette and transformed it into a vibrant tribute to speed and success, blending a gold-ion-plated stainless steel bezel with deep crimson accents.
What makes this G-Shock genuinely exciting is the level of textured detail rarely seen in the 2100 series. The gold bezel features intricate laser engravings of a flowing mane, which visually spills over from the dial’s heroic horse motif. Beyond the aesthetics, this model is a functional titan, featuring Tough Solar power and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring it remains as resilient and forward-moving as the stallion it honors. It is a rugged, modern talisman designed for those who aim to gallop through the New Year with unstoppable momentum.
Case/Dial: 44.4 mm gold-ion-plated stainless steel and bio-based resin case with dynamic horse-engraved dial
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Water Resistance: 200 m / 20 ATM
Movement: Tough Solar with Smartphone Link (Bluetooth)
Strap: Black bio-based resin band
Why it stands out: It balances the “indestructible” G-Shock DNA with high-end finishes like the laser-etched gold bezel and red-tipped indexes. The addition of solar charging and automatic time-syncing via the Casio Watches app makes it a low-maintenance, high-impact collectible limited to the 2026 Lunar New Year cycle.
Whether you are drawn to the rugged reliability of a G-Shock, the retro innovation of a Bulova, or the artistic duality of the Vario Versa, these Year of the Horse special editions offer more than just a way to track the hours. They are tokens of a powerful zodiac cycle, blending centuries of cultural heritage with the finest modern craftsmanship.
