Chanel Marks 25 Years Of The J12 With High-Tech Bleu Ceramic Collection
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of its iconic J12 line, Chanel introduces a series of limited-edition timepieces under the J12 Bleu collection. Engineered with a bold focus on material science and horological craftsmanship, the collection highlights Chanel’s long-standing commitment to ceramic innovation—a cornerstone of the J12 since its 1999 debut.
Advanced Ceramic Development
At the center of the J12 Bleu concept is a new, high-resistance matte Bleu ceramic. The hue—a rich, saturated blue with dark undertones—was developed in-house over a five-year R&D process at Chanel’s G&F Châtelain manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Known for its durability, light weight, and scratch resistance, ceramic has been a defining material in Chanel’s watchmaking division since the beginning, and this new Bleu variation marks a technical evolution in both pigmentation and surface finishing.
Range Overview and Movements
The collection comprises nine limited-edition references, with case sizes spanning 28 mm to 42 mm. Chanel equips each timepiece with a movement selected for both its dimensions and mechanical sophistication.
J12 Bleu 28 mm: Features a high-precision quartz movement, optimized for compact dimensions and daily wear.
J12 Bleu 33 mm, 38 mm, and 42 mm: These automatic models are powered by Kenissi-developed mechanical calibers, offering robust performance and reliability, along with COSC-certified precision in select references.
J12 Diamond Tourbillon Bleu: Showcases a flying tourbillon complication with a diamond-set cage, paired with a manual-winding caliber. A sapphire dial provides an unobstructed view of the movement architecture.
J12 Bleu X-RAY: A standout model in transparent Bleu sapphire crystal, this piece integrates a skeletonized manual-winding movement, emphasizing structural clarity and material purity.
Design Details and Craftsmanship
Chanel implements advanced finishing techniques across the collection, including:
Laser-cut ceramic bezels: Crafted to mimic the visual effect of a baguette gemstone setting, adding depth and light play without sacrificing structural integrity.
Gemstone applications: Select models are adorned with Bleu sapphires or brilliant-cut diamonds—not only on dials and bezels, but also on micro-components such as crowns and tourbillon cages.
Transparent components: Particularly in the X-RAY variant, the use of clear crystal parts extends to the case, dial, and even the bridges, requiring high-precision machining.
Technical Milestone
The J12 Bleu anniversary line illustrates the synergy between Chanel’s fashion heritage and its advanced horological capabilities. Notably, the brand’s integration of In-house and co-developed calibers signals its growing presence in the technical watchmaking space. Collaborations with Kenissi, a movement manufacturer partly owned by Chanel, have elevated the performance metrics of the brand’s automatic offerings in recent years.
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