Watches are more than just instruments for telling time—they are reflections of culture, history, and craftsmanship. The Seagull Celestial Orbit Chinese Calendar Tourbillon Watch is a masterpiece that embodies China’s rich astronomical and horological heritage. It integrates elements of ancient Chinese celestial studies, including the Suzhou Stone Astronomical Chart, the Chinese Twelve Earthly Branches Time System, the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, and the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions. Each of these elements has deep historical significance and has been meticulously woven into the design of this extraordinary timepiece.
Suzhou Stone Astronomical Chart: A Window to the Ancient Chinese Sky
The Suzhou Stone Astronomical Chart is a remarkable representation of ancient Chinese astronomical knowledge, carved into stone and preserved for centuries. The chart is divided into two sections: the upper half, which is a circular celestial map, and the lower half, which contains explanatory inscriptions. The title "天文图" (Celestial Chart) is engraved at the top. This chart, with a diameter of approximately 91.5 cm, follows the traditional Chinese "盖图" (Gai Tu) method of celestial mapping, centered on the North Celestial Pole.
Within the three concentric circles drawn on the chart:
- The inner circle (diameter: 19.9 cm) represents the area of the sky that is always visible from around latitude 35°N.
- The middle circle (diameter: 52.5 cm) corresponds to the celestial equator.
- The outer circle (diameter: 85 cm) defines the limit of the sky that is visible from this latitude.
Radiating from the center are twenty-eight lines, marking the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, key divisions of the Chinese celestial system. Alongside these lines, additional annotations provide data on the positions of the lunar lodges, twelve two-hour periods (twelve "Chen"), and an essential system of astronomical territorial correspondences called "Fen Ye" (分野).
Fen Ye (分野) is an ancient Chinese system that connects celestial phenomena with geographical territories. It assigns different constellations to specific regions, states, or kingdoms, linking the fate of political entities to movements in the heavens. This belief played a crucial role in imperial governance, as astronomical observations were often used to interpret omens and predict the fortunes of different regions based on celestial movements. Therefore, the Suzhou Stone Astronomical Chart not only served as a navigational and observational tool but also as an essential guide for astrological interpretations and political decision-making.
The chart also records over 1,400 stars, a detailed depiction of the Milky Way, and the ecliptic—the apparent path of the sun through the sky. This sophisticated mapping technique not only guided astronomers but also played a crucial role in navigation and timekeeping. The Seagull Celestial Orbit Chinese Calendar Tourbillon Watch draws inspiration from this ancient chart, integrating its celestial themes into the dial’s design, creating a mesmerizing representation of the heavens.
The Chinese Twelve Earthly Branches Time System: A Unique Horological Approach
Before the adoption of modern timekeeping, China used a unique twelve-hour system known as the Earthly Branches (地支). This system divided a full day into twelve periods, each lasting two modern hours. Each period was associated with an Earthly Branch and an animal from the Chinese zodiac:
- Zi (Rat) – 11 PM - 1 AM
- Chou (Ox) – 1 AM - 3 AM
- Yin (Tiger) – 3 AM - 5 AM
- Mao (Rabbit) – 5 AM - 7 AM
- Chen (Dragon) – 7 AM - 9 AM
- Si (Snake) – 9 AM - 11 AM
- Wu (Horse) – 11 AM - 1 PM
- Wei (Goat) – 1 PM - 3 PM
- Shen (Monkey) – 3 PM - 5 PM
- You (Rooster) – 5 PM - 7 PM
- Xu (Dog) – 7 PM - 9 PM
- Hai (Pig) – 9 PM - 11 PM
Their origins can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (circa 1600–1046 BCE), where oracle bone inscriptions reveal early forms of this system. By the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE), the Earthly Branches had been systematically integrated into Chinese cosmology and calendrical science.
The Twelve Earthly Branches were originally linked to the twelve-year orbital cycle of Jupiter, which ancient Chinese astronomers observed and used as a basis for their calendar. Over time, these branches were also associated with the twelve double-hour divisions of the day (Shichen 时辰), the twelve months of the lunar calendar, and the twelve animal signs of the Chinese zodiac.
Each Earthly Branch corresponds to a specific hour, direction, and element in traditional Chinese metaphysics. The system became widely used in various aspects of Chinese culture, including fortune-telling, Feng Shui, traditional medicine, and naming conventions for historical eras. The deep integration of the Earthly Branches into Chinese thought reflects the civilization’s sophisticated approach to timekeeping and cosmology.
This time system was based on celestial observations and was used in ancient Chinese water clocks and sundials. The Seagull Celestial Orbit Watch revives this tradition, presenting a time display based on Earthly Branches, offering a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern horology.
