Design
April 17, 2015
CHANEL | The J12 collection welcomes new additions, crafted with Chanel's proprietary new ceramic material
CHANEL
Crafted with CHANEL's Proprietary New Ceramic Material
Introducing a New Lineup for the J12 Collection!
In 2000, CHANEL introduced high-tech ceramic to the world of watches with the J12 collection, showcasing its allure and potential. In 2011, alongside the classic black and white ceramic, a new material blending high-tech ceramic with titanium emerged. This marked a new chapter in the illustrious history of the J12 collection.
Reporting and text by Yasuhito Shibuya
The Special Radiance of Titanium Ceramic
CHANEL's J12 collection stands as a paragon of contemporary sports watches. Encased in the cool sheen of high-tech ceramic, this timepiece transcends gender and generation, cherished worldwide as a daily companion for both resort getaways and everyday wear. Last year, celebrating its 10th anniversary, the collection saw the release of a professional diver's model and intricate complication pieces that captivated watch connoisseurs and garnered widespread acclaim across media and industry circles.
Now, in its 11th year, 2011, the J12 embarks on a new journey into the future. In addition to the established black and white high-tech ceramic, a new series featuring a novel case and bracelet material—titanium ceramic, a blend of ceramic and titanium—has been introduced.
This new hue, known as chromatic color, achieves a unique brilliance through mirror-polishing with diamond powder. When reflecting light, it occasionally reveals a spectrum of iridescent hues, akin to a rainbow. This distinctive shimmer is the collection's defining feature and greatest charm. Furthermore, this material boasts a hardness comparable to sapphire, registering 9 on the Mohs scale, making it exceptionally resistant to scratches. The J12 CHROMATIC collection, comprising seven men's and women's models, offers a special allure that can only be truly appreciated in person.
Also noteworthy: the refined sandblasted models!
This year's new collection, beyond the flagship "J12 CHROMATIC," offers a rich array as in previous years, including a J12 standard model in a 42mm diameter—a size not previously available for the three-hand version—along with exclusive high-jewelry J12 models and a triple-bracelet version of the classic "Première" for ladies.
Among these, for the discerning gentlemen reading OPENERS, we highly recommend the "J12 Caliber 3125." This 42mm model features the exceptional automatic movement "CHANEL-AP3125," co-developed with the esteemed Audemars Piguet, and boasts a matte finish achieved through sandblasting the black ceramic case and bracelet.
Even in the same black ceramic material, the matte finish—a deep matte black—harmonizes exquisitely with the yellow gold used for the hands, indices, crown, and bezel, which also feature a matte treatment. The result is a product of unparalleled elegance and understated sophistication. Like the J12 CHROMATIC, this is another piece not to be missed.
J12 CHROMATIC
A New Color and Size Model Combining Understated Sophistication with Glamour
This new model utilizes CHANEL's proprietary "titanium ceramic"—a blend of ceramic and titanium—for its case and bracelet, mirroring the use of high-tech ceramic in previous models. The dial features a dual-pattern design: a vertical satin finish in the center, framed by a railway track pattern, and a circular guilloché engraving on the outer ring. Against this backdrop, the rhodium-finished hands and Arabic numeral indices gleam vibrantly. Case sizes are available in 41mm, 38mm, and 33mm diameters. The 33mm model is quartz-powered, while the 38mm and 41mm models feature automatic movements.
Automatic movement, 41mm diameter titanium ceramic case & bracelet (partially stainless steel), 200m water resistance. Estimated price: ¥609,000. Scheduled release: June 1st.
J12 Caliber 3125
A Sophisticated Model for the Discerning Watch Enthusiast
Audemars Piguet, a prestigious manufacture renowned in Switzerland for its integrated production of movements, has collaborated with CHANEL to create the "CHANEL-AP3125." This premium "J12 Caliber 3125" model is powered by this enhanced movement, based on the highly regarded Caliber 3120, known for its reliability and durability. The matte finish applied not only to the high-tech ceramic but also to the yellow gold components—bezel, hands, indices, and crown—results in a remarkably refined and composed aesthetic.
Automatic movement, 42mm diameter matte black ceramic case & bracelet (partially yellow gold), see-through case back, 50m water resistance. Estimated price: ¥2,142,000. Scheduled release: Autumn.
CHANEL Customer Care Center
0120-159-559