The J12 first hit the watch scene in 2000 with an all-black case and strap designed by Jacques Helleu. The black version was followed by a white version in 2003 and two years later, in 2005, Chanel entered the world of major complications with the first J12 Tourbillon.
Today the J12 collection continues with two models unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2022: a 33mm J12 and a J12 Diamond Tourbillon with an in-house automatic flywheel. Let’s take a closer look.
J12 Caliber 12.2 © Chanel
J12 33mm with 12.2 gauge
This new 33 mm J12, available in black ceramic and white ceramic, was designed by Arnault Chastaingt, director of Chanel’s Studio de Création Horlogère in Paris. The small diameter is not the only unique feature, the watch is also powered by a small and precise movement.
This caliber 12.2 was designed and developed exclusively by the Swiss Manufacture Kenissi for Chanel. Manufactured and assembled by the French house’s own factory in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Caliber 12.2 © Chanel
This new movement is visible on the back of the sapphire crystal case and shows the weight oscillating in the shape of a perfect circle, the signature of Chanel watches. It is COSC certified and has a 50-hour power reserve.
J12 Caliber 12.2 © Chanel
J12 Diamond Tourbillon
The J12 Tourbillon Diamant marks a new chapter in the collection with the arrival of the in-house developed manual flying tourbillon (caliber 5) that can be admired on both sides of the watch.
5 meters © Chanel
The design is the work of Arnault Chastaingt, who placed a stunning solitaire diamond in the center of the tourbillon housing. This beautifully cut diamond is timed with seconds, creating a stunning effect when the tourbillon spins. A diamond ring also surrounds the tourbillon housing, thus enhancing the beauty of the whole. But not only that, the hands are also set with cut diamonds and the bezel is studded with large baguette cut diamonds. On the back of the case, the machine is decorated with a lion’s head, a symbol of Chanel design.
J12 Diamond Tourbillon © Chanel
The watch is available in black with a choice of matte black ceramic and stainless steel (no diamonds on the bezel) or shiny black ceramic and 18k white gold. Both copies are limited to 55 copies.
J12 Diamond Tourbillon © Chanel