The J12 by CHANEL: presented in 12 chapters
The history of the J12 wristwatch from CHANEL
Released in 2000, CHANEL's J12 became an iconic watch from the French luxury manufacturer. Behind the watch's sleek lines lie unparalleled technical complexity and unparalleled expertise in watchmaking. From the origin to the design, from the extremely resistant ceramics to the movement certified by the official Swiss chronometer testing center, from the perfect sounding bezel to the power reserve - discover the secrets of the production of this emblematic CHANEL watch in 12 chapters
Chapter 1/12
DUAL CITIZENSHIP of the J12 BY CHANEL
Developed in Paris, Place Vendôme. Made in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
Precise lines, graphic perfection, outstanding technology. The CHANEL J12 was designed in Paris by the watch creation studio at Place Vendôme and then manufactured and assembled by the CHANEL factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the cradle of Swiss watchmaking.
Chapter 2/12
THE DARNED 7TH YEAR
The first CHANEL J12 was released in 2000 by Jacques Helleu after 7 years of research. Seven years of preparation: the time it took Jacques Helleu, CHANEL's artistic director at the time, to design the first J12. Inspired by the sleek lines of racing cars and America's Cup racing yachts, it represents a style in motion, the CHANEL style. Graphic, sporty, enduring, the J12 revolutionized the world of watchmaking and became an icon of the 21st century from its launch.
Chapter 3/12
AT THAT TIME. AND RE-INTERPRETED FOR TODAY.
Arnaud Chastaingt tirelessly pursued his ideas for redesigning the J12.
Over 20 years later, Arnaud Chastaingt, head of CHANEL's watch creation studio, reinvented the J12 without changing its identity. With additional refined details and the automatic movement made exclusively for CHANEL, the J12 has been fundamentally changed while remaining true to itself. In a more graphic style, their appearance becomes lighter. Always in motion, it endures over time
Arnaud Chastaingt, head of CHANEL's watch creation studio
Chapter 4/12
THE DESIGN OF THE J12 BY CHANEL
A J12 requires 500 different 3D views.
CHANEL Watch Creation Studio's drawings are carefully examined by experts to ensure they meet international standards and ensure feasibility. They are then modeled as a whole. A 3D model of the piece is created, showing everything from dimensions to finishing touches. 500 plans are required to detail the aesthetics, curves, design, shape and ergonomics.
Chapter 5/12
BEAUTY IS CREATED AT OVER 1300°
Silky ceramic is created from an ultra-high temperature powder, seven times harder than steel. Whether in black or white, the J12's ceramics are the result of rigorous manufacturing steps carried out solely by CHANEL experts. Heated to 1300 °C, it acquires its incomparable resistance to scratches and wear. The subsequent careful polishing with diamond powder gives the ceramic a smooth, silky surface. Comfortable, light and durable - an outstanding material.
Chapter 6/12
THE BIG REVEAL
In 2019, Arnaud Chastaingt revealed the precision of the 12.1 caliber and made it visible. The design of the 12.1 caliber took 6 years. This powerful and durable movement, made exclusively for CHANEL and certified by the official Swiss chronometer testing body, can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. The quintessence of CHANEL savoir-faire.
Chapter 7/12
191 PARTS FOR THE J12
The caliber 12.1 consists of 191 parts.
The Caliber 12.1 is a true mechanical masterpiece that showcases the House's creative boldness, innovation, precision and craftsmanship. The 191st component, the oscillating weight, was completely redesigned by Arnaud Chastaingt, head of CHANEL's watch creation studio. A work of art in a perfect circle
Chapter 8/12
70 HOURS OF SLEEP
The chronometer-certified caliber 12.1 has a power reserve of up to 70 hours. Wrist movements provide energy required for the watch to function. If the watch is not worn, the movement has a battery life of 70 hours.
Chapter 9/12
THE WATCH FROM 100 HANDS
During production, a J12 goes through the hands of 50 experts.
Manufacturing the J12 requires extreme precision and requires the involvement of 50 experienced watchmakers from design to completion. An unparalleled savoir-faire for a unique creation.
Chapter 10/12
IN THE DEEP
Just in case: The J12 can withstand pressure up to 200 meters deep.
The J12 impresses with a strong, sporty style. For impeccable water resistance, the watch is equipped with a screw-down crown and is subjected to tests that simulate pressure conditions at a depth of 200 meters. An extreme performance for an indestructible watch.
Chapter 11/12
SONOROUS
Hours of experimentation went into finding the unique sound for the J12's bezel.
Specifically defined by Arnaud Chastaingt, head of CHANEL's watch creation studio, the sound of the J12 is gentle, light and quiet. The sound of CHANEL.
Chapter 12/12
ONE LAST LOOK
Each J12 is meticulously inspected before being carefully hand-packed and then lovingly unpacked. The J12 is tested at every production step. One last time before she is placed in her box with the utmost care. In total, the watch goes through 100 tests before it is declared to meet CHANEL's quality standards.
THE ICONIC J12 FROM CHANEL
Discover the J12 watch, an icon of watchmaking. The J12 watch is equipped with Caliber 12.1, an exclusive in-house automatic movement from CHANEL. Stylish elegance on the inside that is visible from the outside.