BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
For Only Watch 2023, Chanel presents two unique timepieces. Before that, though, we must talk about why Only Watch exists today. The event is a charity auction being held at Christie’s, Geneva, later in the year. The auction is raising funds for research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which severely impacts the lives of young children and their families. So far, the Only Watch auctions have raised enough funds for medical trials of new drugs to take place, so there could be more in the future.
As Only Watch is as much of a status event for the brands as it is about doing good for humanity, it’s a really great chance to show off new and exclusive designs. The Mademoiselle J12 LA PAUSA for Only Watch is just such an example, or a pair of examples in this case.
The 38mm diameter J12 has always been a fascinating watch, blending desirable fashion with luxury watchmaking isn’t as easy as people think. The main feature of these watches is the print of Mademoiselle “Coco” Chanel, based on a picture taken of her at her villa La Pausa, which is based in the Alpes-Maritimes department of the South East of France. Apparently, Sir. Winston Churchill used to spend a lot of time there, though not at the time it was owned by Chanel, although she apparently did know him well. The art has been printed on a sapphire crystal plate and attached to the dial.
Inside the ceramic cases, of which black and white are on offer, is the self-winding calibre 12.1 which is made by Kenissi, which Chanel co-owns.
This pair of watches is estimated to sell for between 40,000 and 50,000 Swiss Francs, and I think they’ll match that.
