Chanel J12 Marine Watches

The new Chanel J12 Marine watches that were announced earlier this year are hitting the market.   While not a big “fashion brand” fan when it comes to watches, I think these new diver watches deserve some respect (or do they not?).  Chanel also launched a cool new interactive website to highlight the J12 Marine.  The website simulates an “underwater experience”  — yea, it probably cost a gazillion bucks to produce this website, but it’s kinda neat — check it out!

Here’s a video, then the pics, etc below:

The watches come in a variety of sizes (42mm and 38mm) and colors (blue, black and white).  All have ceramic bezels, unidirectional rotating bezels and are water resistant to 300 meters.  The strap is rubber with a “Chanel” engraved buckle.  The J12 Marine is priced in the $5,000 range if I’m not mistaken.  This is a lot, particularly given the movement — while probably a reliable Swiss-made one — is nothing special.  You are paying for the “Chanel” name.  Kinda like buying a diamond from Tiffany & Co., know what I’m saying?

Chanel J12 Marine Blue 42mm – Ref H2559

&

Chanel J12 Marine Blue 38mm – Ref H2561

Chanel J12 Marine Black 42mm – Ref H2558

Chanel J12 Marine White 38mm – Ref H2560

Chanel J12 Chromatic

Chanel is set to unveil a new “ceramic titanium” model in its Chanel J12 collection, adding a sleek new look to the popular black and white ceramic models that have come to define the ceramic watch category.  I really like the Chanel J12 Marine collection that was introduced last year, and no doubt this new ceramic titanium watch could be an even bigger hit with consumers.  This watch is decidedly masculine — its “ceramic titanium” bracelet and case sets the monotone look and is complemented with a matching bezel and brushed-finish dial.  My source also reports that there will be female-sized 38mm and 33mm versions as well.  More details to come, as I get them, on our Official Baselworld 2011 Watch

The Chanel J12 Chromatic is made of a new proprietary ceramic titanium material that is of course highly scratch resistant with a hardness close to that of sapphire.  The J12 Chromatic features a spectrum of models — 38mm and 41mm case sizes each with an automatic mechanical movement, and a more petite 33mm case size with a quartz movement.   Water resistant to 200 meters.   I also have a nice closeup of the dial (below) in which you can see the fantastic design work — circular pattern on the outer dial, brushed pattern on the inner dial.  There are also diamond and diamond baguette encrusted models (set in an 18k white gold bezel).  You can see the full lineup, below:

close up of the Chanel J12 Chromatic dial:

Chanel J12 Chromatic

Ceramic Titanium

41 mm – Ref. H2934	38 mm – Ref. H2979	33 mm – Ref. H2978

Ceramic Titanium – Diamond Baguette

38 mm – Ref. H2913	33 mm – Ref. H2912

Ceramic Titanium – Diamond

38 mm – Ref. H2566	33 mm – Ref. H2565