Chanel
Chanel occupies a unique position in the luxury watch world — a fashion house whose watch division has evolved into a genuinely accomplished Manufacture, producing in-house movements of real horological distinction. Chanel's first watch, the Première, was introduced in 1987 and drew its octagonal case shape from the Place Vendôme and the stopper of No. 5 perfume. The J12, introduced in 2000 in matte black high-tech ceramic — then a radical material choice for a luxury watch — became one of the defining timepiece designs of the early twenty-first century and demonstrated Chanel's willingness to commit resources to genuine material innovation. In 2016, Chanel opened its own movement manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, developing the caliber 1 for the J12, and the Mademoiselle Privé Ronde collection for the Caliber 2. The Chanel Boy-Friend Skeleton and Code Coco round out a portfolio of remarkable breadth for a brand whose primary identity lies in fashion and fragrance. Pre-owned Chanel watches — particularly the J12 in ceramic and the Première in gold — are widely traded, with the J12 in its latest Manufacture caliber version now established as a collector reference. DeMesy & Co. in Dallas has authenticated pre-owned Chanel watches since 1987.
