Chanel Unveils The New J12 Watch To A Room Full Of Stars In Paris
The new Chanel J12 introduces restrained upgrades to a well-loved classic
Liu Wen, wearing the new J12 in white ceramic. Photo: Courtesy
Chanel has introduced a redesign of their J12 watch that retains all of the classic elegance of the original model while incorporating subtle, elevating changes. Marking the 20th anniversary since the J12 was first released, the launch of the new version was held on 2nd May, in Chanel’s Watch and Fine Jewellery boutique in Place Vendôme, Paris, and in the presence of all of the 10 international tastemakers that front the campaign for this new watch.
The muses behind the new J12 include: Ali MacGraw, Keira Knightley, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Vanessa Paradis, Lily-Rose Depp, Carole Bouquet, Anna Mouglalis, Liu Wen and the only male face of the J12, William Chan. After the launch of the new timepiece, guests made their way across the street to an exclusive dinner in Ritz Paris, known to once have been a favourite residence of Mademoiselle Chanel.
Lily-Rose Depp, wearing the new J12 in Black Ceramic. Photo: Courtesy
Illuminated with soft, dusk-toned lights, the boutique featured water displays brought in specially for the event, and even tiny sailboats with CHANEL imprinted on their sides – particularly apt since the sailboat was one of the late artistic director Jacques Helleu’s key inspirations while designing the original iteration of the watch.
The new watch, which was showcased atop one such water display, has not departed far from the original design. Rather, the new J12 has been delicately refined through careful changes like a widened dial opening and dimensional adjustments to the hour and minute hands.
Photo: Courtesy
Grounding the dive watch closer to the brand’s identity, the mentions of “AUTOMATIC” and “SWISS MADE” have been changed to the Chanel font, while the numerals, now in ceramic, have also been redesigned and polished. The most notable upgrade, perhaps, is the new Kenissi-manufactured movement: the J12 is now installed with a COSC-certified, calibre 12.1 chronometer, visible through the caseback. Available in classic black or white ceramic, the dive watch also comes up with water-resistance capabilities and a 700 power reserve, making it a trusty, long-wearing timepiece that will last a lifetime on your wrist.
Below, the must-see pictures from the launch event in Place Vendôme, Paris.
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