True to its rep as the watch that made sporty ceramic timepieces fashionable, the Chanel J12 has spawned more stylish adaptations than its age in years – all while staying true to its roots. (No matter the interpretation, it’s always in ceramic, always mainly monochrome and keeps its unisex shape that was inspired by racing cars and yachts.)
So how apt for the maison to celebrate the end of the design’s teenhood with the J12.20, a limited edition release covered in playful scrawls of 20 of its most iconic symbols and products? Think the camellia, the 2.55 handbag and even the tweed jacket in rhodium across the bezel and dial. Who says one can’t do cute at 20?
This article first appeared in the July 2020 The Perennial Edition of FEMALE.
The original released in 2000 that was groundbreaking then for its glossy, all-black ceramic finish.
The Chronograph version debuted in 2002.
The J12 in white launched in 2003.
The 2005 J12 Tourbillon – limited to just 12 pieces.
The 2007 J12 GMT.
The J12 Calibre 3125 with a new movement and gold rotor, also released in 2007.
The J12 Noir Intense from 2009, covered all over in baguette-cut ceramic pieces.
The 2010 J12 Retrograde Mysterieuse, a unique piece with the likes of a tourbillon, retrograde minutes hand, and retractable vertical crown.
The titanium ceramic J12 Chromatic from 2011.
The 2013 J12 Moonphase, which displays the different moon phases against a blue aventurine disc.
The diamond-encrusted J12 Flying Tourbillon from 2014 and its skeleton version that came the year after.
The diamond-encrusted J12 Flying Tourbillon from 2014 and its skeleton version that came the year after.
Pieces from the 2016 J12.XS collection that saw the watch further elevated as a fashion accessory.
Pieces from the 2016 J12.XS collection that saw the watch further elevated as a fashion accessory.
The refined J12 unveiled last year.
The J12.20 comes in white in 33mm or 38mm, each limited to 2020 pieces, and a Haute Horlogerie enameled version in black or white, limited to five pieces per colour.