Since the 1980s, versions can also be supplied with a lock in the form of a dual CC logo. These are known as “Classic Flaps.” The bag is quilted, a design meant to give it shape and quantity, which design element is reflected from the bracelet of this watch, a layout used previously by Chanel Watches Mademoiselle Collection in both its timepieces and fine jewelry collections. This cross-referencing of Chanel layout codes frequently appears in Chanel timepiece collections, by the tweed-patterned straps of this Boyfriend collection towards the Camelia, Coco’s favorite flower, depicted on so many dials and in the movement itself of this Caliber 2 at the Premiere Camelia Skeleton. If anybody has the right to introduce an eye inspired with a handbag, it is Chanel.The Chanel Code Coco in stainless steel.The Code Coco’s elongated instance incorporates upper and lower squares separated by a centre portion that resembles check your grip on the 2.55 handbag. From the essential steel version (H5144) with no diamonds on the bezel, bracelet or dial, top of the dial is only set with one princess-cut (square) diamond, whereas the low dial tells time, and the dials are black lacquered. It is priced at $5,000. There is also a steel variant with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds set in to the bezel (H5145), in addition to the only princess cut. It costs $9,100. Another variant, known as the Baselstar (H5153), has an 18k white gold case and bracelet and a complete covering of diamonds. The situation is set with seven princess cut diamonds totaling 1.12 carat, and also the dials are set with 136 brilliant-cut diamonds along with a single princess cut diamond, totaling 0.83 carat.
Today I’d prefer to review the Chanel J12 GMT Matte ref. H3101 men’s watch from the brand that typically makes things for ladies. No doubt you are probably familiar with the Chanel J12 group of watches. For at least a while in mid 2000s, the J12 was probably the hottest luxury lady’s watch around. You could travel all over the world seeing the white ceramic versions on the wrists of ladies of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds. Chanel did a lot of important things with the J12 from a fashion perspective. It made the white watch “hot” for women, and it ushered in the incredible popularity of ceramic as a material for watches.
The J12 was originally released in white or black ceramic in (I believe) few different sizes. Over the years Chanel expanded the J12 collection with a lot more sizes (smaller actually) and a few more complicated models such as a chronograph and later a GMT as well as moon phase model. Yes a tourbillon seemed to be available, as well as unique J12 model with an Audemars Piguet movement in it. That was probably enough because Chanel was selling J12s for their good looks and prestigious name. Wearing a Chanel watch is really a no-brainer for women, but what about for men?
There are some watch guys I understand who make it a point to simply refrain from even considering any timepieces having a fashion house name. That means brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Ferragamo, and Chanel are merely out of the question. That is a shame because these brands make some good watches. Let’s explore unhealthy side of buying a “fashion brand watch” before we discuss the good. First, you are obviously getting something with a known fashion name which impedes you getting any street cred as an educated watch guy – no matter how good the watch is. Next, since it is from a (mostly) European fashion label, chances are that you are paying a lot for which you are getting a lot of the time. Last, there's often a feminine slant to many of these brands which doesn’t allow it to be the most manly of choices – and I believe that it is this last reason which prevents most men from exploring these watches.
On the plus side, fashion brand watches are often very well designed and of a high-quality. The element that many people dislike about these watches having known names is really a plus factor to others. Also, and while this is not a universal rule, these brands often have access to really good suppliers or materials that only the biggest brands have access to. I’d state that in the end, it really depends on the individual. Some people are totally OK (or even eager) with the idea of wearing a watch from a major fashion label, yet others for equally legitimate reasons simply won’t go near them. For that reason luxury fashion watches are some of the most controversial items in the field of watches.
So assuming you are the type of person who is excited about wearing a Chanel, or at best interested in giving it a chance, there is lots to enjoy about the J12 mainly because from the black ceramic material and the design. Though if you want to wear a white one that is OK as well. Having said that, Chanel has never released a matte version of their white J12. The black versions have a few matte models, which is one of them. Matte-finished ceramic is actually more simple to produce than the polished ceramic but wasn’t thought to be particularly stylish compared to the polished ceramic that's highly scratch resistant rather than loses its color. Matte is also very hard, but the finishing leaves it just a bit less scratch resistant than polished ceramic – though it is still very hard.
As I discussed within the video portion of this review, I believe that Chanel began to release matte versions from the J12 for two reasons. First was because they wanted to see how they could appeal more to a male demographic. Matte ceramic is certainly a bit more masculine than polished ceramic. Second, and I have no way of verifying this, I believe that the popularity of people giving their cars matte-finished paint jobs was a factor Chanel may have considered. No matter why Chanel began to focus on matte versus strictly polished ceramic, so how exactly does it look?