In 1932, Gabrielle Chanel released her first fine jewelry collection called Bijoux de Diamants in Paris. This collection of jewelry included stunning pieces in platinum and diamonds. 1987 marked the year Chanel launched its first line of watches. The Premiere timepiece was designed after the shape of the Place Vendome and the shape of the perfume stopper in the famous perfume Chanel No. 5. The Chanel watch boutique was opened in Paris in 1987.
1990 marked the year Chanel opened a boutique at 7 Place Vendome. In 1997, Chanel opened a watch boutique at 18 Place Vendome, due to the increasing popularity of the company’s watches. This location is located across from the Ritz Hotel, which is where Gabrielle Chanel once had an apartment.
At the start of the new millennium, Chanel launched its black J12 timepiece, which was developed and signed by Jacques Helleu. The J12 is comprised of ceramic, which became a popular and modern material used by watchmakers all over the world. In 2001, the J12 was set with Ms. Chanel’s favorite precious gem, diamonds. In 2003, the J12 was redesigned from black to white.
In 2004, Chanel launched an entire collection of J12 watches. This collection of J12 timepieces included baguette-cut diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, which are set entirely on the bezel. One year later, Chanel invented a new Tourbillion that included a ceramic bottom-plate.
2007 was the year a new Premiere watch was released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the watch. The new model is smaller than the original version and is set with pearls. In 2008, Chanel released a new Premiere collection, which included a highly-technical ceramic bracelet available in steel or gold. 2008 was also the year that Chanel released the J12 Caliber 3125. This featured an automatic movement that was designed by Audemars Piguet, famous watch manufacturer, and was specifically designed and personalized for Chanel.
In 2010, Chanel launched the J12 Retrograde Mysterieuse. This model featured a Tourbillion, ten-day power reserve, retrograde minute hand, retractable vertical crown, and a digital minute repeater. The development of the J12 Retrograde Mysterieuse complication was delegated to Giulio Papi, which is considered one of the top watch design and construction studios in the world.
2010 also marked the year that Chanel launched the J12 Mariner watch, which is an authentic professional diver’s watch. This was also the year that Chanel released the J12 29mm. The compact casing was designed for specifically for ladies.
Chanel released the J12 Chromatic in 2011. This watch was manufactured with titanium ceramic, which was a new scratch-resistant material. This model has an unusual color due to the addition of titanium and ceramic with diamond powder polishing.
The Premiere Flying Tourbillion was released in 2012. This watch is considered one of the most unique and mysterious complications in the world. The Tourbillion was developed through a partnership between Chanel and the engineers, constructors, and Swiss master watchmakers at Renaud et Papi. The of the Tourbillion was the first for both companies. The Premiere Flying Tourbillion was given the Best Ladies Watch of 2012 at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve. The Mademoiselle Prive collection was also launched in 2012. This collection of watches feature a feminine view of Chanel’s most famous symbols.
In 2013, Chanel launched the new Premiere timepiece. This model was slimmer than the original version and had longer proportions. The watch included a chain bracelet with links that are able to be easily adjusted.