In my short years as an ‘aspiring’ watch photographer, few timepieces have truly evaded a good picture as the Chanel Unisex Watch J12 Chromatic. The rich universe of hues that emit from Chanel’s new “chromatic” material are more or less impossible to capture in stills – as the colors mix and meld with the light so amazingly. It is a sin to evaluate this watch for yourself seeing it in still images alone.

I first wrote about and debuted Chanel’s C12 Chromatic watch here. There is discussed the important of the new material and the history a bit. Over 10 years ago Chanel Watches Black swept the industry with the J12 – and there has been no looking back. In white and black, Chanel has been experimenting in-house with the new tone and style to feature. What they ended up with is a metallic monolithic gray that has an amazing sheen to it. The gray is dark, but lively as it plays with the light. I expect it to turn into the T1000 enemy machine from Terminator 2.

Again, the new ceramic material is a skillful mix of traditional ceramic material with titanium. Together they are highly polished and tasteful. Chanel did however do something weird (for my tastes) with the collection. The larger version is 41mm wide versus 42mm wide as is the case with the standard J12 collection. Why? According to Chanel they wanted this version to have something a bit different. I get that, but I still don’t agree with the logic. Anyone who has a Chanel J12 is into fashion and will supplement their wrist’s “look” often. Meaning that the material on the J12 Chromatic is enough for people to want to get it.  If they don’t have a J12, it isn’t because they desperately wanted a 41mm wide size – because 42 was too big, and 38 was too small. Plus, the smaller size might actually prevent some people from getting an otherwise great watch as they feel it is too small. I love the feel of the Chromatic on my wrist, but would love for a 43-45mm wide size.

Gray is a curious color for luxury and fashion, but it works. Gray is the color of rainy skies and concrete prisons. However, gray does have an interesting quality, that when it reflects light can look orange on the edges – which is very cool. In a high-gloss finish it looks pretty stupendous. Chanel even added other gray elements to the dial as well as a new brushed metal central dial.

Of the most interesting things about the J12 Chromatic is the weight. Still hard and durable, it is very light in weight – a property not common to ceramic items. The rich character of the color and the J12’s enduring personality make this one of the nicest fashion watches around. Many people would be amiss by not having one of these in their collections.

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Authentic CHANEL Metal material Premiere L Watch Gold x BlackBattery Exchanged $1,062.00 Time Remaining: 43m Buy It Now for only: $1,062.00 Buy It Now

Authentic CHANEL Premiere L Silver Black Diamonds Vezel Ladies Wristwatch Q152 $3,880.00 Time Remaining: 1h 1m Buy It Now for only: $3,880.00 Buy It Now

Auth CHANEL La Ronde Black Silver Womens Wrist Watch BK43627 $487.00 Time Remaining: 2h Buy It Now for only: $487.00 Buy It Now

Auth CHANEL Matelasse Black CK31770 Leather Womens Wrist Watch $297.00 Time Remaining: 2h 1m Buy It Now for only: $297.00 Buy It Now

Authentic CHANEL SS Matelasse Black Watch Used in Japan $360.90 Time Remaining: 2h 26m Buy It Now for only: $360.90 Buy It Now The Calibre 1 motion is wound running at 3Hz with 72 hours of power reserve. Layout and completing are amazing – and of course, you can view it through the exhibition caseback. Be aware that Chanel did not supply pictures of the caseback of this new platinum Monsieur de Chanel, or so the caseback images are of the past year’s 18k beige gold version. The movement offers only time with two interesting complications. First is an instant-jumping hours indicator (found at 6 o’clock) and next is a retrograde second index which follows a 240-degree arc around the dial. It is very slick. The most traditional part on the watch is the subsidiary seconds dial. Everything you have is an attractive dial that is both legible and interesting.For 2017, what is new are those black dials, which can be produced from grand feu enamel – and they ought to seem lovely. Last year’s debut Monsieur watches had silver-toned dials, therefore incorporating a black dial is a valuable addition to this collection. What is also new is that the platinum (65 g of it) case for the Monsieur de Chanel. The 2016 versions came in 18k beige and 18k white gold. The situation is 40mm wide and 10mm thick, so allowing it to wear very comfortably on the black alligator strap.There is a developing appreciation of high-end watches from fashion houses which may traditionally be related to women’s items. I think I have largely helped this trend by attempting to point out the inherent quality and good design of the finest of these watches. The Chanel Monsieur should have what it takes to eliminate potential bias some men might have from wearing a Chanel item on their wrist. As I continue to say if you need a single persuasive argument for wearing a men’s watch in a new like Chanel, it’s that a lot more women will offer your watch a thumbs up… always a valuable point for those who appreciate positive watch choice feedback. Cost for the 2017 variant of the Monsieur de Chanel in platinum is63,000.

Authentic CHANEL Metal material Premiere L Watch H0001 Gold x Black $900.00 Time Remaining: 2h 31m Buy It Now for only: $900.00 Buy It Now