Chanel Declared Red Their Signature Color For 2022

With the year almost entering its final month, 2022 is just around the corner. For Chanel, it is time to declare red as their signature color for the new year. They do so by launching three distinct Haute Horlogerie creations that bring the heritage of the Maison to life in bold colors while innovative materials and movements channel the future.

The first is their famed J12, a watch initially launched in 2000. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this model, Chanel introduced an “X-ray” version, in which the case and bracelet were made from sapphire crystal. They now take it to the next level by setting the bezel with 46 Trapeze-cut rubies. This gives the watch a generous dash of color that we see return on the dial in the 12 hours markers, which are also rubies. To create as much transparency as possible, the mainplate and bridges of the movement are also made of sapphire crystal. This makes the gear train and mainspring barrel of the manufacture movement seem to float in the air, adding another dimension to this already impressive watch, of which Chanel will make just 12 pieces.

In 2022, the Chanel BoyFriend will be celebrating its 4th anniversary. While this makes the model relatively new, it has done a great job capturing the hearts of both male and female watch connoisseurs in no time. These two new models will continue the saga with a generous dash of red. The first model features a case made from transparent sapphire crystal, with the bridges from the Caliber 3 in-house movement coated in red. This gives quite a statement, especially combined with the embossed calfskin strap in the same color. Chanel will make 100 pieces of this watch. The other new version of the BoyFriend follows a familiar recipe of precious metal combined with gemstones. Here the red gold of the case and crown perfectly complements the bezel set with baguette-cut rubies. While the movement is identical to that of its sibling, does it “wear” completely different in this watch. This shows the creativity of Chanel and their understanding of nuances. Of this version of the BoyFriend, only 55 pieces will be made.