My Favourite Watch- Chanel Première

Everyone has a favourite brand. Mine is Chanel. I blame my mother for this as ever since that first spritz of her Allure perfume hit me when I was 11, I’ve been hooked. When I began reading old Vogues and then buying my own at 14, I fell in love with the aesthetic and heritage of the famous French fashion house. It also helps that I went on many a trip to France as a kid (Thanks again, Mum), coupling the opportunity to travel with bouclé and NO 5.

The love I have for Chanel extends of course to their watch collection,  my particular favourite being the Première. Launched in 1987 (coincidentally, the year of my birth), this was Chanel’s first foray into horology.

The strength of the Première rests in its simplicity: the 2 hand movement, lack of complications and bare dial. The clean aesthetic allows this piece to function not only as a watch but also as a piece of luxury jewellery, making it wearable day and night and for any occasion, something many luxury watches fail to achieve.  As if this wasn’t enough, the Première also has a disgustingly romantic back-story. I’m a sucker for romance.

The case shape of the Première is inspired by the bottle stopper used in the iconic NO.5 perfume bottle, which in turn is an homage to the shape of the Place Vendome (a luxury shopping destination in Paris). This watch connotes everything that I associate with the Chanel brand: history, romance, Paris elegance. I can imagine Coco herself wearing this watch whilst gadding about town in a drop waist and heels.

Mostly, I love the fact that you could wear this watch for 30 years, pass in onto your grandkids grandkids and if would still look special. If there’s anything Chanel does well, it’s timelessness.

Now, I’m not a huge fan of Karl Lagerfeld. Anyone who puts their name to a monstrosity like this and still holds their head high needs to have a serious look at themselves. 

However, since 1983 he has taken Chanel to glorious heights and seems know what women aspire to wear.  The newest add for the Premiere, launched in February this year clearly shows that Uncle Karl (despite his tendency to call pretty much everyone a hideous fatty) knows what the Chanel girl should be wearing on her wrist.

Check out the new launch video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asscqDZgUso

Spec:

Case is 16x22mm or 20x28mm

From $4,300 -$28,500

Quartz movement

30m water resistance

18K yellow gold or stainless steel cases

Onyx cabochon set crown

Black lacquer or mother of pearl dial

Optional diamond set bezel and diamond set case/bracelet (just because)

If anyone is wondering,  I’ll have the black and gold combination. Diamonds not necessary. Unless you insist.