On the journey of time, culture has been deeply woven through thousands of years. The white ceramic dial, with its long history of accumulation, now shines brightly. On January 10, 2015, the renowned Chinese avant-garde watch brand Zhang Dao held a press conference in Beijing titled "Zhang Rice 2015 Basel Watch Fair," marking the beginning of the final series before the 2015 Basel trip—“Oracle - Silk Road.†Inspired by the traditional Chinese inscriptions “Oracle†and “Silk Road,†Zhang Dao combined the artistry of Luoyang San Cai, merging traditional Chinese craftsmanship with modern design. With the collaboration of many traditional experts, the two series were unveiled on the global stage for the first time, carrying the essence of Chinese culture to the world.
The Oracle script was first unearthed in Xiaotun Village, Yin Ruins, Anyang, Henan Province. It represents the earliest form of Chinese writing, with a structured system that laid the foundation for modern Chinese characters. From its structure, meaning, grammar, and evolution, the Oracle script is directly linked to today’s written language, making it the origin of Chinese characters. During the Shang Dynasty, apart from the Oracle script, there were also advanced methods of measuring time. According to historical records, the Yin Dynasty used the branch method to calculate dates—a unique Chinese timekeeping system still in use today. This method divided the day into segments such as Ming (Dan), Da Mining, Xiao Food, etc., showing how precise time measurement was even back then.
As a symbol of Chinese heritage, Zhang Dao's watches are crafted by master artisans, embedding the spirit of tradition. The “Oracle - Silk Road†series, introduced at Baselworld 2015—the “Oscars of Luxuryâ€â€”was groundbreaking. For the first time, the Oracle script was used as a clock scale, representing not only the culture of the Shang Dynasty but also the roots of Chinese civilization. This innovation caught global attention, showcasing the beauty of Han culture to the world.
Zhang Dao also made history by using the Chinese zodiac in the form of hand-painted oracle dials. This wasn’t just a coincidence; the zodiac corresponds directly with the twelve localities in traditional Chinese culture. Historical records show that ancient China made remarkable achievements in astronomy during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, including early coordinate systems. These advancements laid the groundwork for modern timekeeping, far surpassing similar developments in Europe.
Through the combination of Oracle and the Silk Road on the dial, Zhang Dao recreated the essence of Chinese civilization, allowing the world to witness the origins of the clock from China. The brand also brought together digital technology and traditional craftsmanship, ensuring the perfect balance between heritage and innovation.
In addition to the Oracle-inspired designs, the “Oracle - Silk Road†series emphasized the preservation and promotion of traditional Chinese techniques. In Luoyang, the birthplace of the Silk Road and the origin of the Oracle script, the famous Luoyang San Cai (Three-color Glaze) art was incorporated into the ceramic dials. Master Guo Ai, an expert in Luoyang San Cai, worked closely with Zhang Dao to bring this ancient craft to life on the watch face. His work has been exhibited globally, including at the Louvre, and his innovative approach to glaze and firing techniques has revived this traditional art form.
At the press conference, Zhang Dao’s representatives, along with members of the China Watch Association, shared their vision of integrating Chinese elements into horology. Experts, industry leaders, and guests discussed the significance of the “first use of Oracle Scale†in watchmaking, highlighting the cultural depth and artistic value behind each piece.
Zhang Dao’s efforts not only promote Chinese culture but also deepen global understanding of the origins of Chinese civilization. By bringing the Oracle script, the Silk Road, and Luoyang San Cai into the world of horology, the brand is elevating watchmaking to new artistic heights. As they prepare for Basel, the momentum of Chinese civilization is about to make a powerful impact on the global stage. Let’s wait and see what lies ahead.
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