In the span of thousands of years, culture has wrapped around time, accumulating a rich history that shines brightly through the elegance of the white ceramic dial. On January 10, 2015, the renowned Chinese cutting-edge watch brand Zhang Dao held a press conference in Beijing to unveil the final series before its 2015 Basel trip—“Oracle – Silk Road.†Inspired by the ancient Chinese inscriptions “Oracle†and “Silk Road,†Zhang Dao combined the artistry of Luoyang San Cai with traditional craftsmanship, seeking the perfect fusion of China’s heritage. Collaborating with many traditional experts, this exclusive collection was presented for the first time on the global stage, aiming to bring the beauty of the East to the world.
The Oracle, originally unearthed in Xiaotun Village, Yin Ruin, Anyang, Henan Province, is the largest collection of early Chinese characters, forming a systematic and structured writing system. It plays a vital role in the evolution of Chinese script. From its form, structure, meaning, and grammar, Oracle shares a direct lineage with modern Chinese characters, making it the origin of Chinese writing. During the Shang Dynasty, besides the development of Oracle script, there were also remarkable achievements in measuring time. According to historical records, the Yin Dynasty used a branch-based method to calculate dates—a unique Chinese timekeeping system still in use today. This method divided the day into precise moments such as Ming (Dan), Da Yin, Da Shi, Zhong Tian, Xiao Yin, Xiao Shi, and evening, showing how advanced time measurement was even back then.
As a symbol of Chinese heritage, Zhang Dao’s watches are crafted by master artisans, embodying the essence of tradition. The “Oracle – Silk Road†series made its debut at Baselworld 2015, often referred to as the “Oscars of Luxury.†Its global exposure and attention were undeniable. Zhang Dao not only introduced its first double-sided ceramic watch but also transformed the Oracle—a key element of Chinese civilization—into an artistic treasure, highlighting the profound influence of Han culture on the global watch industry.
Roman numerals first appeared on clock dials in the 14th century, while Arabic numerals were adopted later in the 16th century. The Chinese twelve branches were used as a scale on pocket watches in the 19th century. Although Oracle is the oldest known text, it was largely overlooked after the late Qing Dynasty. Zhang Dao’s decision to incorporate Oracle into watch design was a groundbreaking move. By working with experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, such as Zhao Yiman and Cao Dingyun, they carefully transcribed Oracle inscriptions, marking the first time this ancient discipline was used as a clock scale. This initiative not only promoted Chinese culture but also deepened global understanding of the origins of Chinese civilization, contributing significantly to the history of clocks and watches worldwide.
Zhang Dao also became the first brand to feature hand-painted oracle dials representing the Chinese zodiac. This choice was no coincidence, as the zodiac aligns with the twelve localities in traditional Chinese culture. Historical records show that Chinese astronomy flourished during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, with the development of equatorial coordinate systems far ahead of Greek astronomers. These achievements laid the foundation for future timekeeping advancements. Through the combination of Oracle and the Silk Road on its dials, Zhang Dao brings the story of Chinese civilization to life, allowing the world to witness the birth of the clock in China.
Behind the two series, Zhang Dao not only showcased Chinese elements but also collaborated with digital technology experts. The “Oracle-Silk Road†series emphasized the preservation and promotion of traditional craftsmanship. As the origin of Oracle script and the starting point of the Silk Road, Luoyang, Henan Province, is home to the famous Luoyang San Cai, a treasure of ancient Chinese ceramics. With its vibrant colors and luxurious finish, San Cai has been passed down for centuries. Zhang Dao partnered with Master Guo Ai, a renowned San Cai artisan, to recreate the ancient craft on ceramic dials. Their collaboration brought the core manual techniques of San Cai to life on the watch face, showcasing intricate patterns, bold lines, and vivid glazes.
At the press conference, Zhang Dao’s representative, Mr. Zhang Shuyang, was joined by the vice chairman of the China Watch Association Collection Research Committee. Experts, industry leaders, and guests from various fields attended, sharing their insights on the significance of integrating Oracle as a scale on the watch. From the details to the broader cultural impact, the event offered a glimpse into the richness of Chinese heritage and the evolving world of horology. Zhang Dao’s effort to blend the earliest written words, the Silk Road, and Henan’s iconic ceramic techniques into one collection marks a historic moment in both art and timekeeping. As the brand prepares to showcase its creations at Basel, the grandeur of Chinese civilization is set to captivate the world.
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