If the Year of the Horse holds special significance for you and you want to express it through a watch, be prepared for significant expenses.
Watches dedicated to the Lunar New Year are often released by prestigious Haute Horlogerie brands. They involve their artisans to create limited series of complex and exquisite models made from precious metals. However, the Canadian brand Héron has chosen a different path. Meet the Héron Mirabel Firehorse - a practical and affordable watch option themed around the Chinese zodiac, which hides an unexpected feature - or rather, a unique dial.
History and Concept of the Héron Brand
Héron is a young brand from the bilingual region of Montreal, Quebec, debuting on the WatchTested portal in 2022 with the Gladiateur MMLXV model - a diver's watch with Roman numerals on the bezel. This time, Héron turned to another rich culture for the creation of a new model. The Mirabel Firehorse is a limited edition watch inspired by red hongbao envelopes (红包), traditionally given during the New Year filled with small amounts of money to bring good fortune.
Unique Dial of Héron Mirabel Firehorse
The main feature of the model is hidden in the dial. Its surface is made from finely cut agate - a stone with fiery hues and natural translucency, which became a key criterion for choosing the material. No Firehorse dial is repeated, as each is cut from natural agate, displaying unique waves and veins ranging from bright red to warm dark tones. Beneath the stone lies a layer of Swiss luminous paint C3 Super-LumiNova, which creates a special lighting effect in the light.
Above the dial "floats" an ancient Chinese coin on a transparent disc, replacing the seconds hand and creating a mysterious illusion as it moves in a circle. Instead of a traditional horse image, Héron chose a more abstract and experimental approach to honor the Year of the Horse - more precisely, the Fire Horse. This design looks less obvious and more versatile for everyday wear.
Strap and Materials
The watch comes with a strap made from premium French Baranil leather, produced by Tanneries Haas - a company with a long history and specialization in quality leather. The strap is soft, with a structured texture and fine grain, playing well in the light. It is hand-stitched with linen thread and additionally sealed at the edges for durability.
Case and Mechanics of the Watch
The Mirabel Firehorse case is made of 316L stainless steel with gold PVD coating and has a modest diameter of 37.5 mm. The case length is 43.5 mm, lug width is relatively large - 20 mm, and thickness is 11.8 mm with a domed sapphire crystal (10.6 mm without it). Inside is the automatic Miyota 9039 movement, 3.9 mm thick, requiring ample space.
The movement is hidden under a solid metal case back with a vintage medallion. The back is engraved with an image of the Fire Horse in a brushstroke style, as well as the inscription 马年通宝 (Mǎ Nián Tōng Bǎo), which translates to "Circulating Treasure of the Year of the Horse" - a phrase traditionally found on ancient Chinese coins.
Price and Limited Edition
The Héron Mirabel Firehorse watch costs €535 / $620 and is released as a limited edition. The first 24 pieces are individually numbered, referring to the Chinese year 4724 - the Year of the Fire Horse. They are available on the official Héron website. This model can become a worthy commemorative accessory, reflecting the cultural significance of the year while remaining practical for everyday use. Your opinion on this is welcome in the comments.
Technical Specifications of the Héron Mirabel Firehorse
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Dial | Natural agate, C3 Super-LumiNova illumination, floating coin on a transparent disc (seconds), faceted hour and minute hands |
| Case Material | 316L stainless steel with gold PVD coating, crown with sapphire cabochon |
| Case Dimensions | Diameter - 37.5 mm; thickness - 10.6 mm without and 11.8 mm with domed sapphire crystal; lug-to-lug length - 43.5 mm; lug width - 20 mm |
| Glass | Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Case Back | Medallion with Fire Horse engraving, first 24 pieces individually numbered |
| Movement | Automatic Miyota 9039, frequency 4 Hz, 24 jewels, power reserve over 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters / 165 feet |
| Strap | Baranil leather from France, length 125/75 mm |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Special Notes | The first 24 pieces have individual numbers |
Thus, the Héron Mirabel Firehorse represents a unique blend of cultural symbolism and high-quality craftsmanship, available at a reasonable price. It is an example of how young brands can create interesting and original watches without excessive pomp while respecting traditions.