With an increasing number of fashion houses venturing into high watchmaking, one cannot help but wonder are they merely capitalising on their success in the fashion world to seek quick profits? No doubt couture houses have an innate creative sensibility, but can their timepieces truly compete with watchmaking brands backed by centuries of heritage and legacy? To this end, French couturier Chanel has undeniably proven its worth as a high-end watchmaker.
Chanel started its watchmaking journey as early as 1987. Its first timepiece, the Premiere, was created specifically with ladies in mind. Its design, unlike most women's watches on the market back then, introduced a completely different aesthetic.
In 2000, Chanel launched the J12, a collection of watches crafted in high-tech ceramic. At the turn of the new millennium, this material was considered to be avant-garde and highly coveted in the world of watchmaking. Producing highly-resistant ceramic watches required cutting-edge technology and manufacturing equipment - something that many big names in watchmaking do not even possess. Therefore, the birth of the J12 collection is often considered a significant turning point at Chanel. The J12 received widespread acclaim and left an indelible impression on the industry. It also garnered attention from watch lovers, shedding light on Chanel's watchmaking abilities and also added a new dimension to the iconic fashion powerhouse.
Fast forward to 2016, Chanel acquired the capability to manufacture its own watch movements. Its debut creation, named the Calibre 1, was housed in the Maison's inaugural men's timepiece, the Monsieur de Chanel. In 2019, with a 20 million Swiss Franc investment in the renowned movement manufacturer Kenissi, Chanel took another significant stride toward establishing itself as a major player in the watchmaking industry. Kenissi also produces movements for big names such as Tudor and Breitling.
This story is from the October 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2023 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Detox With A Side Of Botox?
Wellness hotels and resorts have always been more about stress relief and sensory indulgence than scans and stem cells, but a growing number are transforming into medical wellness destinations, with science-backed therapies accompanying typical spa offerings.
ELECTRIC LUXE
Mercedes-Benz combines advanced technology, personalisation and sustainability with its all-electric fleet to transform urban mobility in Singapore.
NO HOLDS BAR
Innovation is rife in Singapore’s competitive cocktail scene.
SADDLE UP
Saut Hermès 2024 puts the French luxury company's fine craftsmanship and savoir faire in its toughest arena yet the competition ring.
RHYTHM OF TIME
Adorned withfairies and ballerinas, these Poetry of Time timepieces by Van Cleef Arpel: mi the passage of the hours, minutes __and seconds, creating a meditative experience. The delicate figures h It of h f skilled work by the h i oe are the result of hours of skilled work by the house’s artisans, including gem-setters, enamellers and engravers. Beyond beauty on ne surface, mechanical movements drive their exceptional horological features, such as jumping hours and retrograde time-indicating hands. i
TRACING TREASURES
The Chanel Patrimoine is a space dedicated to the maison’s most precious fine jewellery and timepieces. Just as priceless are the stories embedded in each creation.
MISSION TO ASTONISH
Tiffany Co CEO ANTHONY LEDRU takes the brand back to its roots by reaffirming its position as a high jewellery heavyweight.
EX MACHINA
Established jewellery maisons continue to introduce technical breakthroughs in their collections while finding middle ground with age-old practices.
AMONG THE STARS
THERE'S PLENTY TO IN COUTURE TO CELEBRATE THIS SEASON, WHETHER IT'S HONOURING THE SALON, PAYING TRIBUTE TO PLAY OR HAVING THE BUTTON TAKE THE LEAD.
RISE & SHINE
In an intense sharing session with the high-flying women from SCCCI's Career Women's Group, Prestige uncovers the hidden levers of success.
