The Year of the Horse: Watches for an Equestrian Aesthetic

This year’s Chinese zodiac animal, the horse, ushers in a year of confidence and responsibility, freedom and exertion, and decisiveness and impatience. In addition to the traditional Eastern significance of the horse, the equestrian aesthetic fashion trend is one the rise. The unique concurrence of these two phenomena makes it the perfect time to celebrate all things riding.

Canter along with us as we lay out a selection of timeless and stylish timepieces that perfectly embody the spirit of the year of the horse. From old-school equestrian looks reminiscent of regency-era Britain to bold choices in the vein of the Chinese fire horse, our limitless inventory encompasses every luxury watch that you could dream of. Unique styles, prestigious brands, and competitive prices: This is what sets Avi & Co. apart from the rest.

The Year of the Horse began on February 17, 2026, according to the Chinese lunar calendar, which operates on a slightly different cycle than the Gregorian calendar used by much of the Western world. The horse is the 7th animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, coming after the snake and before the goat. In addition to the twelve animals, the Chinese zodiac also includes five elements: wood, earth, water, fire, and metal. This year is the year of the fire horse.

Together with the zodiac animals, the elements make up a 60-year repeating cycle that is said to influence fate, luck, and personality. Fire, this year’s element, signifies passion and courage. Melded with the horse’s independence and speed, the year of the fire horse is upon us. This special combination belies swift growth, bold breakthroughs, and rapid change. It is a season of adventure and new discoveries with plenty of dynamism. This is a year to overcome obstacles, stand tall, and forge ahead with passion.

The overlap between high fashion and equestrian garb is a longstanding tradition on and off the runway. Just think back to Vogue World Paris 2024, when Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner rode two Andalusian steeds around the Palace Vendome in wearing the Hermes fall collection. Or take Stella McCartney’s 2023 fall fashion show, which she staged in a stable. The classic equestrian uniform (think tailored pants, knee-high boots, and long blazers) hits the perfect balance between athleticism and fashion.

This year, these tailored and timeless silhouettes are once again back at the forefront. Add a bit of Western flair to the mix, and you are perfectly on trend for 2026. Fringe and feathers are bringing an adventurous, rugged touch to classic equestrian styles. Envision a romance novel between a sultry cowboy and a buttoned-up dressage rider: such is the state of modern equestrian fashion trends. Now, shall we see how this translates to haute horlogerie?

With the Chinese zodiac and equestrian-inspired trends falling in your favor, why not embrace the spirit of bold change and the freedom of wide-open spaces? Make like a mustang with its hooves pounding through the grasses of the American West, and do not miss this opportunity to get your hands on some of the most elite timepieces available to own at Avi & Co. today.

To harness the equestrian aesthetic, incorporating timeless vintage looks is always a smart move. This 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak exemplifies vintage charm with its gender-neutral 35 mm silhouette and brushed precious metal finish. The ivory dial, complete with the line’s iconic octagonal bezel and exposed lugs, is an ideal finish. Index hour markers make for a seamless display, and the date window at the 3 o’clock position adds much-loved functionality. Both men and women can easily wear this versatile watch, which offers dimensions that are very much on trend. It will perfectly complement your tailored, equestrian inspired outfit for the year of the fire horse.

Patek Philippe’s iconic Calatrava line emerged in the 1930s and still holds onto traces of its Art Deco and Bauhaus inspiration. The line is a favorite of many celebrities and art world stars, including Pablo Picasso himself. Going on a century of horological prominence, the Calatrava collection is an immediate marker of class, taste, and wealth. You might even say that it occupies the same place in society as professional riding instruction: a high-end delight that only the world’s top earners and elite families are able to comfortably enjoy.

This 18K rose gold Calatrava would align seamlessly with your equestrian-inspired ensemble. Its rich brown leather strap presents an opportunity to match leather tones with your belt and boots, and the textured material is also a nod to a more Western look (and by Western, we here mean the Wild West). Though no one in their right mind would dub the aristocratic Calatrava a “cowboy” accessory, it surely evokes a more rugged and laidback spirit than more geometric, angular timepieces like the Royal Oak that we exhibited above. Which equestrian movement will you be falling into: the buttoned-up dressage rider or the Western adventurer with a saddle horn and their hair flowing behind them in the wind?

The Rolex Daytona collection is famous for its influence from the world of motorsports, but this racing-oriented watch is perfect for equestrians as well. The timepiece’s big draw is its functional and fashionable chronograph (essentially, a stopwatch), which measures elapsed time via the three subdials on the face of the watch. This elegant 18K rose gold Daytona combines warm metal hues with the grounding nature of a striking black tachymeter bezel and dial. Rolex’s classic Oyster bracelet wears with a stunning weight on the wrist, and you will delight in the coolness of the metal brushing against your skin. The “Le Mans” edition of this iconic watch is highly prized in the collectors’ world, making it a strong investment both for current fashions and for a lifetime of wear ahead of you. This is one you will pass down for generations to come.

Although Richard Mille is a relatively new player in the horological world, with the brand launching just 25 years ago in 2001, these timepieces have quickly gained widespread acclaim in the horological world. If you are seeking a more rugged, athletic take on the equestrian aesthetic, we highly recommend the RM 037, which has a tiger’s eye effect reminiscent of the metamorphic stone popular for its beauty and protective, grounding nature. Like many Richard Mille watches, its tonneau-shaped case and skeletonized dial give it a unique and distinctive look. The combination of light and durable black carbon with prestigious 18K rose gold is a masterclass in contrast and prestige. The avant-garde look of a Richard Mille watch leans into the bold, freedom-seeking qualities of the horse of the Chinese zodiac.

Like Richard Mille, F.P. Journe is a relatively new addition to the horological world. Unlike Richard Mille, however, this brand leans toward a more traditional aesthetic with its innovative timepieces that are known for craftsmanship and small batch creation. The F.P. Journe motto, invenit et fecit, translates to “invented and made.” In other words, every watch and every component within is ideated and crafted within the brand’s own workshop. F.P. Journe himself, the man behind the brand, is a passionate watchmaker whose dedication to his craft has translated into a collection of highly sought-after limited edition watches. This Octa Automatique Reserve Havana offers a timeless style and rugged leather strap that is perfect for bringing your inner equestrian to life this year.

Here at Avi & Co., we offer a collection of luxury timepieces that appeals to collectors far and wide, both those looking for a trendy accessory and those looking for an heirloom timepiece. We strive to curate an elite inventory of the world’s most beloved watch brands, from Rolex to Richard Mille and from Audemars Piguet to Patek Philippe.

In addition, we have created three of our very own Avi & Co. watch lines and an exciting new collection of bespoke fine diamond jewelry to choose from. Visit us at any one of our three boutique locations to get a true taste of opulence fastened around your very own wrist.

Make an appointment today to shop with us in person. We look forward to welcoming you into the Avi & Co. family.