Diamond-set Boy.Friend
The Boy.Friend is getting some sparkle this year, with a model opulently set with diamonds. Presented in the small 27.90 mm x 21 mm diameter, in beige 18K gold, it takes the gem-set bezel we have seen on previous versions, and adds a dial paved with 246 brilliant-cut diamonds. The two hands are driven by a high-precision quartz movement. The luxury doesn’t stop there, however: a further seven diamonds glitter on the crown, and there are another 49 set into the beige gold buckle of the glossy black alligator strap.
Code Coco
The Code Coco watch, launched last year with a steel bracelet, draws its highly original inspiration from the clasp of the famous Chanel 2.55 handbag from 1955. It’s back this year with added ceramic. The steel and black ceramic case and bracelet frame a black lacquered dial. Another version whose bezel is set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds further underlines the unusual inspiration of this jewellery watch, driven by a quartz movement.
White J-12
A new white ceramic version of the J-12, available in 33 mm and 38 mm sizes, with a depth rating of 200 m, has been added to the sports-chic collection that debuted in 2000 in black. The pink mother-of-pearl dial set with 12 diamond markers is married with a steel and white ceramic case, and fitted with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a screw-down crown decorated with a white ceramic cabochon. The series is limited to 1200 watches in each size. The smaller model of this three-handed J-12 is driven by a quartz movement, while the larger houses an automatic mechanical movement with a 42-hour power reserve.
Monsieur de Chanel
The pioneering Monsieur de Chanel, unveiled in Basel two years ago, was the first watch to be completely developed and manufactured in-house by the Parisian company. It is driven, quite logically, by the Calibre 1, a hand-wound mechanical movement with jumping hours and retrograde minutes. Its three-day power reserve is supplied by two series-mounted barrels. A discreet lion’s head – one of Chanel’s signatures – is embossed onto the movement. In the new Monsieur model for 2018, which is available in beige gold and white gold, a lion sculpted from the same colour gold as the case takes centre stage on the black grand feu enamel dial, just above the hour window. The Monsieur 2018 comes in a limited edition of 20 for each colour of gold, and is fitted with a black alligator strap.
