Q: Are Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton watches good?
What do you honestly think about watches made by brands that are not specialized watch manufacturers, such as Chanel and Hermes?
2024/12/30 update
A: All three companies make high-quality watches that are comparable to those made by specialized watch manufacturers.
Recently, watches made by manufacturers that are not specialized in watches have been attracting attention from watch enthusiasts. Nowadays, manufacturers such as Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton are making attractive watches. So, a question that is often asked is, are the watches made by these manufacturers good quality? The answer is that they have improved a lot.
Originally, many of these manufacturers outsourced the production of their watches, but since the mid-2000s, they have been trying to produce as much as possible in-house, and by inviting talented people from other watch manufacturers, they have been able to quickly improve the quality of their watches.
A good example would be Chanel. Not only does it manufacture its own ceramic cases, but it also invests in Kenissi, a movement manufacturer founded by Tudor and others. Its latest model, the J12, uses the company's movement and boasts performance that rivals even sports watches.
Hermès also invested in the prestigious movement manufacturer Vaucher. Later, by acquiring case and dial manufacturers, the company achieved an integrated in-house production system, which is rare even in Switzerland. The company's slim watches, such as the "Slim d'Hermès," and the sports watch "H08," are highly regarded by watch enthusiasts.
Louis Vuitton is no exception: by acquiring the luxury watchmaking workshop Fabrique du Temps, the company gained the know-how to create complicated timepieces like minute repeaters and unique dials.
These manufacturers, who have established production systems, have begun to emphasize their originality in recent years. Chanel is the one that is pushing ceramic cases to the forefront. Chanel is also highly regarded for its high jewelry watches. Meanwhile, Hermes has begun to introduce unique complex mechanisms that interpret time. Louis Vuitton has begun to emphasize complex watches and vibrant colors that watchmakers would never dream of.
To be honest, watches made by non-specialist manufacturers were not highly regarded in the past. However, the seriousness of each company has not only greatly improved the quality of watches, but has also brought about a unique character that watch manufacturers do not have. It is now common sense to add non-specialist manufacturers to your options when choosing a watch.
The "J12" is equipped with a Kenissi automatic movement. The bezel frame and crown are made of 18K yellow gold, and the indices and hands are also gold-colored, making it a gorgeous piece. It features a galvanically finished yellow gold-plated rotor, which can be viewed through the transparent case back. Automatic (Cal. 12.1). 28 jewels. Power reserve: approximately 70 hours. Highly resistant black ceramic case (38mm diameter). Water resistant to 200m. Price: 2,618,000 yen (tax included).
Hermès launched the new collection "Hermès Cut" in 2024. With a case diameter of 36mm, it's an attractive size suitable for both men and women. The movement is the Vaucher Cal. H1912. Automatic (Cal. H1912). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 36mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 1,024,100 yen (tax included).
This watch features an 18K rose gold case and a gray dial, part of Louis Vuitton's new 2024 "Escale Automatic" collection. The case shape and dial design are inspired by the brand's iconic trunk. It also features the brand's first in-house automatic movement, the Caliber LFT023, jointly developed by Le Cercle des Horlogers and the brand's atelier, La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Automatic (Caliber LFT023). 32 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. 18K rose gold case (39mm diameter, 10.34mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Priced at ¥4,147,000 (tax included).
