WATCHMAKER | Chanel Première Watch: A Breakthrough in Traditional Women's Timepieces

In 1987, Chanel introduced its first wristwatch—the Première, designed by its artistic director Jacques Helleu for women. The case of the Première adopted the octagonal stopper of the N°5 perfume bottle, adorned with black lacquer, while the strap drew inspiration from the interwoven leather of the iconic quilted bag, which astonished the watchmaking world. Prior to this, the industry had long been dominated by masculine norms. In 2022, Chanel brought the Première back into the spotlight, with Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the Watch Creation Studio, masterfully reinventing it.