Chanel and nine new "J12 Bleu" models

Chanel and nine new "J12 Bleu" models

For the first time, the "J12" appears in a matte blue ceramic case. The model celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and was gifted this dark blue shade by Chanel. It joins the black version from 2000 and the white version from 2003.

Although blue has always been part of the House's color palette, present in fashion, cosmetics, and even in the jewelry boxes of the 1932 "Bijoux de Diamants" collection, it is now interpreted in a new shade developed exclusively for watchmaking, which required five years of research.

“The art of ceramics is inextricably linked to Chanel’s watchmaking expertise and our exceptional know-how: ceramic is an inspiring material that, thanks to the ingenuity of our engineers, offers a wide creative scope,” explains Arnaud Chastaingt, Head of the Chanel Watch Creation Studio, and continues:

"I dreamed of giving black a color and making it shine with blue. The final choice of this blue was like an epiphany," continues Arnaud Chastaingt. "I wanted a blue of austere elegance, a blue that was almost black or almost blue."

The “J12 Bleu” collection includes nine limited-edition watches, some set with blue sapphires.

“J12 Bleu Diamond Tourbillon”

This highlight model is limited to 55 pieces and radiantly showcases the flying tourbillon, which rotates sparklingly to the rhythm of the seconds.

And with nothing less than a large, 65-facet solitaire diamond at the center of the cage. It's only fitting, then, that the dial is surrounded by 65 baguette-cut sapphires, and the crown is adorned with another diamond.

The inner workings of the 38-millimeter case are represented by the Caliber 5, a hand-wound Chanel manufacture movement with an exclusively refined tourbillon at 6 o'clock. The result of three years of development, it consists of 172 individual parts and offers a 42-hour power reserve.

(RRP on request)

“J12 Bleu Caliber 12.2 33MM”

This limited-edition model appears seemingly understated, allowing the blue of the matte, durable ceramic to take center stage. The fixed bezel is also made of baguette-cut ceramic. Twelve sapphires in the same shape adorn the matte blue dial.

The 33-millimeter ceramic case, water-resistant to 20 bar, houses the automatic caliber 12.2 with a 50-hour power reserve.

(RRP €24,500)

“J12 Bleu 38 mm Sapphire”

This version is not only five millimeters larger than the previously described "J12 Bleu" version, but also more lavishly set with sapphires. In addition to the elegant blue indices, there are 46 baguette-cut stones on the fixed bezel.

And a glance through the sapphire crystal caseback reveals a different picture: the self-winding Caliber 12.1, COSC-certified, and with a 70-hour power reserve. It is manufactured by the Kenissi manufacture in Switzerland, in which Chanel has a stake.

(RRP on request)

“J12 Bleu Caliber 12.1 38mm”

The size and interior are identical to the previously presented timepiece, but here the blue-black ceramic takes center stage, even on the bezel. The black lacquered numerals serve as a subtle complement.

(RRP €11,000)