As we approach the 2026 Year of the Horse, the watch world is inevitably bracing for the usual stampede of zodiac-themed timepieces. Most luxury brands follow a predictable playbook: an enamel dial here, a gold engraving there, and a price tag that requires a small mortgage. However, if you look toward the East—specifically to the Beijing Watch Company—you’ll find something that isn’t just a seasonal novelty, but a legitimate piece of horological art.
After wearing the Beijing Flying Horse of Gansu Tourbillon (Ref. BG950501) for over a year, I can say with confidence: this is the most beautiful "horse" watch I’ve ever encountered, and it is the definitive gift for the upcoming lunar cycle.
A Dial Rooted in Dynasty
The first thing that hits you about this 43mm timepiece is the sheer depth of the dial. Beijing Watch has opted for a silver-white "twisted rope" pattern that captures light in a way that mimics moving water. Against this shimmering backdrop sits the Flying Horse of Gansu, a gold-plated relief inspired by the iconic Eastern Han Dynasty bronze sculpture.
What I find particularly sophisticated is the restraint in the layout. There are no traditional hour markers—only a clean 60-minute track on the periphery. This allows the horse and the tourbillon to breathe. At 3 o’clock, the "Beijing" logo is rendered in the calligraphic style of Mi Fei, a Song Dynasty master. It’s a subtle nod to Chinese heritage that feels earned, rather than marketed.
The "Spirit Swallow" Tourbillon
The heart of the watch is the TB01-2 tourbillon movement, a caliber developed by Master Xu Yaonan, the "Father of the Chinese Tourbillon." While many entry-level tourbillons can feel industrial, this one is airy and light, weighing a mere 0.3g.
The cage is crafted from aerospace-grade titanium, but the real "Easter egg" is the bridge design. It is shaped like a "Spirit Swallow," completing the historical imagery of the "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow." With a 63-hour power reserve and a transparent caseback that reveals the intricate perlage and blued screws, the mechanical value here is immense for a watch priced at $2,809.
The Global Traveler: A Story of "Ugly-Cute" Appeal
While many will see this as the perfect 2026 release, I’ve actually had this piece in my collection for well over a year. It has been my constant companion on global business trips, and it never fails to spark a conversation.
The reactions are always fascinating. Because the horse's silhouette is captured in mid-gallop—one foot resting on a tiny swallow—it has a very specific, almost whimsical posture. On more than one occasion, a fellow collector has remarked, "That’s not the typical 'majestic' horse I’m used to seeing on a dial." They’re right—and that’s the point.
This isn't a generic horse; it is a National Treasure of China and the official logo of China Tourism. In China, this specific horse has recently undergone a massive cultural "rebrand" among the youth. It has become the face of a viral "ugly-cute" (chou-meng) trend. From "derpy" plush toys to viral memes, the Flying Horse of Gansu is currently a high-fashion icon precisely because its expression is so unique and spirited. It’s "cool" because it doesn't try to be traditionally "pretty."
The "Coincidence" of High Horology
Interestingly enough, this isn't an isolated obsession. In a fascinating case of "great minds thinking alike," the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking has also tuned into this exact frequency.
When the Horse Arrives: The Blancpain 2026 Villeret Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel—the "Traditional Chinese Calendar" edition for the Year of the Horse—has also chosen the Flying Horse of Gansu as its central thematic element.
While Blancpain opted for a more understated approach, hiding the intricate gold-engraved silhouette of the "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow" on the oscillating weight at the back, Beijing Watch brings it front and center. It is a striking juxtaposition: one represents the pinnacle of Le Brassus craftsmanship paying homage to Eastern heritage, while the other represents a homegrown brand reclaiming its own cultural icon with pride.
Seeing these two pieces side-by-side, it is clear that Beijing Watch and Blancpain are operating on the same aesthetic wavelength for 2026. Both have bypassed the tired, cliché "zodiac" tropes in favor of something with true historical gravity and a bit of that "ugly-cute" modern edge. It proves that whether you are in the Vallée de Joux or the heart of Beijing, true artistic resonance knows no borders.
On The Wrist
At 11.35mm thick, the watch wears surprisingly slim for a tourbillon. The domed sapphire crystal gives it a vintage "box" feel, while the gold-plated stainless steel case provides enough heft to feel substantial. The contrast of the electroplated blue steel hands against the gold horse is a masterclass in color theory—it’s vibrant without being gaudy.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a watch to commemorate 2026, you can spend six figures on a Swiss equivalent, or you can buy a piece of actual history. The Beijing Flying Horse of Gansu Tourbillon is a rare example of a complication that tells a story—not just of time, but of 2,000 years of art.
It is bold, it is mechanically impressive, and thanks to its "ugly-cute" cultural status, it is perhaps the most "on-trend" watch you can wear into the Year of the Horse.
Technical Specifications
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Case: 43mm Gold-plated Stainless Steel
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Movement: TB01-2 Tourbillon (Manual/Self-winding)
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Power Reserve: 63 Hours
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Crystal: Domed Sapphire with AR coating
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Water Resistance: 30m
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Price: $2,809.00
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