There's something eternal about CHANEL's J12 timepiece. It could be the collection's 'all about the seconds' ethos; a sentiment that reverberates through all facets of our daily lives. Or, in my case (and I'm sure also for many fashion-adoring teenagers growing up in the early 2000s), it might be the nostalgia of seeing an iconic piece evolve from the wrists of our favourite 'It girls', (hello, Lindsay), to a mainstay in CHANEL's continuously growing horological history.
No matter where your journey with the iconic watch has begun, the latest novelty from the House – the CHANEL J12 Calibre 12.1 – is one you need to have on your radar. Here's everything you need to know about the latest offering in the collection.
What are the features of the new CHANEL J12 Caliber 12.1 watch?
The main point of note between this latest iteration of the CHANEL J12 Caliber 12.1 watch and previous editions is in the timepieces' design and visual intrigue. For the first time since the J12's inception, this 2023 novelty has been crafted with 18K yellow gold; adding not only a level of intrigue to the iconic watch, but an enhancement of style and femininity to what has previously been considered a more masculine timepiece.
The novelty pieces will be available in CHANEL's signature black or white ceramic, and the 18k yellow gold details will be featured on both the bezel and crown, with delicate, yellow gold-plated hands, hour markers and bezel completing the design. Staying true to the luxury French fashion House's design ethos, it is the smallest changes that make the biggest impact. The CHANEL J12 Caliber 12.1 embodies this sentiment to a T.
Not only is this attention to detail present on the dial, but also extends to the movement. For the first time since Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio presented the Caliber 12.1, the oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, is plated in yellow gold, signature of CHANEL Watchmaking.
On the technical front, both pieces in the offering are 38mm in diameter, and equipped with the brand new caliber 12.1; which is a self-winding movement produced by Kenissi. With a power reserve of 70 hours and a water-resistance of 200m, it's a timepiece that is designed to elevate the every day, while also reminding us to savour each moment along the way.
When will the new CHANEL J12 Caliber 12.1 novelty be released?
The newest iteration, the CHANEL J12 Caliber 12.1 watch, will be available in both black and white ceramic from September 29. You can discover your nearest CHANEL boutique on the CHANEL website.
