Every J12 is a surprise. First there was the ceramic J12, then a tourbillon version, followed by an haute joaillerie line, a GMT, a new ‘serious’ movement from Audemars Piguet and even a limited edition set with black ceramic baguettes. Hadn’t the designers at Chanel used up all their stock of ideas? Obviously not!
This year sees the launch of the J12 Marine – a unisex divers’ timepiece available in 38mm and 42mm. The design is sporty and yet extremely elegant. ‘Sporty’ is not just a ‘look’ either; this watch can really take a splash or two with a water resistance rating of 300 metres.
The black high-tech ceramic on the case is sand-blasted and the blue ceramic uni-directional rotating bezel has a luminous marker at 12 o’clock and a graduated minute markers for easy and accurate reading of immersion times. Serious divers and watch lovers alike will also be impressed by the black lacquered dial, large luminescent hands and markers, and sapphire crystal with its blue anti-reflective coating on the internal and external faces, that all optimize visibility of the time in limited light.
Inside is a self-winding mechanical movement with a 42-hour power reserve (28,800 vibrations). The black rubber strap and steel ardillon buckle complete the athletic feel.
The J12 Marine is proof that such a strong initial design can take a collection on many aesthetic adventures that surprise and delight consumers year after year.
