EXQUISITE Expression

FOR THE CHANEL J12, THE ESTEEMED MAISON CRAFTS THE CALIBRE 5, A FLYING TOURBILLON

Since its unveiling in 1999, the J12 has become one of the foremost pillars of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio. Considered revolutionary for its ceramic case, the J12 has since been rendered in a variety of models, but notably has remained loyal to the Maison’s signature colours of black and white. This year, the J12 is enriched with a new movement, Calibre 5, as well as the spar- kling addition of diamonds. Enter the J12 Diamond Tourbillon watch.

Conceived and designed in Paris by Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, the Calibre 5 is a flying Tourbillon, the first to be made in-house, and the fifth movement developed and assembled by the watchmakers of the CHANEL Man-

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ufacture at La Chaux-de-Fonds. Found at the centre of this high complication is a single diamond, “I wanted to endow the J12 watch with a diamond. Set at the centre of the tourbillon, the solitaire diamond follows the mechanism of the movement, giving time a rhythm that is precious and meditative, almost hypnotic,” said Chastaingt. “For this stone we created a bespoke 65-facet cut: a unique cut for a unique watch, and one that I continue to find fascinating and inspiring.” As the diamond was Gabrielle Chanel's favourite gemstone, it is fitting that the new J12 model receives a tasteful diamond upgrade.

Staying true to the identity of CHANEL Fine Watchmaking, the movement’s structure is comprised of a series of circular bridges, rendered in black naturally. To enhance the brilliance of the diamonds, Calibre 5 features fine bevelling and exceptional finishing. In addition, the tourbillon cage and the hands are also set with diamonds. Visible in the front and in the back, the stunning mechanism is beautifully exposed with its sophisticated finish adorned with a lion’s head, a unique hallmark of the CHANEL Haute Horlogerie Manufacture movements.

To house this breakthrough of watchmaking excellence, Chastaingt went to the drawing board and came up with two exclusive watch designs. The first is rendered in glossy black ceramic and 18-carat white gold, with a bezel adorned with 34 glittering baguette-cut diamonds, while the second, augmented by its stealthy appeal, is in matt black ceramic and steel. Featuring an openwork dial that provides a glimpse into the workings of the diamond-set tourbillon found at its centre, both watches also boast a crown set with a brilliantcut diamond. The two versions of the CHANEL J12 Diamond Tourbillon are available in a limited edition of 55 pieces.