Unveiled on the cusp of the new millennium, Chanel’s emblematic J12 watch signalled the dawn of a new era. Its androgynous design was like a breath of fresh air while its shiny and resilient black armour made of high-tech ceramic was shockingly modern.
Inspired by the yachts and seafaring adventures, the name J12 is rooted in nautical lexicon: ‘J’ refers to the J-Class yachts that competed in the America’s Cup, while ‘12’ represents the 12-metre rating class for racing sailboats designed to the International rule.
From million-dollar diamond tickers to highly complicated watches, the J12 has taken on numerous guises in the last 23 years. Each expression reflects the brand’s perpetually renewed creativity while preserving the J12’s essence, ensuring the watches always remain sleek, chic and radiating with contemporaneity.
In 2019, the J12 was rejuvenated and benefited from a new proprietary movement. Manufactured by Kenissi, a movement maker partly owned by Chanel, Calibre 12.1 is a COSC-certified movement that runs at 4Hz and has a 70-hour power reserve. Two years later, Chanel introduced Calibre 12.2, a miniaturised version that was redeveloped to fit within the confines of a 33mm case. It beats at 4Hz and has a slightly lower power reserve of 50 hours.
J12 Calibre 12.2 Edition 1 made its debut at the end of 2021 as Chanel’s smallest self-winding J12 yet. At that time, the watch was offered as a limited-edition design in two colours, each available in 555 pieces. In 2022, Chanel equips its classic J12 33mm models with the Calibre 12.2 so the movement becomes part of the permanent collection.
Calibre 12.2 is also found in two new jewellery watches: the J12 Baguette Diamond Star and the J12 Baguette Diamond Bezel. The former is a sparkling gold marvel with over 905 baguette diamonds weighing about 35.57 cts; the latter shimmers with 46 baguette diamonds set into its fixed bezel.
And for the ultimate J12 fan, Chanel also introduced two J12 Wanted de Chanel watches and the J12 Highly Wanted De Chanel box set. The two unique designs show the Chanel brand emblazoned across the bezels and dials while the exclusive box set comes with six J12 38mm watches in tone-on-tone black ceramic. Powered by Calibre 12.1, they serve as proud flagbearers of Chanel’s style, identity and independence.
From 17 September to 2 October, retrace the history of the iconic J12 watch and discover Chanel’s watchmaking expertise through a sensorial experience at J12 Always in Motion — Level 1, Main Atrium, Takashimaya Shopping Centre. Register here for a guided tour.
Videography: Belle Chew
Photography: Stefan Khoo
Styling: Chia Wei Choong
Hair & Makeup: Marc Teng
Photography Assistant: Chong Ng
Fashion Assistant: Nicholas See
Model: Keely / AVE Management
