Chanel Premiere Background desk

Review: Chanel Première

Premiere Chaine Yellow Gold Diamonds
Movement
High-precision quartz or CHANEL Calibre 2
Case
Steel, Steel and 18K Gold, 18K Yellow Gold, Steel and diamonds, 18K White gold and diamonds
Strap
Steel chain, Black rubber, Triple row steel, Triple row Akoya pearls, Black satin or 18k white gold
Dial
Black lacquer, Mother-of-pearl white, Diamond set, Transparent skeleton or White gold skeleton
Lens
Sapphire crystal
Water Resistance
< 30 metres
Lume
N/A
Dimensions
15mm, 20mm or 28mm
Crown
Steel set crown
Warranty
2 years
Price
£2,700 - £360,000

The House of Chanel. A title that evokes many things, all of them good. Quality, bespoke design, not to mention couture exclusivity. In terms of instant recognition, Chanel has it in spades. The brand surfs the waves of desire and commands the superlative. This giant has been top dog for over a hundred years since Gabrielle Chanel tailored for the well-bred French adventurists of the day, charging out for hunts in absolute style in 1909. In 1922 Chanel brought the fashion set of Paris to a wonderful new world of aromatic pleasure with the world-beating No: 5 perfume. There isn’t a fashion house in the world that hasn’t leaned on Chanel for influence and design.  

And to this day, Chanel has never compromised and nothing proves this more than the latest wristwatch collection. This fashion powerhouse joined the timepiece design realm in the late 1980s and sparked a keen response from its existing fan base and those new to the brand. The Chanel Première collection has arrived and yes it is as tasteful and desirable as you would expect. 

Première wristwatches are apparent by the octagonal case design which evokes the Place Vendôme and is considered a timeless piece. An exquisite design language like this stands astride fashion fads and quirks. This collection is available in 3 sizes and manual and high precision quartz movement setups.

In terms of statement pieces, these all display the must-have architectural design philosophy. The case, the face, the dials and strap, all set to complement each other and allow a soft but encompassing design language. Let’s look into what goes into this amazing timeless timepiece collection. 

Dial

The dials on any watch are important. They are the things that relay the information to you the wearer. Black lacquer dials are used throughout the collection adding classy completeness to the piece. The Première Velours watch of the collection is set with 116 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.38 carat.) These are just a few examples of the quality materials used within these pieces. You are bound to find a piece with the dials to suit your mood. 

Première rock steel black
Première Rock (Steel black)

This watch was designed to truly suit the one who wears it. For example the Chanel Première Chaîne comes with a few variations from which you can make a selection. You can choose a white mother-of-pearl dial, or perhaps you would prefer the look of a black lacquer dial. This watch offers both light and darkness in order to satisfy the requirements of anyone who plans to wear it.

Case

The case is a key element of any timepiece design. It is the base upon what all else is built. It also houses the mechanical movement elements. 18K yellow gold is a good example. Setting new levels of lightweight construction with a material colour that works with any fashion choice. Coloured stone is another design delight.

The bright but subtle band of stone following the case shape in a graceful manner leaning toward a boundary with which to frame the time. This collection has an array of case designs and materials, one will definitely suit you. The inlay design represents many styles within the materials spectrum. The pearl and mother of pearl look particularly sumptuous. 

Première Rock Triple Row Steel Gold Fabric
Première Rock Triple Row Steel Gold Fabric

Depending on what statement you’re trying to make with the model you’re wearing, you can make your selection from a variety of different cases, as well. You can go for simple steel or steel with diamonds. Furthermore, there are also two gold versions, as well as a beige and a yellow. You also have the option to choose from a large or a small version of the watch, depending on your unique style once again.

Wearability

The Chanel Première collection is not for adventures and deep-sea diving. These timepieces are designed to sit daintily on a smooth feminine wrist and complement the fashion of the wearer and their soul. They are of course built to the highest quality and are certainly built to last a lifetime. The weight of these pieces is minimal allowing for wearing on most occasions.

premiere velours watch black
Premiere Velours (Gold and Black)

The comfortable strap design that has gone into the collection also feels very agreeable on the body. In terms of time telling, the subtle facia design allows the watch to tell you the time easily, some luxury watch designs are everything but the telling of time. This is a design that deals with telling you the time at a glance while reminding you how special you are. The time and a proverbial pat on the back.  

Following the choices you make in customising your own Chanel Première, wearing it will come easily and naturally. The watch should reach the level of truly being an extension of yourself. It’s an accessory that you can wear on multiple occasions without hesitation, and it can be combined with many styles of dress.

Première Flying Tourbillon White Gold Rubies Diamond
Première Flying Tourbillon White Gold Rubies Diamond

Price

The range with the Première collection is vast. The Chanel Première Chaîne is the entry-level piece, not to say that’s a bad thing, it’s like an entry-level LearJet. It is still amazing, just less amazing than its more bespoke siblings. This cost level will get you mother of pearl and an onyx cabochon crown and is waterproof to 30 meters, although it is probable the only water this will see is if the wearer was to wear it in the shower. £2,700 ($3,200) seems like a bargain. 

Première Chaine Beige Gold diamonds Mother of Pearls
Première Chaine Beige Gold diamonds Mother of Pearls

Mid-range you’ll find a lovely piece with a triple row bracelet with 194 Akoya cultured pearls mounted on 18K white gold strands and bracelet tips set with 38 diamonds (~0.2 carat) and 18K white gold movable clasp set with 110 diamonds (~0.55 carat) The dial is set with 34 baguette-cut diamonds (~1.25 carat) and the case back set with 136 diamonds (~ 0.7 carat.). There is a lot to indulge your luxury whims with this one. £64,000 ($78,000) will be needed.

To top the collection and possibly any watch drawer in any home, it could be the Première Jewellery Watch. Let’s start with the strap. 18K white gold bracelet snow set with 1,637 diamonds (~7.04 carats) and white gold buckle set with 52 diamonds (~0.17 carat.) If that doesn’t whet your appetite the case surely will, with an 18K white gold case, snow set with 257 diamonds (~0.82 carat) This piece is a smidgen under £100,000 ($120,000) but if you need to ask the price you probably can’t afford it. 

For those looking to ‘go big, or go home’ the Chanel Première Camélia Skeleton High Jewellery model is made available. Following the same shape as the Flying Tourbillon, this model is set with 22.7 carats of diamonds. The case has 47 baguette-cut diamonds, with the external bezel housing 42 baguette and 52 brilliant-cut diamonds on the interior. As a mechanical piece, the skeletonised bridges in the shape of a camellia is set with 246 brilliant-cut diamonds. All of this is rounded off with 282 baguette-cut diamonds making up the bracelet and 30 brilliant-cut diamonds for the folding clasp.

Première Camelia Skeleton White Gold Diamonds
Première Camelia Skeleton White Gold Diamonds

So much diamonds, hence why only 12 of this model are available worldwide, rightly so. As mentioned, if you are looking to go all out and procure such a beauty, this grand piece will cost upwards of around £360,000 (or $445,000).

Chanel Premiere Background desk
Review: Chanel Première
Final Thoughts
Watches are a very noble accessory which can portray much about class and maturity. The Chanel Premiere certainly brings out the playful yet classy side of the wearer and is one highly recommended for high-end watch enthusiasts.
Dial
Case
Wearability
Price
Positives
Various case designs
Brilliant strap availability
Small and light
Negatives
Poor readability
Might be better options for price point
No manual option
4.2
Editor's Score
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