Chanel Watches
As she had no time to lose, Mademoiselle Chanel chose to take her time. Born at the end of the 19th century, she quickly understood that the new century opening itself before her, was there for the taking. She wanted to make it her époque and to live her time.
"Fashion goes out of fashion, but style never,"she said repeatedly.
In November 1932, she presented her first Fine Jewelry collection entitled, “Bijoux de Diamants”, in her “hôtel particulier” at 29 Faubourg Saint Honoré in Paris; a dazzling collection of jewelry pieces in platinum and diamonds.
“If I chose diamonds, it’s because they represent the highest value in the smallest volume,” she declared.
She chose the Star as the principle theme for this first collection, as it best highlighted the sparkle of the diamonds.
All throughout her life, Gabrielle Chanel innovated and proposed her unique and inimitable style. This innovative tradition can be found throughout all the contemporary Fine Jewelry and Watchmaking creations of Chanel.
1987: The “Première” - a symbol in itself, in a very masculine watchmaking universe, its style immediately seduces women the world over.
1993: The “Matelassée” watch is created – a simple ribbon in steel that launches the cuff-style watch.
2000: CHANEL creates the surprise with its black J12, dreamed of, thought up and signed by Jacques Helleu. Ennobled by this watch icon, ceramic becomes one of contemporary watchmaking’s leading materials.
2003: The J12 watch goes from absolute black to immaculate white projecting its opalescence into a new and timeless dimension.
2005: CHANEL creates its innovative new Tourbillon with a ceramic bottom-plate. This movement further reinforces the J12 legend with its watchmaking and technical prowess.
Associating audacity, fine jewelry mastery and the know-how of its watchmaking factory, CHANEL establishes itself as one of the major references of jewelry – watchmaking.