Introducing Sartory-Billard Unveils the SB04-E Year of the Horse Edition

With the arrival of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Fire Horse, Sartory-Billard celebrates the occasion by unveiling the SB04-E Fire Horse Edition, created in tribute to this Chinese tradition.

As part of the SB04-E line, this limited edition retains the collection’s elegant case design. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the case measures 39.5 mm in diameter, 10.3 mm in thickness, and 46 mm lug-to-lug. It consists of three parts: a large polished bezel with a concave profile that reflects light and its surroundings, visually reducing the watch’s thickness; a satin-finished case middle; and a decorated caseback. The case is water-resistant to 100 meters. As a unique touch, a luminous coating has been applied to the crown.

At the heart of the watch lies a 24-carat gold-plated brass dial conceived as a living surface. Based on an original drawing by Armand Billard, the scene is laser-engraved by our partner artist engraver Ron Elkins, revealing a horse caught mid-motion, surrounded by swirling forms that evoke wind, speed, and tension. Light travels across each engraved line, creating depth and contrast while expressing the raw vitality and independence long associated with the horse. 

No two dials are strictly identical. Variations in engraving depth, ink application, and light reflection ensure that each piece carries its own presence. Diamond-cut hands and applied indexes ensure clarity and legibility, allowing the engraved dial to remain the focal point without compromising function.

Machined in Switzerland, the dial undergoes multiple transformations before reaching its final form. After engraving in the United States, it returns to Switzerland for thick gold plating, enhancing both contrast and durability. The final Chinese ink highlighting is applied by hand by Armand Billard in France, reinforcing the engraved relief and giving the scene its final intensity.

As with previous editions, the watch is powered by the automatic G101 caliber from Swiss manufacturer La Joux-Perret. The movement offers a power reserve of 68 hours and operates at a frequency of 4 Hz. Both the tungsten rotor and the bridges are decorated with Côtes de Genève patterns, adding an aesthetic touch to the movement.

The watch is delivered on a red leather strap, a color traditionally associated with luck, celebration, and renewal during the Chinese New Year. Other strap colors are available upon request at the same price, to be confirmed after the order is placed.

The Sartory-Billard SB04-E Year of the Fire Horse Chinese New Year Edition is strictly limited to 26 individually numbered pieces, from X01 to X26, and is priced at USD 3,500 (approximately AED 15,245).

For more information, visit Sartory Billard official website.