2026 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner

Guan Yu in Green

Entrant

Foshan Shifang Watch Industry Co., Ltd.

Category

Fashion Design - Watches

Client's Name

-

Country / Region

China

About The Entry

The timepiece Guan Yu in Green takes Guan Yu, China’s legendary "Saint of War," as its spiritual totem. Drawing inspiration from the raw vitality and solemn power of Guan Yu masks in Guizhou Nuo Opera—a national intangible cultural heritage—it reinterprets Eastern culture through the language of contemporary haute horlogerie. Moving beyond surface-level motifs, the watch features a deep forest-green case and strap. This palette pays homage to the classic image of Guan Yu: "clad in a green robe and golden armor, boundless in loyalty." At the center of the dial sits a vivid crimson Nuo mask, seamlessly uniting Eastern epic heritage with the beauty of precision mechanics. The design translates the historic "Oath of the Peach Garden" into functional horological components. The hour and minute hands derive their silhouettes from Liu Bei’s Twin Swords and Zhang Fei’s Serpent Spear. As these two golden weapons cross to measure time, they reunite the three sworn brothers across a millennium alongside Guan Yu's crimson visage. At the 12 o’clock position, a flying tourbillon is woven directly into a dynamic relief of twin soaring dragons and drifting auspicious clouds. Its rhythmic rotation mirrors the motion of the silver dragons. This harmonizes character, weaponry, and mechanics, allowing Eastern culture to actively drive the flow of time. In craftsmanship and spatial architecture, the dial’s core is crafted through precision sterling silver casting. Through rigorous prototyping, flat traditional graphics are elevated into a multi-layered, three-dimensional micro-sculpture. Every nuance—from intricate dragon scales to the formidable expression of the Nuo mask—is rendered with crisp tactile depth. An ultra-high-domed transparent crystal provides ample vertical space for this sculptural landscape. Complemented by classical perimeter patterns and raised golden sphere indices, the dial maintains clear legibility and visual order amidst rich, complex artistry. The choice of materials balances cultural symbolism with modern ergonomics. The deep green metal case reinforces Guan Yu’s iconic identity of steadfast loyalty, while an exhibition case back showcases the intricate dance of the mechanical movement. The strap is made of high-performance FKM fluoroelastomer rubber, delivering durability, flexibility, and all-day comfort.

Credits

Liu Cheng
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