The Monsieur de Chanel Watch

Our watch of the week is the French fashion house’s expectation-defying rerelease

The Monsieur de Chanel’s 2016 launch was a pleasant surprise. As the French maison’s first ever dedicated men’s watch, this impressive bit of kit broke a long-standing myth: that fashion house horology was sub-par to the Swiss manufactures. With its manual movement, Art Deco-inspired dial and an adherence to all things classic, it not only stood toe-to-toe with its competition but in many cases head and shoulders above.

Another highlight is a diamond-laden white gold Jigha, a turban ornament that Christie’s says would have been worn by a maharaja on formal occasions. The item, which is set with pear and baguette shaped diamonds, has a detachable plume holder and is estimated to sell for between $1.2 million and $2.2 million.

And Chanel’s well-received piece has enjoyed a second makeover – this time, in all-black. Announced ahead of Baselworld 2019 (the annual watch fair in which big brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe preview their wares for the year ahead), the Monsieur de Chanel Édition Noire boasts silver tone indices against a sizeable 42mm ceramic case. Like the original, its not just a pretty face either; inside, the Édition Noire houses a Caliber 1 hand-wound movement.

In translation, that’s watch-speak for very ornate, very complex and very, very well-made – all of which can be observed via the watch’s open caseback.

The all-black colourway has long been a way for manufactures to modernise a classic piece, and thus appeal to a younger wearer. In Chanel’s case, it’s working. But if you’re to join the most recent black out, you ought to move quickly: the Édition Noire is limited to just 55 pieces worldwide, with a September release. Pricing TBC.

Credit to: MURRAY CLARK

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