The new Chanel J12 Bleu celebrates 25 years of excellence by Chanel in ceramic watchmaking. With the introduction of a striking new shade exclusively developed for Chanel, the J12 starts a new adventure in the world of colour, expanding beyond its classic black and white predecessors.
THE EVOLUTION OF AN ICON
When Chanel introduced the J12 in 2000, it broke the mould by elevating high-tech ceramic – used since the ‘60s in the watch industry for its hardness, lightness and hypoallergenic properties – from a practical material to a true luxury statement. The original black version exuded modernity, while the white edition in 2009 added a fresh, luminous contrast that enamoured watch enthusiasts all around the world. With the J12 Bleu, Chanel reinvents the collection once again, proving its mastery of both aesthetics and materials.
Deep blue has long played a role in Chanel’s fashion and jewellery collections. However, translating this colour into ceramic presented significant technical challenges. Five years of development led to the perfect hue – bold yet understated, luxurious yet undeniably contemporary. The result is testament to Chanel’s commitment to innovation.
Front and back of the new Chanel J12 Calibre 12.2.
PRECISION MEETS STYLE
The J12 BLEU is available in four different versions. Let’s start with the J12 Bleu Calibre 12.1 (38mm) and the J12 Bleu Calibre 12.2 (33mm). Both are crafted entirely from this distinctive blue ceramic, which offers exceptional scratch resistance and a smooth, velvety finish. This cutting-edge material ensures the watch remains as pristine as the day it was purchased, even after years of wear.
But it is not just its good looks that make the new J12 Bleu such a fine example of horology. Inside, it continues to impress. The 38mm model houses the Calibre 12.1, a COSC-certified automatic movement developed by the Swiss Kenissi Manufacture, partly owned by Chanel. This high-performance calibre boasts a 70-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability for extended wear. The 33mm version, powered by the Calibre 12.2, offers the same level of precision in a more compact form.
Both models feature sapphire casebacks, allowing a glimpse into the finely decorated, black-coated movement, which contrasts nicely with the rich blue exterior. The rotating bezel and refined dial, with its lacquered numerals and subtle sunburst effect, enhance the J12 Bleu’s allure.
The Chanel 12 Bleu Diamond Tourbillon features Gabrielle Chanel’s favourite stone, diamond, in the centre of its heart.
The Chanel 12 Bleu Diamond Tourbillon is a fine example of haute horlogerie. Its flying tourbillon attracts the attention of with its hypnotic motion, accentuated by a striking 65-facet solitaire diamond at the centre of its cage. This luminous focal point plays against the deep blue openwork dial, while 34 baguette-cut sapphires encircling the bezel amplify the brilliance.
The case in this model received special attention. Sides and bracelet have been meticulously hand-polished for eight hours – an artisanal finish that elevates its sleek profile. Powering the watch is the Calibre 5, a movement that took three years to develop and 172 components to assemble. Limited to 55 pieces.
The case and bracelet of the Chanel J12 Bleu X-Ray is made from a single block of synthetic sapphire.
The fourth member of the J12 Bleu family is the Chanel J12 Bleu X-Ray, of which only 12 pieces will be made. A masterclass in transparency, this version introduces yet another new shade of blue to the collection, echoing the hues of the sea and sky on a clear day. Carved from a single block of synthetic sapphire, its case and bracelet required over 1,600 hours of craftsmanship. The bezel and bracelet links, set with 196 vivid baguette-cut natural sapphires, bring an electrifying intensity to the piece, while white gold accents paired with black create a striking contrast to this symphony of blues.
The beating heart of the J12 Bleu X-Ray is the Calibre 3.1 movement. Its colourless sapphire plate and bridges give the illusion of floating gears, an effect enhanced by a sapphire floating bridge punctuated with 12 brilliant blue baguette-cut sapphire hour markers.
With this new J12 Bleu collection, Chanel is demonstrating its ability to fusion high horology and design, cementing its position in the realm of watchmaking aristocracy.
Author: Julia Pasarón
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