Chinese astrology has always been incredibly important in watchmaking, especially when it comes to the 12-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac. Of them, one is legendary—the dragon, associated with honesty and bravery. The year 2012 will be the year of the dragon and many brands already are gearing up, creating distinctive timepieces to honor the fire-breathing beast. From independents such as Peter Speake-Marin and Jean-Dunand to brands such as Bovet and Jaquet Droz, watches are emerging with enamel painted dragons, sculpted dragons and other renditionos of the mythical monster. The dial of the Bovet dragon Tourbillon is superbly hand painted and enameled with seven layers of engraved mother of pearl and painting that create the 
Recital Dragon watch ($290,000). The Jean Dunand Tourbillon Orbital is a stunning, unique work of enamel art wherein the dragon painted on the onyx dial seemingly protects the masterful tourbillon (about $500,000). In the Jaquet Droz watch ($32,500), the hand-painted dragon occupies the entire lower portion of the dial, making a superb statement of enchanting art in time.