Chanel's J12 won the women's category at the Geneva Watch Grand Prix.
What is the new movement "Caliber 12.1"?
Chanel acquired a 20% stake in Swiss parts manufacturer Kenissi in 2018. Kenissi is known for co-developing movements with Tudor, and as you know, Tudor shares parts with Rolex. Anticipation is building for the arrival of the Kenissi-developed Caliber 12.1. Another key feature is the redesigned case, now fitted with a one-piece ceramic case and sapphire crystal, allowing for a more enjoyable viewing experience.
The rotor is made of tungsten, a rare metal, and was redesigned by the Chanel Creation Studio in pursuit of a "perfect circle." Taking advantage of its robust characteristics, it also ensures powerful winding efficiency. The Caliber 12.1 is COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) certified and boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
More Chanel-like
The latest model was released in June 2019. It's been 19 years since the original model was released in 2000, but the design has remained largely unchanged, with only minor, unadulterated changes. This means it's a classic design that hasn't needed major changes in 19 years. It's a long-lasting design that feels fresh every time you look at it, and grows more endearing with each wear. It's easy to see why it's nicknamed the "icon watch of the 21st century." While the watch is slightly thicker thanks to the caliber 12.1, the delicate side lines ensure that it doesn't look too different from its predecessor.
In addition, the font on the dial is the same as the logo, further realizing the worldview of Chanel. It can be said that Chanel products, not just watches, are "modern and universal" in any era.
The J12, which could only have been created by Jacques Helleu, who had been part of the Chanel design team for 50 years and knew Chanel design inside and out, has been further refined by his successors, including Arnaud Chastain. As the words "change everything about the J12 without changing anything" suggest, the J12 continues to evolve, even though at first glance you can't tell the difference.
The Geneva Watch Grand Prix is held annually to celebrate the excellence of luxury watches and haute horlogerie, and awards the most outstanding creations and techniques in the watch industry. This is Chanel's sixth time winning the award. "We are extremely honored to receive this award, as it is recognition of our 'savoir-faire' (which is sometimes translated as know-how in English, but represents our craftsmanship, knowledge and attitude towards manufacturing), which we hold most dear," the company said in a statement.
