THE J12 SAGA

by Chanel

Just after the twentieth anniversary of the J12 watch by Chanel, the cult model prides itself on a number of novel features, without altering its identity. Not quite the same, not quite another. We look at the evolution and manufacturing secrets of this watchmaking icon.

By Delphine Gallay - Photos © Chanel Horlogerie

More than a watch, a destiny

Sharp lines, graphic perfection and cutting-edge technology, the remarkable J12 watch has singlehandedly won over aesthetes and watchmaking enthusiasts of today and tomorrow. The rst ceramic watch, the J12, was born at the dawn of the new millennium, after seven years of research and development. An original creation by Jacques Helleu, then-artistic director of Chanel, it stood out for its masculine silhouette and sculptural lines, dressed in a signature black ceramic case. Inspired by the sleek lines of America’s Cup yachts and racing cars, the J12 embodies a sports-chic style, and from its inception, has established itself as a 21st-century icon.

Eternally modern

Over 20 years since its creation, the elegant J12 has stood the test of time by reinventing itself with a new design by Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the Chanel Watchmaking Creation Studio. A awless performance for this sleek new edition with clean lines and a streamlined graphic look, requiring the intervention of no less than 50 watchmaking experts throughout the design and production process. Revised in every detail, this stunning androgynous model is the fruit of some ve hundred 3D drawings in order to accurately translate the aesthetics, curves, design, volume and ergonomics of the new mechanical edition.

Champions of precision

Designed in Paris, at the Place Vendôme, and manufactured in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, the latest generation J12 is tted with Calibre 12.1, an extremely high-performance self-winding mechanical movement comprising 191 components, developed exclusively for the Maison Chanel. An exceptional movement visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, proof of unparalleled expertise. Chronometer certi ed, Calibre 12.1 has a 70-hour power reserve and withstands pressure to up to 200 metres deep. Innovation, precision and technicality are undeniably at the heart of this creation.

Ceramic signature

But the craftsmanship doesn’t stop there. Produced at over 1,300 degrees, ceramic, the hallmark of the Maison Chanel, becomes as soft as silk, and seven times harder than steel. Perfectly resistant to scratches and wear and tear, this singular material forged at high temperatures, then polished with diamond powder, marries the curves of the wrist with comfort and lightness. Available in deep black or immaculate white, Gabrielle Chanel’s preferred colours, the watch also comes in some rare and limited editions, characterized by the creative elegance typical of the brand. Despite the new-look J12, the exibility of the links on the bracelet remain the same, as does the ceramic case adorned by a large uted steel bezel, epitomizing Chanel’s formidable savoir-faire.