by Mirella Haddad

Watchmaking at Chanel has always been based on aesthetic standards set by the house’s founder Coco Chanel since the launch of the brand. Each timepiece represents a chapter in the leading House’s identity and history. Combining understated design with innovative materials, Chanel novelties hit this year’s edition of renowned Switzerland-based jewelry and watches exhibition Baselworld 2015.
 
Taking women on a high-end watchmaking journey, Première Flying Tourbillon Sapphires watch is the result of Chanel’s collaboration with expert Swiss watchmakers Renaud & Papi. Available in a 20-pieces limited edition collection, the timepiece features an 18-carat white gold case set with 47 baguette-cut sapphires as well as an 18-carat white gold bezel set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds and 42 baguette-cut blue sapphires. In addition to its high-tech ceramic dial, the watch includes an 18-carat white gold tourbillon set with 19 brilliant-cut diamonds, a manual-winding mechanical movement, a black alligator strap and an 18-carat white gold buckle set with 30 brilliant-cut diamonds.




Launched in 2000, J12 was the first watch that transformed ceramic into a precious material. Available in a 50-piece limited edition collection, J12 Flying Tourbillon Beige Gold watch includes a white high-tech ceramic case, an 18-carat beige gold bezel, a white mother-of-pearl dial set with 227 brilliant-cut diamonds and an 18-carat white gold tourbillon set with 19 brilliant-cut diamonds. It also features a titanium case back and triple-folding buckle, a white ceramic bracelet and a manual-winding mechanical movement.




Entering the secret world of Gabrielle Chanel, ‘Mademoiselle Privé’ collection showcases the designer’s most cherished symbols and items. Combining Métiers d’Arts know-how with high end watchmaking, the Mademoiselle Privé Comète watch features an 18-carat white gold case set with 570 diamonds, a dial in mother-of-pearl marquetry with 18-carat white gold comet motif set with 10 baguette-cut diamonds and 141 brilliant-cut diamonds, a white satin strap and a high precision quartz movement.




Mademoiselle Privé Coromandel Glyptic watch is a one-of-a-kind piece. It includes an 18-carat white gold case with snow-set diamonds, an onyx dial adorned with 18-carat beige gold using the technique of glyptic, an 18-carat white gold hand-engraved case back, a black alligator strap and a self-winding mechanical movement.




With a history of exquisite embroidery making, the Mademoiselle Privé Embroidered Camellia watch pays homage to Chanel's trademark. With a dial embroidered with a camellia motif made of silk threads and natural pearls, the watch features an 18-carat beige gold case set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds, a white satin bracelet and a high-precision quartz movement.



In ‘Les Éternelles De Chanel’ capsule collection, creativity and high end workmanship take on new meaning. This collection combines Chanel's signature emblems: comets, camellias and light feathers. The High Jewelry Comète secret watch honors the comet that Gabrielle Chanel created in 1932. It features an 18-carat white gold case, dial and bracelet set with 2319 brilliant-cut diamonds, 34 baguette-cut sapphires, 5 brilliant-cut sapphires, 2 baguette-cut diamonds and one oversized brilliant-cut diamond, in addition to a high-precision quartz movement.