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Chanel: a Unique and Inimitable Style

Simply inimitable, the CHANEL style was born from a subtle alchemy of highly original materials and colors charged with emotion. It became established through an extraordinary, avant-garde vision and endures thanks to its constant reinvention.

As a result, unique watches created in Switzerland according to the purest watchmaking traditions are created. “Chanel is incomparable in that its heritage is not only alive, but is the primary source of our creativity, innovation and modernity,” states Philippe Mougenot, President of Chanel Watches and Fine Jewelry. “One of our key values is audacity.”

A unique white J12 chronograph with pink sapphires for “Only Watch”

“The watch that we have created especially for the Only Watch event is a J12 model in white ceramic equipped with an automatic chronograph movement. With a case measuring 41 mm, the bezel is set entirely with baguette-cut diamonds and pink sapphires. Twelve baguette-cut diamonds act as the markers on the dial, while the crown and push-pieces are set with pink sapphires. This watch is a true illustration of Chanel’s twin vocation in watchmaking and jewelry,” says Philippe Mougenot.

 

The J12 Saga

With a pronounced identity free from Baroque excess or aesthetic extravagance, the J12 is a sober example of elegance to wear on the wrist. It has become a manifesto of Chanel style and one of the most iconic objects of the 21st century. The J12 also evokes the marine panache of yacht-racing and the graphic codes of luxury automobiles. It is inspired by sport and has a watchmaking vocation, with a strong taste for mechanical superiority and the transgression of jewelry codes. Whether in deepest black or immaculate white, the J12 Collection has been reinventing itself every year since 2000.

 

High-Tech ceramic Expertise

From the design phase to the final assembly process, the Chanel teams conceive, shape, mould, polish, assemble and fit all of the necessary watch parts, including some of the components required by the mechanical movements that are housed in the famous high-tech ceramic J12 watchcases. Borrowed from cutting-edge technology, ceramic is the only material capable of resisting the effects of time and light for optimal wearer comfort. The production of high-tech ceramic requires a demanding level of expertise that unites the four elements: earth, air, water and fire. Earth, as natural materials are combined to form the exclusive “powder” that is mixed to produce high-tech ceramic. Water is used for binding, forming and filtering these natural components. Air is necessary for drying and giving the components form and structure. While fire is used for amalgamating these components and giving them their inalterable resistance and beauty, both of which are responsible for the reputation that is enjoyed by the J12 Collection today.

This chain of events would not be complete without the metal used to sculpt, pierce, grind and enhance the high-tech ceramic, or without the secrets behind the polishing process. These production processes – which are guarded in the strictest of confidence to protect the exclusivity of Chanel watches – are unique in Switzerland and, most probably, in the entire world.

 

A passion for precious stones

To adorn the famous black or white ceramic J12 watches with precious stones – diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires – Chanel’s master watchmakers called on its master jewelers.

Chanel has chosen baguette-cut gem quality pink sapphires as they are the symbol of peace, serenity, purity, and baguette-cut diamonds as Gabrielle Chanel said, “If I have chosen the diamond, it’s because it represents the greatest value for the smallest volume.” A prestigious jeweler and watchmaker, Chanel combines boldness, watchmaking expertise and high jewelry mastery to perfection.

 

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For more information contact:
Ita McCobb
Patrizzi & Co Auctioneers SA
Tel +41 22 318 28 38
e-mail i.mccobb@patrizziauction.com

Audrey Baylac
Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies / Monaco Yacht Show
Tel +377 93 10 41 70
e-mail audrey@monacoyachtshow.mc