Chanel / Première
Chanel Première
Collection profile · 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.
Why it matters
Première is the foundational CHANEL watch line for women and the clearest bridge between the House’s fashion codes and its watchmaking identity.
Key references
Collection timeline
- 1987 — CHANEL created its first watch for women: the Première.
- 1987 — The octagonal case was inspired by the stopper of the N°5 fragrance bottle.
- 2025 — CHANEL’s financial results press release referenced the launch of the PREMIÈRE GALON, indicating ongoing collection development.
FAQ
What inspired the Première case shape?
CHANEL says the octagonal case evokes the stopper of the N°5 fragrance bottle.
Why is Première important in CHANEL watch history?
It is the House’s first watch for women and remains a core symbol of CHANEL’s jewelry-watch language.
More from Chanel
- J12 — 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.
- BOY·FRIEND — 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.
- Monsieur de CHANEL — 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.