The ninth of the 12 animals comprising the Chinese zodiac, the monkey is a symbol of intelligence, curiosity and playfulness. Watchmakers have taken these attributes to heart with a selection of fun and artistic timepieces in time to ring in the Lunar New Year.

Adding to its Métiers d’Art: The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac collection, Vacheron Constantin offers two new models for the Year of the Monkey, each limited to 12 pieces. The timepieces showcase a Chinese paper-cutting technique known as jianzhi, realised via engraving and grand feu enamelling. The watches are equipped with the 2460 G4 self-winding calibre with hours, minutes, day of the week and date apertures. Bearing the Geneva Seal, these new creations come in platinum and pink gold.

Harry Winston interprets jianzhi through gold appliqué and cutwork in the Premier Monkey Automatic 36mm watch. It features a small open-worked gold monkey, whose tail is wrapped around an emerald-cut diamond at 12 o’clock. The monkey is set on a pink motherof- pearl dial with golden flecks.

At Chopard, this year’s Chinese zodiac watch shows a popular scene believed to bring good luck: a monkey on a tree picking peaches. The dial is handcrafted in Japan by Minori Koizumi, a master of the Japanese lacquer art known as urushi. The process is supervised by award-winning artist Kiichiro Masumura. The L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Monkey comes in an 18K rose gold case measuring 39.5mm and housing a self-winding movement.

Meanwhile, Montblanc presents a unique limited edition fountain pen with monkey reliefs on the sterling silver cap and engraving on the 18K gold nib.