‘In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different,’ said Coco Chanel. This is probably the sentiment that inspired The Chanel Watch Creation Studio to churn out the animated J12 Automaton Caliber 6, the Maison’s first J12 automata. The Chanel Couture O’clock Watch Capsule Collection debuted at the Watches & Wonder 2024 fair. The star of the show may seem like Mademoiselle’s likeness, but it is, in fact, the mechanics of the exceptional watch that deserve a pat on the back. Set with diamonds and a new movement dubbed the caliber 6, the watch starring Gabrielle Chanel, in her element, at her couture workshop on rue Cambon, is indeed an incredible technical feat.
All it takes is the simple push of a button to activate the horological masterpiece’s 355 components. The result is an ultra-talented genius coming alive for 10 seconds and snipping away in a meticulously assembled 5-layer décor designed and assembled by the Chanel Watch Manufacture in Switzerland. The 38mm case encloses the perfect balance of design and watchmaking expertise expressed through excellent materials and sophisticated detail.
The highly resistant ceramic in matte black finish highlights the bezel set with 48 dazzling baguette-cut diamonds with black trim. A look at the caseback reveals enigmatic details that, on perusal, are an ode to the 114-year-old French luxury fashion house founded in 1910 by Coco Chanel in Paris.
From Mademoiselle’s iconic black on the bridges and plate to her zodiac sign, the lion and the comet, a childhood symbol elevated by the 5-spoke balance wheel, the watch encapsulates an inspirational journey. The J12 Automaton Caliber 6 is the Maison’s first unisex ceramic watch that will be produced in a limited quantity of 100. A real time-telling treat for a real Chanel fan.
