Watchatlas

Chanel

Paris, France · Est. 1910

Founded by Coco Chanel

Chanel entered watchmaking in 1987 and produces its timepieces in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, through its manufacture Chanel Horlogerie. The brand is notable for its bold, fashion-forward designs — particularly the J12 ceramic watch — as well as its development of in-house movements in partnership with Renaud & Papi.

Founded
1910
Headquarters
Paris, France
Group
Other
Price Segment
Luxury
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • J12 (2000) — CHANEL’s signature ceramic sports watch collection, launched in 2000 and repeatedly updated through new calibers and sizes; the J12 is positioned as the House’s first unisex sports watch and a flagship for its ceramic expertise. Key references: H10328, H0940, H10133.
  • Première (1987) — CHANEL’s original women’s watch collection, introduced in 1987, defined by an octagonal case inspired by the N°5 bottle stopper and a jewelry-like bracelet treatment that has evolved through chain, ceramic, and strap interpretations. Key references: H2163, H2132, H11049.
  • BOY·FRIEND (2015) — Rectangular CHANEL watch collection launched in 2015 that blends masculine watch codes with the House’s feminine elegance; its customizable straps, clean geometry, and androgynous styling make it one of the brand’s most distinctive modern watch families. Key references: H6401, H6954, H6590.
  • Monsieur de CHANEL (2016) — CHANEL’s men’s haute horlogerie collection built around a circular case, jumping hour, and retrograde minute display; it is positioned as a technically ambitious line with front-to-back design symmetry and an in-house movement story. Key references: H6672, H6596, H6597.

Timeline

  • 1910 — Coco Chanel opens her first millinery shop in Paris, beginning the Chanel fashion empire.
  • 1987 — Chanel enters watchmaking with the Première, inspired by the Place Vendôme and the N°5 cap.
  • 2000 — The J12 launches, making high-tech ceramic a desirable material in luxury watchmaking.
  • 2016 — Monsieur de Chanel debuts with the in-house Calibre 1, Chanel's first proprietary men's movement.
  • 2019 — The J12 is redesigned with the in-house Calibre 12.1 (based on Kenissi), marking a new era of horological independence.
  • 2025 — Celebrated J12 25th anniversary with J12 Bleu in new matte blue ceramic. Became first-ever title sponsor of the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chanel

Does Chanel make its own watch movements?
Yes. Chanel co-owns the Kenissi manufacture (with Tudor/Rolex Group) and has developed proprietary calibres like the Calibre 1 and Calibre 12.1.
Is the Chanel J12 a serious watch?
Absolutely. The J12 is widely regarded as one of the most important watches of the 21st century, pioneering ceramic as a luxury material and now housing manufacture movements.
What is the Chanel Première watch?
The Première, launched in 1987, was Chanel's first watch and remains an icon. Designed to evoke the stopper of the No. 5 perfume bottle and the octagonal shape of Place Vendôme, it established Chanel as a serious player in watchmaking. The Première is offered in various sizes and complications, including the ultra-thin Édition Originale.

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