One of CHANEL’s most iconic watches, the J12, is enriched by an entirely new colour of ceramic.
By The Time Place Magazine
The J12 B BLEU Calibre 12.1 38 mm features rich blue sapphires as hour indicators on the similarly hued dial
Twenty five years ago, CHANEL made waves in the world of haute horology when it presented the J12 in black ceramic. A novel offering from the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, the timepiece demonstrated the Maison’s ability to transform the ceramic material into a precious metal suitable to encase its new icon. Not only that, it also shone a light on the meticulous efforts undertaken by the brand to formulate the deepest black tone for the watch.
This year, CHANEL once again showcases its mastery of ceramic with the new J12 BLEU. For the first time ever, the renowned timepiece is crafted out of matt blue ceramic. A wonderful addition to the legacy of the J12, it gives rise to the unparalleled creativity and savoir-faire of the CHANEL Watch Manufacture.
The J12 BLEU are available in nine different limited edition versions. The first two come brilliant-cut diamond hour markers, J12 BLEU Diamond Tourbillon limited to 55 pieces, J12 BLEU X-ray with 12 numbered pieces, J12 BLEU 42 mm Sapphires watch and J12 BLEU 28 mm Sapphires watch, both offered in 12 pieces, as well as the J12 BLEU 38 mm Sapphires watch that is limited to 100 pieces.
The J12 BLEU Sapphires watch is striking demonstration of the House’s expertise in gem-pairing and setting
CHANEL SAVOIR-FAIRE
The J12 BLEU takes its cues from the Maison’s original ceramic timepiece, as well as the white version, which was unveiled in 2003. But this time, CHANEL explores a whole new depth of colour. In an effort to create a truly fresh model, the CHANEL Watch Manufacture spent a total of five years in developing the J12 BLEU’s exclusive shade. Although blue has always been part of the Maison’s colour palette, ever present in its fashion, beauty, and even jewellery accoutrements, it wanted to present an entirely contemporary hue. The result is a deep and intense blue that is powerful and provocative.
Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, explains the inspiration behind it, “I dreamt of giving a colour to black, of illuminating it with blue. The final choice of this particular blue was like an epiphany. I wanted a blue that has a rigorous elegance, a blue that is nearly black or a black that is nearly blue.”
CHANEL invests time and resources in the careful selection of gems that it will use for its timepieces
Similarly, the J12 BLEU would not be a CHANEL timepiece without the distinct aesthetic synonymous with the Maison. For its new offerings, it taps on its watchmaking workshop to adorn the watches with the appropriate embellishments. For some of the models, this required fashioning the ceramic into a baguette-cut pattern, while others demanded the use of other materials, complications, or additional trimmings, including diamonds and sapphires.
Having mastered innumerable gem-setting techniques, the workshop was more than ready to fulfil the artistic vision of the Creation Studio. With full control over the entire manufacturing process, CHANEL was able to see the production of the J12 BLEU from start to finish. Furthermore, the House was able to painstakingly select each vibrant natural blue sapphire, paying close attention to each one’s radiance and the striking contrast they create with the matt blue ceramic.
The bezel of the J12 BLEU Sapphires watch is set with 46 stunning blue sapphires
For the J12 BLEU Sapphires watch, for example, CHANEL chose a total of 58 bright blue baguette-cut sapphires to adorn the bezel and indicators of the timepiece. The natural gems were specifically chosen to match the deep blue of the ceramic case. Not one to compromise on quality, CHANEL is resolute in ensuring that each step in production is carried out very carefully. In fact, for the J12 BLEU Sapphires watch, the manufacture invested approximately seven hours to meticulously set each of the 46 sapphires into the watch bezel. This marvellous management of precious elements is an outstanding confirmation of the House’s prowess in gem-pairing and setting.
With the new J12 BLEU timepieces, CHANEL continues its fascinating exploration into the world of coloured ceramic. Not only does this latest line of watches showcase its impeccable expertise in the art of watchmaking, it also displays the Maison’s unparalleled commitment to creativity and innovation in the field.
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