Twenty-Four Solar Terms: The Ancient Agricultural Calendar
The Twenty-Four Solar Terms (二十四节气) is a sophisticated system used in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Each solar term represents a key phase in the Earth's orbit around the sun, guiding agricultural activities and seasonal changes. Established over 2,000 years ago, this system remains a vital part of Chinese culture and daily life.
Each solar term is determined by the sun’s position at 15-degree intervals along the ecliptic, the apparent path the sun follows across the sky throughout the year. This system provided a more accurate way of tracking seasonal changes compared to the traditional lunar calendar, which was primarily based on the moon’s cycles.
The terms include:
- Spring Begins (立春) – Marks the start of spring. (Around February 3–5)
- Rain Water (雨水) – Indicates increased rainfall. (Around February 18–20)
- Awakening of Insects (惊蛰) – When hibernating insects awaken. (Around March 5–7)
- Vernal Equinox (春分) – Equal day and night. (Around March 20–22)
- Grain Rain (谷雨) – Abundant rainfall for crops. (Around April 19–21)
- Summer Begins (立夏) – Start of the summer season. (Around May 5–7)
- Grain Full (小满) – Crops grow full but not yet ripe. (Around May 20–22)
- Grain in Ear (芒种) – Time to plant grains. (Around June 5–7)
- Summer Solstice (夏至) – Longest daylight of the year. (Around June 20–22)
- Minor Heat (小暑) – Beginning of the hot season. (Around July 6–8)
- Major Heat (大暑) – Peak of summer heat. (Around July 22–24)
- Autumn Begins (立秋) – Marks the start of autumn. (Around August 7–9)
- End of Heat (处暑) – The heat subsides. (Around August 22–24)
- White Dew (白露) – Dew begins to appear. (Around September 7–9)
- Autumn Equinox (秋分) – Equal day and night. (Around September 22–24)
- Cold Dew (寒露) – Lower temperatures. (Around October 7–9)
- Frost Descent (霜降) – Frost begins to form. (Around October 22–24)
- Winter Begins (立冬) – Start of winter. (Around November 7–9)
- Minor Snow (小雪) – Light snowfall. (Around November 22–24)
- Major Snow (大雪) – Heavy snowfall. (Around December 6–8)
- Winter Solstice (冬至) – Shortest daylight of the year. (Around December 21–23)
- Minor Cold (小寒) – Cold intensifies. (Around January 5–7)
- Major Cold (大寒) – Coldest period of the year. (Around January 20–22)
The Seagull Celestial Orbit Watch incorporates the Twenty-Four Solar Terms into its design, allowing wearers to connect with ancient seasonal rhythms.
The Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions: Mapping the Sky in Chinese Astronomy
The Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions (二十八星宿) are a fundamental aspect of Chinese astronomy and astrology, acting as a celestial coordinate system that maps the movement of the moon against the fixed stars. These mansions divide the celestial sphere into twenty-eight sections, corresponding to specific days in the lunar month. Used for divination, agricultural planning, and navigation, the system has been integral to traditional Chinese cosmology for thousands of years.
These lunar mansions were deeply woven into ancient Chinese society:
- Timekeeping: The movement of the moon through the mansions was used to track time, with each section corresponding to a specific lunar day.
- Astrology and Fate Calculation: The position of the moon within a mansion was believed to influence fate, guiding imperial decisions and personal horoscopes.
- Agriculture and Seasonal Cycles: Farmers relied on the mansions to predict rainfall, frost, and other seasonal changes crucial for planting and harvesting.
- Maritime Navigation: Chinese sailors used the mansions as celestial markers to guide long voyages, especially in the South China Sea and along the Maritime Silk Road.
By incorporating these celestial markers, the Seagull Celestial Orbit Watch not only tells time but also serves as a portable cosmos, celebrating China's rich astronomical heritage. Each watch face reflects the intricate alignment of stars and time, embodying the wisdom and precision of ancient Chinese stargazers.
Each of the twenty-eight mansions is further categorized under one of the Four
- Celestial Animals (四象), representing different directions in the sky:
- Azure Dragon (青龙) of the East – Symbolizing spring and growth, this group of mansions governs the eastern sky.
- Black Tortoise (玄武) of the North – Representing winter and endurance, the northern mansions are associated with stability and longevity.
- White Tiger (白虎) of the West – Linked to autumn and warfare, the western mansions symbolize strength and courage.
- Vermilion Bird (朱雀) of the South – Associated with summer and prosperity, these southern mansions embody passion and transformation.
By incorporating these celestial markers, the Seagull Celestial Orbit Watch not only tells time but also serves as a portable cosmos, celebrating China's rich astronomical heritage.
