If the history of horology is anything to go by, you can thank the Chanel J12 for making sporty ceramic timepieces a very big thing in the 2000s. It might explain why its first major facelift since debuting 19 years ago is obvious probably only to loyalists, even though 70 per cent of its design has been refined. The bezel now sports more and smaller grooves, while the crown is a third slimmer. The curves of the case have been accentuated just so, while the bracelet is flatter and made up of longer links to add comfort and – more subtly – sophistication. Noticing the updates, introduced to seven variations including all-monochrome and all-diamond, calls for a close-up look and insider knowledge – two things every front-row goer shouldn’t be short on.
