There is more to the Chanel J12 than meets the eye: The iconic timepiece sets new scores in the worlds of sportsmanship and fashion.

Where sports chic is concerned, Chanel sets the pace. Beyond its timeless elegance is an enduring spirit likened to that of an agile athlete. It is reflected in season after season of radical creativity and observation of Coco Chanel's sporting aesthetic. Combining speed and grace is the Chanel J12 watches, an icon in the worlds of watchmaking, fashion and athleticism.

Bearing design codes modelled after racing cars and yachts, the J12 comes to life with chassis clean lines, an elegant frame and indestructible materials that earned it a revolutionary status since its year 2000 debut. The J12 was created by the late Jacques Helleu, the maison’s artistic director, as a dedication to his love for automobiles and sailing. Named after the America’s Cup racing class, the J12 is destined for sporty greatness.

See also: Virginie Viard’s First Chanel Cruise 2019/2020 Collection Puts A Railway On The Runway

Ahead Of Its Time

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Above Keeping up with the times: The Chanel J12 in black ceramic with numerals has pushed the design envelope with its sleek new silhouette

With its high-tech, black ceramic body, the glossy J12 was regarded as the first watch icon of the 21st century. In 2003, a white ceramic model was introduced, resonating Coco Chanel’s love for the clean colour, consummating its status as object of desire. On the wrist, the black or white timepiece commands elegance and masculinity at the same time, a dynamic design of contrasts.

 

A Winning Game Plan

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Above The white ceramic J12 with diamond markers: Bathed in the colour of light, this piece is quietly sophisticated and only needs a subtle touch of ornamental gems

For its 20th anniversary, Arnaud Chastaingt, the director of Chanel Watch Creation Studio set about to reinvent the J12. He managed to do so without altering its core identity, deciding instead to rework the inner details. For starters, the bezel was augmented from 30 to 40, and its crown reduced by a third. Another trait of the new J12 is the inscription of ‘Automotic’ and ‘Swiss Made’, in the distinctive Chanel typeface.

High Achiever

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Above A reminder of the luxury of time, the black ceramic J12 with diamond markers oozes mystery, sex appeal and power

The ticking heart of the new J12 lies in a sapphire, open backed crystal feature, revealing an exclusively-designed 12.1 caliber automatic movement. To uphold the maison’s haute horlogerie hallmark of a perfect circle, the timepiece was redesigned in tungsten to sustain an oscillating weight. Built for optimum performance, it's a race to keep up with the spotless track record of the comeback watch bracelet.

Top Score

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Above Chanel J12 white ceramic timepiece with numerals is minimal and simple. Yet, its snowy white form stands out and commands a lasting impression

The newest J12 timepieces are offered in black and white, with and without diamond-setting for its indicators. Made from high performance ceramic and steel, they feature lacquered dials, with a polished, rotating bezel. Technicalities aside, the J12’s sporty versatility and vigour moves fluidly from classic accessory to the demands of active pursuits.

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A closer look a the open backed crystal feature, revealing an exclusively-designed 12.1 caliber automatic movement.
Above A closer look a the open backed crystal feature reveals an exclusively-designed 12.1 caliber automatic movement

For a watch, the Chanel J12 serves up major star power in a fast-moving arena. It is not just an exquisite timekeeper: The watch is made by and for the game changers.

Discover Chanel J12 in detail at chanel.com.

Credits

Accessories  

Chanel Archives

Styling  

Colin Sim

Model  

Tanya Toroni

Make-Up  

CKay Liow

Hair  

Shiyo Joo

Photography  

Lim Chee Wei

Photographer's Assistant  

Tajul

Location  

TPC KL

Location  

International School of Kuala Lumpur

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