First of Chanel : watchmaking in the style of Chanel

Launched in 1987, the Première watch from Chanel marks two revolutions in the history of watchmaking: it is both the very first watch produced by the Maison Chanel, but also the very first ride offered exclusively to women. It embodies the spirit of audacity and freedom dear to Gabrielle Chanel, while establishing itself as a true lesson in style and timeless elegance.

First of Chanel : a pioneering creation

In the late 1980s, when most women's watches were simple adaptations of men's models, Chanel takes the opposite approach by imagining a piece entirely dedicated to femininity. Under the impetus of Jacques Helleu, Artistic Director of the Maison, the Première watch was born, and immediately stood out with its innovative design and its references to the emblematic codes of Chanel.

The Premiere watch occupies a special place in the history of Chanel, because it marks the entrance to the Maison in the world of watchmaking in 1987. At that time, Chanel chooses not to simply adapt men's models for women, but to design a watch thought exclusively for femininity and Parisian elegance.

The arrival of the Première on the market does not just add a watch to the collection Chanel : it inaugurates a new era where the watch becomes a true jewel, designed for women, and establishes itself as a manifesto of emancipation and refinement. This bold launch paved the way for a whole line of watchmaking creations branded Chanel, confirming the capacity of the Maison to reinvent the codes of luxury, both in couture and in watchmaking.

The signature design of the Première

The octagonal case of the Première evokes both the silhouette of the cap of the mythical perfume No. 5 And the shape of Place Vendôme, a symbol of Parisian elegance. This strong architectural choice is reinforced by the piece's refined design: a sleek black lacquered dial, without numbers or indexes, on which two golden hands rotate. The crown, set with onyx, recalls the attachment of the Maison to the duality of black and gold, fetish colors of Gabrielle Chanel.

The bracelet, flexible and refined, is composed of a single, double or triple chain interwoven with leather, a nod to the legendary bag chain matelassé Chanel "Timeless" and recalling the iconic codes of the Maison. This detail, both aesthetic and functional, gives the watch exceptional comfort and a precious look, making it a a real gem to wear day and night.

The variations and developments of the First of Chanel

Since its creation, the Première watch has been available in many versions, while remaining faithful to its original design. It is available with bracelets and cases in steel, yellow gold, beige gold (signature of the Maison) and in platinum, associated or not with leather, sometimes set with diamonds.

On the dial side, the choice is between black ceramic, white ceramic or mother-of-pearl. 

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