A Guide To Chanel Watches

Since entering the world of luxury timepieces back in the 1980s, Chanel has consistently delivered highly desirable pieces with their signature style and sophistication. The elegant Première collection is a prime example, with an 18-carat beige gold casing adorned with shimmering diamonds and a mother-of-pearl dial. The octagonal design reflects the Place Vendôme as a symbol of master craftsmanship, and this is a common feature of everything Chanel produces.

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A long time coming

Chanel first came into being in 1909, when Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel opened her first hat shop in Paris. Her empire would eventually expand all around the globe, and her legacy of redefining women's fashion is a stark presence in the watches the brand has produced. It wasn't until 1987 that the brand's wristwatch division opened, debuting with the luxurious Première watch. It stood as an icon of femininity, and led to a collection that is as revered as any other women's watch out there. If you are after one of the earlier pieces, you will need to look for well-kept pre-owned Chanel watches.

Haute Horlogerie

1995 saw the arrival of Chanel's second luxury watch, the Matelasse. It featured an unadorned square face which was delicately incorporated into the minimalist lines of the bracelet, and it became an instant classic from the brand's catalogue. The J12 movement came into being in 2000, which earned a reputation as the brand's first true line of haute horlogerie timepieces. The artistry in the watches and jewellery that followed is nothing short of exceptional, including intricately paved 'secret cuff' watches and open-worked flying tourbillon models. These pieces are subtly hidden inside superb works of jewellery for a truly deluxe feel.

A winning combination

Chanel J12 H0967 White Ceramic 33mm Diamond Bezel

Chanel J12 Matte Black Ceramic 42mm Automatic H3131

Chanel J12 H1628 White Ceramic Ladies 33mm

Innovation

The Code Coco is a revered achievement of Chanel watchmaking. It is heralded as a pioneering piece that blazes a new creative trail. In one product, it explores the codes of the watch, the strap and the bracelet, whilst taking a sideswipe at jewellery. It is elegant, disruptive and quite brazen, and will appeal to some audiences more than others. Nevertheless, it contains the essence of the Chanel approach to design - taking the brand further creatively, through a reinterpretation of something from its own heritage.

Chanel craftsmanship

Set at high altitude, La Chaux-de-Fonds is one of Switzerland's key watchmaking valleys, and it is where Chanel watches come to life. In this region, watch production can be observed from conception to completion. An initial idea is entered into software with the power to decipher every single dimension and bring artistic intentions to life. The computers virtually construct every aspect of the watch, from the case, to the bezel, to the bracelet. The digital visions are then transmitted to machines that produce the tools to make every component of the watch.
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The watchmakers then scrutinise every element of the watch, carefully trimming, cutting and shaping where necessary. It takes immense skill to carry out this process, and every stage of the construction is meticulously carried out with the highest levels of craftsmanship and precision industrial processes working hand-in-hand.

Unmatched style

Chanel works tirelessly to maintain its reputation for the highest standards of style and design. If you are looking for ladies Chanel watches, that reputation delivers with aplomb in every piece. There are also some mens Chanel watches to be discovered. The collections that have emerged from the brand's relatively short watchmaking history are what many watchmakers aspire to, and you always get delicate femininity with trailblazing design approaches that break new ground for women's fashion - just as the brand has always done since its arrival on the scene.