The most fabulous bougie accessories are covered in gemstones, and that’s the way we like it. That’s why these new timepiece drops from Chanel and Ulysse Nardin are catching our eye.
Whether it’s for tearing up the runway or scouring the deep, these gorgeous watches are here to prove that they’ve got the stuff.
Chanel J12 Blue Watches
In honour of the silhouette’s 25th anniversary, Chanel creates a limited-edition midnight-blue update for its J12 ceramic watch.
Since its initial release in 2000, the J12 has come to represent wealth thanks to its distinctive ceramic case and bracelet design.
Although the line is typically only offered in black or white, the anniversary celebration demands the rich, deep blue that Chanel created over the course of nine new references.
It’s also available in haute horlogerie versions with a diamond-set tourbillon and blue sapphires.
Frédéric Grangié, president of Chanel Watches and Fine Jewellery, said, “It was evident from the start that we could make other colours. And we are.
“But the one [we] bring to the market had to remain. It has to stay. So, J12 started black. Three years later, white. For its 25-year anniversary, it’s blue.”
Grangié also added, about the different J12 models receiving the blue treatment, “The J12 Bleu looks and feels different from the black and the white versions, the original watches. It is quite a departure, thanks to its finishing, which is matte and slightly satin.”
When it first arrived on the scene, the J12 was born out of a personal project. The aerodynamic lines of J-Class yachts in 2000 served as a source of inspiration for Jacques Helleu, the artistic director of Chanel’s jewellery, watches, fragrances, and cosmetics at the time. This helped to shape the design of the J12 watch.
Chanel Bleu Watch Collection is available via Chanel’s official website; prices start at RM49,450 all the way to RM637,800.
Ulysse Nardin Diver [AIR]
Ulysse Nardin’s Diver [AIR], which it claims is the lightest mechanical dive watch in the world, is on display at this year’s Watches & Wonders.
Weighing 52 grammes (including the strap), this timepiece was made to be a statement in performance, design, and innovation.
The brand-new UN-374 calibre, a skeletonised, ultralight movement weighing only 7 grammes, is the foundation of the Diver [AIR].
It can withstand shocks up to 5,000g and has hollowed-out bridges, a flying mainspring barrel, a balance wheel, and an escapement made of recycled silicon. All of these features are made to have as little mass as possible without compromising durability.
The Diver [AIR], which is encased in a 44mm modular construction that combines 90 percent recycled titanium and carbon fibre, is fundamentally sustainable.
Nylo-Foil, a lightweight composite composed of carbon fibre from IMOCA racing yachts and recycled fishing nets, is used to create the side sections.
Made entirely of recycled carbon fibres, CarbonFoil is used to forge even the bezel.
The Diver [AIR], which has two orange and white elastic straps that can be switched out, is water-resistant up to 200 metres and offers tool-free strap switching and a 90-hour power reserve for practical performance.
The Diver [AIR] is Ulysse Nardin’s most ambitious timepiece yet, being a fusion of high horology and high technology. It retails for US$38,000 (~RM170,026) at the official Ulysse Nardin website.
