OVER THE RAINBOW
CHANEL unveils the J12 Electro in a kaleidoscope of rainbow hues – an energetic incarnation of the maison’s signature all-ceramic watch inspired by the ‘90s electronic dance music scene,
Chanel unveils the J12 Electro in the Electro capsule collection inspired by the ‘90s electronic dance music scene
AT WATCHES AND WONDERS 2021, Chanel introduced the Electro capsule collection to the world with a polychromatic spin on several of the maison’s classic timepiece collections, including the iconic J12, Première, Boy-Friend and Code Coco. Of these, the J12 Electro sets the pace of the unique collection through its aesthetic identity, high contrast and avantgarde in execution across four enticing variants.
The contrast of vibrant colours illuminating intense black settings makes an unintentional but fitting allegory for a world cast in darkness searching for light. The rainbow is a symbol of enduring hope, much needed in these uncertain times. However, the director of Chanel’s Watchmaking Creation Studio, Arnaud Chastaingt, explains inspiration sparks from a different historical chapter.
“I wanted to create an immersive capsule collection inspired by electronic music culture. In the nineties, this musical movement created a radical new visual universe which could be described as eccentric – a reflection of nightlife and its atmosphere,” says Chastaingt. “Electronic music transcended the frontiers of music and created an aesthetic culture,” he asserts.
The Chanel J12 timepieces have made a statement since their arrival on the scene in the year 2000. In the last two decades, the ceramic watch has undergone much evolution. For the first time, the J12 takes form in black ceramic as the J12 Electro. Strikingly bold, the dark 38mm self-winding movement flaunts numerals with a 12-colour gradient that accentuate the neon dial and unidirectional rotating bezel, achieving an electrifying visage. The exclusive make releases as a limited-edition model with only 1,255 pieces in circulation. The stunning watch is powered by the COSC-certified chronometer grade self-winding calibre 12.1 with water resistance up to a depth of 200 metres.
Next, the J12 Electro Dream in white highly resistant ceramic and 18k white gold case is a more luxe take that spotlights precious stones, merging 12 colours in a circular and continuous gradient of sapphires that adorn the bezel. On its dial, twelve index baguette-cut diamonds echo this chromatic palette. The J12 Black Electro Dream is the chromatic opposite where matte black ceramic meets with identical sapphires and movement.
The most extravagant timepiece in the line-up is the 38mm 12 Electro Star. Limited to a run of twelve pieces, the model features an 18k white gold case trimmed with 22 baguette-cut diamonds and 55 baguette-cut rainbow sapphires on a sapphire case back. The white gold bezel also features 46 baguettecut diamonds, while the crown parades one brilliantcut diamond.
The star attraction of the 12 Electro Star is the bracelet, which showcases a rainbow of 342 baguette-cut diamonds and 160 baguette-cut sapphires with a triple folding buckle. Meanwhile, the white gold dial completes with 168 baguette-cut diamonds. The luxury watch combines a staggering total of 578 baguette-cut diamonds, one brilliant-cut diamond and 267 baguette-cut rainbow sapphires. It is comparable to a couture masterpiece, a wearable work of art that is also a priceless treasure.
Last year, Chanel presented the J12 X-Ray Electro Calibre 3.1 in a striking transparent format with minimalist energy. Now the tables turn as the allsapphire model returns in a numbered and limitededition run of twelve pieces. Twelve baguette-cut sapphires colourfully punctuate the passing hours. A rainbow gradient echoes the preciousness of the bezel that features 46 sapphires. The case and bracelet comprise sapphire, securely held together by 18k white gold screws and pins, while the bezel is also white gold.
In a twist that will delight collectors, Chanel presents the J12 Electro Box as a performance conceived to “vibrate to the rhythm of the twelvestroke chromatic gradient”. Presented in a black varnished box, a set of 12 watches, all in matte black ceramic and steel treated with black ADLC, showcases a spectrum of shades from magenta to red. Equipped with the Calibre 12.1, each timepiece in the set is unique, flourished with 46 baguette-cut sapphires of the same colour. Only one box set exists as an object of beauty, joy and desire that encapsulates the spirit of the electronic musicinspired collection.
From time to time, watch brands compete to maximise the number of complications or functions that may consolidate into a single watch beyond the role of displaying hours, minutes, and seconds. At Chanel, the complexity of fine watchmaking far surpasses the purely technical aspects. “I don’t like the term complications. Why complicate things when they can be simple?” Chastaingt posits. Instead, Chastaingt prefers to talk about watchmaking affirmations, upholding excellence, audacity, and exceptionality. “Chanel has a unique definition of fine watchmaking. The expertise of our watchmakers is an art form,” he says, “and fine watchmaking is the ultimate expression of my vision of Chanel watchmaking.”