House Symbols

Chanel is not just a stellar name in the fashion industry but also a specialist in building icons. The J12 watch and Coco Crush collection are shining examples

In the Chanel universe of watches and jewellery, there are several signature collections. But the most iconic of them all has to be the J12, a watch fully crafted out of ceramic. In 2000, the maison went against the horological grain to use the hardy and scratch‑proof material, one that was hardly used in watchmaking, to build the J12. Since then, it has cemented itself as one of the icons not just within Chanel but also in the watch industry.

As part of the J12’s journey towards icon status, Chanel invested in improving its manufacturing techniques and beefing it up with in‑house movements such as the chronometer‑certified self‑winding calibre 12.1 in 2019 for the 38 mm version. This year, a smaller self‑winding movement, the calibre 12.2, is featured within the J12 calibre 12.2 Edition 1 watch.

Available in either full black or full white, the J12 calibre 12.2 Edition 1 watch boasts varnished baguette‑patterned sapphire crystal set on the bezel. Only 555 pieces for each version are available worldwide. Another sister collection that is making waves for Chanel is the Coco Crush jewellery range first launched in 2015. The collection, which includes rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, allows the Chanel woman to make bold style statements in an easy and casual manner.

This year, the fashion house adds the Coco Crush Toi et Moi rings to the collection. Symbolic of the encounters that shaped founder Gabrielle Chanel’s life and legacy, the rings come with two C‑shapes etched with the quilted pattern. They come in different sizes, materials and are available with or without diamonds. Although Coco Crush is still a young collection, it’s merely a matter of time before it becomes yet another icon of the house given its immense popularity with the style set.

Clockwise, from top: J12 calibre 12.1 watch with diamond-set hour markers, Coco Crush bracelet in beige gold, Coco Crush ring (mini) and ring (small), both in yellow gold set with diamonds, Coco Crush ring (large) in beige gold, J12 calibre 12.2 Edition 1 33 mm watch, J12 Paradoxe calibre 12.1 watch. All watches, jewellery, accessories and beauty products by Chanel

From top: Coco Crush ring (large) and necklace, both in beige gold, J12 calibre 12.1 38 mm watch with diamond-set hour markers

Clockwise, from top left: Coco Crush Toi et Moi ring (small) in beige gold set with diamonds, Coco Crush Toi et Moi ring (large) in beige and white gold set with diamonds, Comète Chevron ring in white gold set with diamonds, J12 calibre 12.2 Edition 1 33 mm watch, J12 calibre 12.1 38 mm watch, Coco Crush necklace in white gold set with diamonds, J12 calibre 12.2 Edition 1 33 mm watch

Clockwise, from top left: Coco Crush bracelet in beige gold, J12 calibre 12.2 Edition 1 33 mm watch, Coco Crush ring (large) in white gold, Coco Crush ring (mini) in white gold set with diamonds, Coco Crush ring (small) in white gold, Coco Crush ring (mini) in white gold set with diamonds, Comète Chevron earring in white gold set with diamonds