Chanel has always had a profound fascination with the cosmos. This year, its journey into the celestial realm led to the unveiling of the Interstellar capsule collection. Comprising 36 meticulously crafted timepieces, the collection is a testament to the maison’s unending quest for innovation and artistry.
Among the iconic lines invigorated by this cosmic influence, the J12 stands as a shining example. Chanel has taken the quintessential J12 and imbued it with an otherworldly radiance, rendering it not just a timekeeper but a celestial companion.
These new J12 creations bear the unmistakable Chanel signature, most notably epitomised by the calibre 12.1—the brand’s inaugural proprietary base movement. Produced in collaboration with Kenissi, a movement manufacturer in which Chanel holds a significant stake, the calibre 12.1 heralds a new era of precision and innovation. The COSC-certified self-winding movement is a testament to its exceptional accuracy and reliability. Operating at a frequency of 4Hz, it boasts an impressive 70-hour power reserve, a feat that underscores Chanel’s commitment to timekeeping excellence.
In a captivating display of precision, Chanel introduces the J12 Eclipse box, an exquisite ensemble comprising seven J12 watches that artfully mimic the mesmerising spectacle of an eclipse. Offered only in one unique set, it provides a compelling exploration of the dual colour palette that defines Chanel’s aesthetic, seamlessly merging the allure of black and white. These watches are adorned with meticulously crafted matte ceramic rings, each delicately machined to create a baguette-cut effect. The ceramic rings are segregated by colour (black or white) and cut up before reuniting to make a harmonious whole.
With the J12 Hyper Cybernetic and J12 Cybernetic watches, Chanel presents two distinct iterations—one in black highly resistant ceramic and steel, the other in white gold, matte black highly resistant ceramic and diamonds—of a futuristic take on the J12 design. Adorned with pixellated motifs rendered in varnish or exquisitely set diamonds and featuring cases with stepped edges derived by waterjet cutting, they encapsulate the fusion of cutting-edge aesthetics and timeless elegance that Chanel has come to symbolise.
Chanel’s mastery of gem-setting shines brilliantly across several watch models. Foremost among them is the J12 Star Light timepiece, which boasts a sumptuous spectacle of baguette-cut diamonds totalling over 10 cts—4.61 cts adorning the dial and 5.46 cts on the bezel. Each diamond has been cut to ensure a precise fit.
Chanel's stellar gem-setting expertise
For diamond enthusiasts who prefer a more understated elegance, the J12 Night Star and Mademoiselle J12 Cosmic offer a celestial allure. These watches are adorned with an impressive array of nearly 5.5 cts of baguette diamonds on their respective bezels. Drawing inspiration from the constellations, both feature dials that twinkle with a mesmerising black, starry effect.
In the case of the J12 Night Star, the hour markers are represented by 12 baguette-cut diamonds, while a second hand, featuring an open-worked star at one end, gracefully traces the passage of time. The Mademoiselle J12 Cosmic, on the other hand, features the elegant silhouette of Gabrielle Chanel herself in a black-and-white evening gown, pointing out the hours and minutes with timeless style.
Lastly, the J12 Spatiotemporal watches present a striking pair of monochromatic timepieces. Their dials and bezels are adorned with an orchestrated ensemble of white baguette diamonds and black ceramic rings skilfully engraved to create the illusion of individual components. The watches feature bracelets and cases crafted from white and matte black highly resistant ceramic to heighten the visual contrast between black and white.
