Chanel has lengthy been a pioneer in the usage of ceramics in watchmaking, serving to to spark the ceramic watch pattern itself with the discharge of the unique J12 in 2000. Over the previous twenty years, as ceramics have more and more turn out to be a go-to materials for luxurious timepieces, the atelier has continued to innovate within the subject, and for 2020 it has made one other large leap with the now iconic J12 platform. The Chanel J12 Paradoxe, introduced this week by the model, is the primary ever watch to characteristic a completely ceramic case rendered in two separate colours — on this case, starkly sensible black and white. There’s no denying it is a main technical achievement, particularly at a time when different excessive profile manufacturers are nonetheless engaged on growing two tone ceramic bezels, not to mention instances, however there’s extra to the J12 Paradoxe than simply the colours.
Naturally, the 38mm ceramic case is the Chanel J12 Paradoxe’s biggest novelty. The uneven black and white break up, meant to cover undetected beneath a cuff or sleeve throughout day by day put on, is straight away visually arresting if for no different motive than sheer distinction. It feels punchy, assured, nearly “pop artwork” in its execution, however how was this impact achieved? Behind the scenes, the method appears easy. What seems to be one strong case begins as two separate instances, minimize aside after which fused collectively round a metallic sub-case body. Nevertheless, with fashionable scratch resistant ceramics, reducing cleanly by one thing as advanced as a watch case isn’t any imply feat, and Chanel has devoted vital effort and time into perfecting this delicate course of. The mounted bezel insert mirrors this two-tone method, however as an alternative of utilizing the identical fusion technique Chanel as an alternative colours every bezel utterly black after which provides the white phase utilizing tampography. The mixed impact is hanging, however with a joined multi-part case design comparable to this water resistance is understandably low at 50 meters.
The lacquered dial of the Chanel J12 Paradoxe mimics the instances break up tone design, adapting the J12’s normal central railroad seconds observe and utilized Arabic numerals to the brand new design with cautious consideration to element. The separation between colours flows easily between case, bezel and dial in excellent alignment, whereas the three o’clock utilized numeral is rendered in an inverse white to distinction in opposition to the black of its dial phase and the opposite numerals. Maybe the one gripe with this daring off heart design is the date window at four:30, which barely spoils the visible steadiness at play. A no-date model, whereas unlikely, could be glorious.
The J12 Paradoxe is powered by Chanel’s personal Caliber 12.1 automated motion, seen by a show caseback. The motion is COSC chronometer-certified for accuracy and options a formidable 70 hour energy reserve as nicely. As may befit a Chanel product, the motion is elegantly if sparsely adorned, with snailing across the outer edges, mirror polished bevels, and the distinctive tungsten Chanel winding rotor with its huge and dramatic round cutout.
Whereas the case and dial of the J12 Paradoxe are break up between black and white tones, the bracelet right here sits completely on the white aspect of the road. This oyster model ceramic bracelet could also be acquainted to followers of the model, however the tight tolerances and nearly liquid gloss end stay visually spectacular together with the signed butterfly clasp.
Because the Chanel J12 enters its third decade of manufacturing, it’s clear that the model has no intentions of resting on its laurels. This progressive new tackle the up to date basic could also be a gap salvo in a wholly new and bolder technology of ceramic timepieces, however as a standalone product the watch isn’t any much less hanging. The J12 Paradoxe is slated to formally debut at Baselworld 2020, and will likely be priced at $7,150. For extra info, please go to the model’s web site.
