To those interested in elegant and timeless watches, a Chanel watch might be the one you need. That’s right, you read it. A watch made by non-other than the French luxury house Chanel. The high-end French brand Chanel is also producing watches. You’re mistaken if you assume their items exclusively consist of fashionable bags, accessories, and fragrances. It is your chance to get to know more about Chanel.
If you are a watch collector, Chanel’s collections of watches are must-haves. But if you are a newbie in the watchmaking world, you should not miss out on a Chanel watch in your collection. We know you are skeptical about this since they are not as famous as other high-end watch brands, such as Rolex and Omega, but we guarantee you that their Chanel watches for women are worth your money!
Channel’s History
Coco Chanel, a French couturière, launched Chanel’s premium fashion business in 1910. She quickly rose to prominence due to the athletic, uncomplicated style she introduced to conventional feminine items like corsets. They launched their first Parisian couture firm in 1918. Except for one store selling perfumes and accessories, Chanel shut down all of its stores when World War II broke out. It remained a favorite of Parisians and American soldiers alike during the war. The high-end brand has a rich history that made them who they are today.
The Founder
“Coco” Chanel was a French fashion designer and a Nazi occupation operative. While living with Balsan, Chanel began making hats as a hobby that quickly turned into a business. Arthur Capel supported Chanel’s first store in Deauville in 1913, where she provided exquisite casual apparel for both leisure and sportswear. Gabrielle Chanel relocated to Hollywood to design costumes for Hollywood’s A-listers. Chanel became linked with a Nazi officer during the Nazi occupation of France. French government interrogated Chanel about her association with a Nazi commander after the war ended. At the Ritz, Chanel was found dead on the 10th of January, 1971.
Chanel as a Watchmaking Brand
Chanel initially entered the horology world in 1987 with the release of its octagonal-case Première cocktail timepiece, designed by Jacques Hélleu. She was the house’s artistic director for over thirty years. Other high jewelry timepieces geared at ladies have been created by the firm, in the style of Coco Chanel’s preferred flower, the camellia, or formed like stars and moons and embellished with valuable stones. However, with the introduction of the J12 unisex ceramic timepiece in 2000, Chanel began its path toward becoming a key participant in the world of Haute horology. Chanel was one of the first fashion houses to make a significant foray into the realm of luxury watches.
Chanel’s Watch Collections
Chanel Boy-Friend
The Boy-friend collection is a captivating blend of daring and simplicity, with clean lines, balanced ratios, and beautiful curves. It’s a timepiece influenced by masculine design but made specifically for ladies. The shape of the Boy-friend stylish timepiece is an obvious derivation of Chanel’s first timepiece, the Premiere, and the bottle lid from the Chanel No. 5 scent, which is still a masterpiece.
When comparing the designs to previous Chanel Watches, you can nearly detect a comparison with the Premiere Tourbillon Timepieces, which have the distinctive case form but in a smaller version. A Boyfriend timepiece fits wonderfully on the women’s wrists and exudes boyfriend feelings thanks to its bold design.
Chanel Premiere
Known for its unique style and provocation, the Chanel Premiere collection has an undeniable beauty. They called Chanel’s first watch Première “first” in French. Chanel made this collection in October 1987, inspired by art and the brand’s history. With its octagonal shape, the Place Vendôme’s Première case nods to architectural excellence and timelessness, both of which speak to the watch’s feminine appeal.
The Premiere line retains a feminine attractiveness with its recurrent steel-chain bracelets intertwined with black leather ribbon motifs. Chanel as a brand is one part of the collection’s overall theme, but Paris as a city is also a part of that notion. This collection has and continues to represent Chanel’s entry point into watchmaking.
Chanel J12
As of 2000, they released Chanel J12 in an eye-catching color of black. Helleu wanted to build a classic athletic timepiece with a luscious black dial. To get ideas, he looked to two of his favorite things: automobiles and sailing. As a result, he was a fan of America’s Cup racing class, J12, where he got the collection’s name.
For the first time in watchmaking history, the J12 ignored gender stereotypes by combining elements associated with men’s and women’s watchmaking. When Chanel released the J12 collection, the brand received the acclaim they deserved as a premium fashion item in Haute Horlogerie. Chanel reinvented the J12 collection by adding the Caliber 12.1 movement while maintaining the collection’s unique individuality.
Chanel Code Coco
The Code Coco collection from Chanel is available in stainless steel, with or without a diamond bezel. Chanel’s Code Coco collection is one of the most sought-after timepieces today. The Chanel Code Coco watch features a sleek, contemporary design with a long, straight black polished steel band and ceramic cubes that are supposed to be worn loosely around the wrist.
What matters most about the Code Coco collection is that each item is a stunning work of art that can serve as a helpful piece of jewelry or a timepiece. Even though Chanel, a fashion house, designed the Code Coco collection, it goes well beyond what is often meant by “fashion watch.” Watches from this collection are stunning pieces of craftsmanship, meticulously designed and planned.
Conclusion
Even though we have learned a lot by reading about Chanel’s history, there are still many things we don’t know! Chanel watches for women are a terrific value compared to some of the industry’s most well-known brands. Do you plan to buy a Chanel watch or collect Chanel watches? Check out WatchShopping.com right away to score amazing deals and discounts!