As the first unisex sports watch by CHANEL, the J12 has revolutionised the world of watchmaking, asserting itself as a 21st-century icon from the moment it was created.
Inspired by racing yachts, the J12 was designed to transcend horizons. For over a quarter of a century, the CHANEL Watch Creation Studio has never stopped pushing aesthetic and technical boundaries, allowing the J12 to evolve while preserving its original character.
The silhouette of the J12 watch sets itself apart with its clean, precise lines. Yet, once worn, it is its softness that stands out. Polished with diamond powder, the highly resistant ceramic that adorns it entirely feels as smooth as silk against the skin. Cabochon, middle case, links: every contact point is meticulously crafted to soften the angles, making them imperceptible to the touch. This sensory appeal, painstakingly perfected for over a quarter of a century, reveals the watchmaking excellence of CHANEL with understated strength.
Chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, the Calibre 12.1 is produced at the Kenissi Manufacture in Switzerland, co-owned by CHANEL.
7 times stronger than steel, the ceramic of the J12 watch is unmatched in its resistance to abrasions over time. Yet its greatest strength lies in its softness: polished with diamond powder, it feels as smooth as silk against the skin.
In The Greatest Strength Lies Softness
The ceramic of the J12 watch acquires its unique, inalterable colour when it is heated to over 1,300 degrees Celsius. In black, white or blue, each colour harbours a technical feat: variation of the sintering times, pressure and temperatures, development of finishing, polishing and mattifying techniques. A synergy of expertise refined for over 25 years by the CHANEL Manufacture.
Unveiled in 2000, the first J12 was born of a singular vision: that of creating an entirely black monochrome watch, in contrast to the gold or steel models of the time, like a declaration of intent. Imposing elegance, and the masculine-feminine side of CHANEL. Entirely black, the J12’s ceramic requires skilful sintering at high temperatures and meticulous polishing to achieve that depth of colour and that characteristic shine.
