Watches and Wonders 2024: Chanel draws inspiration from the art of sewing
Watches

Watches and Wonders 2024: Chanel draws inspiration from the art of sewing

From the atelier

25.04.2024

By Sarah Hani Jamil

As you likely know, the watchmaking industry is renowned for its precision engineering, intricate craftsmanship, and timeless elegance, seamlessly blending centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge technology. Beyond merely functional timepieces, it produces stunning works of art, as evidenced annually at the Watch and Wonders exhibition. One collection that stood out this year is Chanel’s Haute Horlogerie Novelties, drawing inspiration from the Maison’s founder, Gabrielle Chanel, and the graphic aesthetic of her atelier, alongside the tools utilised by her seamstresses. From thimbles, scissors, and pins to couture dummies and leather belt-inspired watches, Chanel classic timepieces come in new bold interpretations worth discovering.

 

Musical Clock Couture Workshop

The first item on our list is not merely a timepiece, but rather a masterpiece of timekeeping artistry. Blurring the lines between horology and haute couture, this remarkable creation showcases five couture mannequins beneath a black chandelier that’s adorned with diamond droplets. Crafted by a team of highly skilled artisans, each mannequin gracefully moves in harmony with the melodic strains of My Woman by Al Bowlly when wound up. Complemented by a lengthy gold chain necklace embellished with diamonds, this piece is undoubtedly a captivating addition for discerning collectors to contemplate.

 

Bust Long Necklace Couture

The theme of couture mannequins extends to this intricate long diamond snow-setting necklace, meticulously crafted with 18K yellow gold. Upon closer inspection, one discovers a hidden timepiece cleverly concealed within the bust of the mannequin—a testament to ingenious design that seamlessly combines functionality with elegance.

 

Mademoiselle J12 Couture Watch

This piece features a literal reminder of Madame Gabrielle Chanel, with her silhouette distinctly portrayed on the dial, wearing a signature iconic black and white suit. Set against a backdrop of animated golden safety pins, hangers, needles and threads, the dial exudes a sense of elegant whimsy. The steel black coating of the timepiece is accentuated by 46 brilliant baguette-cut diamonds. Fueled by Chanel’s Calibre 12.1 and with a power reserve of 70 minutes and water resistance of up to 50 metres, this watch seamlessly combines style and functionality.

 

Boy.Friend Skeleton Pink Edition

In addition to her affinity for black and white, Gabrielle Chanel had a fondness for the colour pink, evident in many of Chanel’s fashion collections. As a tribute to this vibrant hue, the Chanel Watchmaking Creation Studio presents this edition of the Boy.Friend timepiece. Crafted from 18K beige gold and featuring a sapphire crystal case back, the watch boasts a dial adorned with 38-cut pink sapphires. Adding to its allure is the pink quilted calfskin strap with gold lining and triple-folding buckle. Powered by the Calibre 3 manual-winding mechanical skeleton movement, this timepiece is as elegant as it is unique.

 

Première Cuff

The Première watch is renowned for its distinctive design, characterised by the octagonal dial reminiscent of Chanel’s iconic No.5 perfume bottle, while the brand’s quilted handbags inspire the interlaced leather chain bracelet. Elevating its fashion element further is the new Première Cuff, offering a fresh interpretation of this classic timepiece. The chain interlaced with a black leather strap has been expanded into a stylish cuff, fastened with a steel triple-folding buckle. Powered by a high-precision quartz movement, this piece is for all the fashion girlies seeking elegance and innovation.

 

Première Sautoir-Belt

Introducing an unconventional yet ingenious method of wearing the timepiece as a belt, exemplifying the modernity of watchmaking while redefining functional fashion accessories. This rendition of the Première maintains its original design essence, boasting an interlaced leather strap and chain coated with 18K yellow gold. The watch face is elegantly positioned at the end alongside a leather tassel. Powered by a high-precision quartz movement, it is also water-resistant up to 30 metres.

 

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