Arguably the first bona fide horological fashion icon, Chanel’s J12 White collection celebrates a decade of stylish timekeeping
Chanel J12 White Phantom limited edition
It is safe to say that high-end watchmaking never truly discovered its chic gene until the Chanel J12 White came along. Unveiled 10 years ago, the watch with the distinctively glossy white sheen, courtesy of high-tech ceramic, was at first rather divisive.
Those who loved the J12 White hailed Chanel for its impeccable knack for style. Those who didn’t derided it as a passing fad. A decade on, it appears that the J12 White has not only spawned its fair share of imitators, it is also now a veritable watch icon desired by both style meisters and watch lovers alike.
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the J12 White, Chanel has launched the J12 White Phantom limited edition. Featuring all-white hour numerals against a like-coloured dial (hence the name), it comes in two sizes – 33mm with quartz movement and 38mm with automatic movement – each capped at 2,000 pieces.
Chanel J12 White High jewellery
For Chanel fans who desire a little more oomph, we recommend two bejewelled versions. First is the J12 White High jewellery, a resplendent beauty in ceramic and white gold. The white gold components – the bezel, lugs, crown, flanking bracelet links and hour indexes – are set with 520 baguette-cut diamonds totalling 30.28 carats. The look is complemented by a white mother-of-pearl dial.
Another glittery option worth perusing is the J12 White Sapphire Bezel. While registering a lower carat count compared to the J12 White High jewellery, this version is no less striking. Its bezel is set with a ring of 36 sparkling blue baguette-cut sapphires, while the white lacquered dial shimmers with brilliant-cut diamonds on the hour markers.
As with the White Phantom, both bejewelled models come in 33mm quartz and 38mm automatic versions.
Chanel J12 White Sapphire Bezel
Case: White ceramic
Movement: Automatic or quartz
Functions: Hours and minutes