Created in 2000, the J12 stands as an icon of CHANEL watches. Hidden behind the sleek lines lies an unparalleled technical complexity and watchmaking expertise. From the origin to the design, the highly resistant ceramic to the Swiss Official Chronometer Control–certified movement, the perfect-sounding bezel to the power reserve, discover the manufacturing secrets of this emblematic watch of the House in 12 chapters.
DIAL
Lacquered in black or white, the dial is marked with ceramic numerals.
DIAL
“J12 AUTOMATIC” and “SWISS MADE” are written in CHANEL typography.
BEZEL
Resolutely sporty, the J12 features a unidirectional rotating bezel.
THE CREATION
It all begins with the creative act. Transforming an idea, an inspiration, into a watch with an incomparable and timeless design.
Chapter 1/12 DUAL NATIONALITY
Designed in Paris, Place Vendôme. Engineered in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
Precise lines, graphic perfection, state-of-the-art technology. The J12 was designed in Paris by the Watch Creation Studio at Place Vendôme, then manufactured and assembled by the CHANEL Manufacture at La Chaux-de-Fonds, the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking.
The first J12 was released by Jacques Helleu in 2000 after 7 years of research.
7 years of reflection: the time it took Jacques Helleu, Artistic Director of CHANEL at the time, to imagine the first J12. Inspired by the sleek lines of race cars and racing yachts from the America’s Cup, it embodies a style in motion, the CHANEL allure. Graphic, sporty, enduring, the J12 revolutionised the watchmaking world, establishing itself as a 21st-century icon from the time of its creation.
Arnaud Chastaingt relentlessly pursued his ideas to reimagine the J12.
More than 20 years later, Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watch Creation Studio, has reinvented the J12 without altering its identity. With every fine detail reviewed and the addition of the Calibre 12.1, a self-winding movement manufactured exclusively for CHANEL, the J12 has been transformed while staying true to itself. More graphic, its allure becomes lighter. Always in motion, it transcends time.
The Calibre 12.1, a self-winding movement manufactured exclusively for CHANEL, is a technical revolution.
MOVEMENT
The chronometer is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control, a guarantee of precision.
MOVEMENT
The J12 boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
THE EXPERTISE
Innovation, precision and technology are at the heart of CHANEL watchmaking.
Chapter 4/12 THE BLUEPRINT
500 different 3D views are required to construct one J12.
The CHANEL Watch Creation Studio drawings are studied closely by experts to ensure they follow international standards and product viability. Then, they are modelled in their entirety. A 3D blueprint of the piece is made, showing everything from the dimensions right down to the finishing touches. 500 plans are needed to accurately reflect the aesthetic, curves, design, shape and ergonomics in detail.
Super-heated powder makes a silky ceramic seven times stronger than steel.
Black or white, the J12 ceramic goes through rigorous manufacturing stages entirely managed by CHANEL experts. Warmed to over 1,300°C it acquires unparalleled resistance to scratches and wear. Then, meticulously polished with diamond powder, the ceramic becomes smooth and silky. Comfortable, light and enduring. An exceptional material.
In 2019, the Calibre 12.1 and the precision of its movement were laid bare by Arnaud Chastaingt.
It took 6 years to create the Calibre 12.1. High-performing and resistant, this self-winding movement manufactured exclusively for CHANEL and chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control is visible through a sapphire crystal caseback. The quintessence of CHANEL savoir-faire.
Supple and light, providing comfort to its wearer.
THE KEY FIGURES
Unparalleled technical complexity and watchmaking expertise.
Chapter 7/12 191
Constructed from 191 pieces, the Calibre 12.1 is a true mechanical feat highlighting the creative boldness, innovation, precision and craftsmanship of the House. The 191st piece, the oscillating mass, has been completely redesigned by Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watch Creation Studio. A work of art inside a perfect circle.
The chronometer-certified Calibre 12.1 with a power reserve of up to 70 hours.
The wrist’s movement provides the energy needed for the watch to work. When it’s not worn, the energy generated by that movement allows for a battery life of 70 hours.
The manufacturing of the J12 is extremely detailed work, requiring the intervention of 50 expert watchmakers throughout the entire process, from design to production. A unique savoir-faire for a unique piece.
A screwed-down crown, guaranteeing water resistance up to 200 metres.
CROWN
Made in steel with a ceramic cabochon that underscores the purity of the watch.
THE DETAILS
Each detail transforms the J12 into an exceptional piece. More than a watch, it is a watchmaking icon.
Chapter 10/12 INTO THE DEEP
The J12 resists pressure up to 200 metres deep, just in case.
The J12 is a resolutely sporty piece. To ensure an infallible water resistance, the watch is fitted with a screwed-down crown and submitted to tests simulating the pressure conditions present at 200 metres deep. An extreme performance for an indestructible watch.
Hours of acoustic research went into finding the unique sound for the J12 bezel.
Specifically defined by Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watch Creation Studio, the sound of the J12 is sweet, light and hushed. The sound of CHANEL.
Every J12 is inspected with rigour one last time, hand-boxed with care, and opened with love.
The J12 is checked during each stage of manufacturing and then a final time before being placed in its box with the greatest of care. In total, a watch undergoes 100 checks before being declared compliant with CHANEL quality criteria.
Discover the J12, an icon of watchmaking. The J12 watch features the Calibre 12.1, a self-winding movement manufactured exclusively for CHANEL. Allure on the inside that shows on the outside.
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