The Golden Screen

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel had a soft spot for Coromandel screens—folding screens originally from China with a dark lacquer coating and often painted with gold. This passion lives on through the legendary designer’s namesake brand with the Mademoiselle Privé Coromandel watches. Behind each of these pieces lies the signature of many masters, from enamellers and engravers to carvers and gem stonesetters. Together they create beautiful compositions showing sculpted birds in flight or perched on various plants. These pictures are then framed by a bezel snow-set with diamonds. Surprisingly, for the 2016 edition of the Mademoiselle Privé Coromandel, the watchmakers of Chanel has managed to add yet another element of complexity: a trembling effect. Through the use of carefully tuned springs, each bird will quiver as the wearer moves her wrist. Coco Chanel would have been proud.