The COUTURE O'CLOCK: Where the world of Haute Couture connects with Chanel's innovative timepiece designs
Author: Phuriwat Hirunrangsee | Photographer: -
May 22, 2024
Chanel has shown a strong dedication to watchmaking ever since the release of its first Premiere watch in 1987. Chanel's commitment to design and innovation in watchmaking eventually led them to establish their own watch manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Arnaud Chastaingt, the Director of the CHANEL Watch Creation Studio, demonstrated his expertise with the COUTURE O'CLOCK collection, which was revealed at Watches & Wonders 2024 in Geneva. Arnaud has drawn endless inspiration from Gabrielle Chanel's remarkable life, particularly her exceptional talent as a couturier, and the impeccable craftsmanship of haute couture to craft exquisite designs for iconic Chanel watch collections such as J12,PREMIÈRE, and BOY.FRIEND, combining playfulness with timeless elegance.
The One and Only
This masterpiece from the Couture O’Clock collection is a captivating musical table clock and automaton known as the 'MUSICAL CLOCK COUTURE WORKSHOP'. It features five elegant dressmaker’s dummies, each beautifully adorned with an 18-karat gold and diamond brooch. The dummies gracefully move, changing positions beneath a stunning gold and diamond chandelier floating under the elegant glass dome. The time is elegantly showcased on a tape measure at the base, while the clock is gracefully wound using an 18-karat-gold key adorned with 221 diamonds. This exquisite key hangs from a separate necklace, which is beautifully set with 132 diamonds.This exquisite piece is brought to life by a meticulously crafted automaton movement from the renowned Swiss company Reuge.
Set to the timeless melody of "My Woman" by Al Bowlly, a beloved song from 1932 often favored by Gabrielle Chanel herself, it sets the perfect ambiance for moments of creative inspiration. The clock base showcases an intricate quilted pattern crafted from 242 onyx inlays, which radiate a tasteful style of CHANEL. This exceptional design was skillfully crafted by the talented artisans at CHANEL. With only one piece available, this musical table clock possesses a truly distinctive quality.
From Haute Couture to Haute Horlogerie
The magnificent ambiance of Chanel's Parisian workshop on Rue Cambon served as the muse behind the creation of a fresh and sophisticated timepiece for the J12 Collection.J12 COUTURE WORKSHOP AUTOMATON CALIBER 6 WATCH features a sleek black ceramic casing and strap. The dial showcases a charming cartoon of Gabrielle Chanel, accompanied by a pair of scissors, a dummy, and fabrics. Set with dazzling diamonds on bezel. With 355 components, this timepiece showcases a captivating crystal sapphire case back. The Caliber 6 represents Chanel's latest achievement in watchmaking, showcasing their expertise in developing automaton complications. It is the first of its kind to be created in their watch manufacturing in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Additionally, there is another model called the MADEMOISELLE J12 COUTURE WATCH, which showcases a playful depiction of Gabrielle Chanel in cartoon form. The Gabrielle's cartoon exudes an air of elegance, with her black and white tweed jacket as she leans back on the sofa, perfectly capturing her famous act. There are sewing equipments in gold color floating around at the back. The watch showcases a sleek black ceramic case and strap, elegantly adorned with a diamond on the crown.
In addition, the J12 WHITE STAR COUTURE WATCH is not just any ordinary timepiece. It has been meticulously crafted with the same attention to detail as haute couture creation. The steel black coated case and strap are adorned with baguette-shaped cut white ceramic, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. The dial is adorned with baguette-shaped diamonds, creating a stunning halo.
The J12 COUTURE 33MM WATCH features a sleek white ceramic case and strap, while the J12 COUTURE 38MM WATCH showcases a sleek black ceramic case and strap both models featuring a dial adorned with a checkered stitch pattern reminiscent of quilting. The unique scissor-shaped hour and minute hand add a playfulness and a touch of elegance to the timepiece.
Secret Watch
This collection features a captivating selection of pieces that seamlessly blend jewelry design with timepieces. Additionally, it can be worn as a striking accessory. It's fascinating to discover that behind the stunning jewelry design, there's a hidden timepiece like BOBBIN CUFF COUTURE. This bracelet cleverly disguises a watch dial beneath a 17.51 carat yellow sapphire, resembling a spool of thread. The watch case is crafted from luxurious 18k yellow gold, exuding elegance and sophistication. The bracelet showcases a stunning diagonal thread design, adorned with brilliant cut diamonds, weighing a total of 31.16 carats. Adding to its allure, the watch dial is beautifully embellished with baguette cut diamonds, weighing 1.40 carats.
The MADEMOISELLE PRIVE BOUTON GABRIELLE WATCH features a design that exudes a timeless elegance, reminiscent of exquisite vintage jewelry. The watch showcases a sleek, elegant design with a black lacquer round face, complemented by a stunning display of diamonds and an 18k gold chain. The round cover is made of onyx and features an 18k gold Gabrielle portrait, inspired by Gabrielle's studded buttons. Presenting a sophisticated satin black calf leather strap. Upon closing the watch cover, one cannot help but admire the impeccable design and enduring allure.
The Essential Instrument
One of a key aspect of this collection is the use of a range of sewing equipment with unique patterns. Everyday objects like mannequins, finger thimbles, brooches, pin pillows, and measuring tapes have been elegantly reimagined as necklaces adorned with exquisite pendants. Certain designs elegantly hide the watch within a one-of-a-kind pendant. Take a look at the Bust Long Long Necklace, a chain necklace featuring a mannequin pendant made from 18k yellow gold and adorned with diamonds. When you open the mannequin, you'll see a sleek black dial at the waist. Or a necklace with an 18k yellow gold thimble pendant set with diamonds and a hidden watch dial at the base.
The CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio takes the ordinary and turns it into something extraordinary with the MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ PINCUSHION collection. Each creation showcases a remarkable case beneath a convex crystal, drawing inspiration from the pincushion, an essential instrument for dressmakers. The exquisite symbols of the House of CHANEL adorn the dials of the MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ PINCUSHION CUFF COUTURE watch, showcasing its exceptional craftsmanship. With a 55 mm case made of gold, diamonds, pearl, onyx, and golden pearl crafted by the skilled artisans at LES CADRANIERS DE GENÈVE. The collection features a fresh motif, reminiscent of pins in a pincushion, which can be f
The PREMIÈRE RUBAN COUTURE WATCH showcases a double strap made of black and gold calf leather, perfectly mirroring the scale of a measuring tape and capturing its distinctive characteristics. The pendant with Gabrielle's face adds a playful touch to the watch's octagonal case. CHANEL is adorable as well!
Pink Edition
CHANEL has seamlessly integrated pink tones into their classic timepieces, like the BOY.FRIEND SKELETON X-RAY PINK EDITION and J12, which are adorned with stunning pink-tone gems. Enhancing the allure and charisma, transforming a timeless timepiece, and elevating its overall delightfulness.
Sources: Chanel
Also See: Chopard unveils the special Red Carpet collection inspired by the fairy tales of Contes de Fées
