When the inimitable J12 turned 20 in 2020, Chanel marked the occasion with a year-long celebration filled with exceptional creations. There was a world premiere, dazzling diamond tickers and even one with its eternal muse Gabrielle Chanel dangling from the crown. Varied in design but always faithfully following the codes of the brand, they all pay tribute to the J12, a sleek and androgynous timepiece that has since achieved iconic status.
This year, hot on the heels of a successful 20th anniversary milestone, Chanel introduces the J12 Calibre 12.2 Edition 1 — the smallest ever self-winding variant of the timeless ticker. Its diminutive size belies the power within: Calibre 12.2, a newly developed movement specially developed by the Kenissi manufacture, of which Chanel is a shareholder.
A miniaturised version of Calibre 12.1 (Chanel’s first base movement that was introduced in 2019 when the J12 was given a makeover), Calibre 12.2 is an exercise in skill and precision. Each of its 174 components had to be reduced in size, reshaped or relocated to fit within the 33mm case dimensions of the limited-edition J12 Calibre 12.2 Edition 1.
Small in size; mighty in stature, this dainty model is fitted with a glossy sapphire-crystal bezel patterned with baguette-cuts – reminiscent of the scintillating gemstones that adorn other high-jewellery J12 variants. Offered exclusively in iconic black or white, J12 Calibre 12.2 Edition 1 is available in 555 pieces each. Always evolving with the times, Chanel’s J12 remains the quintessential watch for the fashion-forward woman.