As China continues to develop, so does its market for luxury timepieces. To adequately respond to the country’s ever-increasing demand for extra quality watches, more and more watch makers are creating products that are specifically designed to target Chinese market. The latest example of such efforts is a prestigious Swiss watch manufacturer, Piaget, which is preparing limited editions that are adorned with the symbols from Chinese mythology.

Piaget Dragon and Phoenix Altiplano Double Jeu Watch
Piaget’s intent to target customers in the most populated country in the world is very clear, and this is seen in the fact that it made wristwatches ornamented with the images of Dragon and Phoenix, the central figures of the Chinese mythology. The new products will also include intricate decorations, such as cloisonné and enamel finishing.

Piaget Dragon and Phoenix Altiplano Watch
One of the flashy timepieces from the Phoenix and Dragon series will have an 18 karat white gold dial, decorated with no less than 78 brilliant-cut diamonds. Only eight of these Piaget Altiplano Double Jeu watches will be available in the entire world. According to the released photos, there are three more versions of Dragon & Phoenix Piaget Altiplano watches (one more with a white gold dial, and two more with yellow gold).

Piaget Dragon and Phoenix Altiplano 38 mm Watch
Piaget Emperador XL timepiece will also be released in the limited edition of just eight pieces. The list of watches with the symbols from Chinese mythology is concluded with the Phoenix version of Piaget Limilight Twice watch, with the expected price of over $90,000.

Piaget Dragon and Phoenix Emperador XL Watch
The Dragon & Phoenix series by Piaget was initially displayed in January at Geneva SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horologerie) Fair. These pieces will be released in China, but also in Europe and North America. The release is scheduled for this December, conveniently before 2012, the Year of Dragon.

Piaget Dragon and Phoenix Version Watch
Besides, Piaget will be involved in this year’s edition of Only Watch charity auction with Altiplano Skeleton timepiece. Interestingly, the other luxury watch maker, Bovet, will be offering a watch with Dragon & Phoenix symbols (read review of Bovet 7-Days Tourbillon Reversed Hand-Fitting “Dragon & Phoenix” Only Watch 2011) at this auction.