Since the early 20th century, the name Chanel has been synonymous with elegance and style in the world of fashion and in the world of watchmaking. Keeping with the tradition of rebellious excellence, dependability and trend setting style, Chanel created their first line of watches in 1987.
The First Chanel
The first collection of Chanel watches was Première. This timepiece features and octagonal case, a scratch resistant sapphire crystal with beveled edges, and a chain bracelet. The proportions and the design of this timepiece and inspired both by the lines of an iconic Chanel N°5 perfume bottle as well as Place Vendôme. To this day Chanel Première is one of the most popular Chanel watch models.
Swiss Movements
Although Chanel is a fairly new player on the watchmaking field, the quality and craftsmanship of Chanel timepieces is on par with some of the top tier luxury Swiss watch companies such as Rolex, Breitling, and Patek Philippe. Chanel watches are made in Switzerland at La Chaux-de-Fonds by some of the best watchmakers in the industry.
Although Chanel does not make their own watch movements, the timepieces are outfitter with only the best Swiss watch movements available. One of Chanel’s partners is Manufacture ETA, the same company that supplied movements to Tudor Watch Company (a Rolex sister company). Manufacture ETA is not the only company that supplies movements to Chanel.
According to the Chanel website, the company also works with other prominent watchmakers in the area in order to obtain the best quality movements for their timepieces.
Modern Materials
In addition to the strict quality requirements when it comes to their movements, Chanel also insures that any diamonds used in the decoration of their watches were legally mined, sold, and come from conflict free regions. Each and every diamond used by Chanel comes with the paperwork attesting to the origin and history of the stone to ensure the credibility of the diamond trade.
Another attractive quality of the Chanel watches is the new, patented material that Chanel calls Titanium Ceramic. The process took 4 years to develop and resulted in creation of a highly durable, scratch resistant, high gloss material with unique color and sparkle qualities. Titanium Ceramic is available on Chanel J12 model watches.
Modern Qualities
All of the Chanel watches are water resistant. A wearer can find the water resistance rating on the back of every Chanel watch. The depth usually ranges between 30 and 300 meters. Chanel recommends regular, two year maintenance on all of their timepiece to insure continued water resistance.
Chanel has the following collections available:
J12 White, Black, and Chromatic
The J12 collection has to be one of the most versatile watch collections today. This unisex timepiece combines both masculine and feminine qualities in a nautical inspired timepiece. The use of high-tech ceramic, sapphire, and other high quality materials insures the durability and lasting luster of the watch. This is perfect daily watch combines Chanel’s classic style and robustness of a sport watch in one perfect accessory. The watch features time and date function and is available in white gold (J12 White), yellow gold with diamonds (J12 Gem-Set Gold) and stainless steel and diamonds (Gem-Set Steel)
J12 Function
Much like the rest of the J12 collection J12 Function is a functionally elegant sport watch with a design of luxury sports cars. This timepiece features a fully functional chronograph.
Mademoiselle Privé
Mademoiselle Privé is a very special line of Chanel watches created to celebrate femininity, elegance, and everything that it means to wear a Chanel brand. These timepieces are truly works of art with some of the most unique and expertly executed dial decorations currently found in the watchmaking world.
Mademoiselle Privé Watch with Coromandel Decoration
This particular series of Mademoiselle Privé feature miniature artworks reminiscent of Coromandel panel painting so beloved by Gabriel Chanel. The artworks are executed using Grand Feu enamel, using in Geneva technique, and utilize carved mother-of-pearl to mimic these magnificent Asian themed screens.
Mademoiselle Privé Watch with Embroidered Camellia Decoration
This is a watch with an actual silk embroidery on the dial. Delicate and feminine, miniature Camellia flower performed with the expert craftsmanship of House of Lesage embroidery on the silk dial of this Chanel watch seamlessly combines with the a robust watch case and a reliable Swiss movement as if it was the definition of feminine strength and resilience. This is a truly unusual timepiece that is guaranteed to earn your wrist a second look.
Mademoiselle Privé Watch with Constellation of Leo Decoration
Leo Constellation as well as lion as an animal were very symbolic to Gabriel Chanel. Not only was Leo her zodiac sign, but it also served as an inspiration in a lot of her work. The dial of this watch is decorated with a diamond Leo constellation as well as a lion design on the dial.
Mademoiselle Privé Watch with Enchanted Feather Decoration
The Enchanted Feather watch pays homage to the “Bijoux de Diamants" collection brooch of a diamond set feather which symbolized creativity and freedom of expression. This feather motif is depicted on the dial of this Chanel timepiece with white and pink sapphires.
Mademoiselle Privé watch with Jardin de Camélias décor
Dainty and feminine Camellia was one of the Chanel’s favorite flowers. This flower motif appeared time and time again in many of the Chanel’s designs. Two large, diamond set Camellia blooms sparkle daringly from the glossy, ceramic dial of this stunning Chanel watch. This is definitely a watch worthy of the high fashion.
Jewelry Watches
Chanel jewelry watches are more functional works of art than timekeeping accessories. These stunning creations feature pearls, gold, and diamonds in intricate designs that celebrate the passage of time.
Although Chanel might be new to the watchmaking world, the quality, craftsmanship, and the superb design of the Chanel timepieces rivals those of established Swiss watch brands. Chanel timepieces are classically elegant and serve as perfect accessories to any Chanel outfit. Just like the Chanel “little black dress” remains a fashion staple, a Chanel wrist watch will remain fashionably relevant for years to come.
Ermitage Jewelers has a large Collection of pre-owned luxury Swiss watches such as Chanel. We buy, sell, and trade previously loved timepieces at unbeatable prices. Ermitage Jewelers believes in honesty and brand integrity which is why we don’t sell reproductions or replica watches.
When you come to Ermitage Jewelers you can rest assured that you are investing in the best possible quality at competitive prices. Browse our extensive luxury Swiss watch collection for your very own Chanel timepiece.