Chanel is a French luxury brand that is renowned for its haute couture clothing, accessories, and fragrances. In addition to these products, Chanel also produces high-end wristwatches that are known for their elegance, sophistication, and precision. One of the critical components of any watch is its movement, which is responsible for keeping time accurately. In this article, we will take a closer look at who makes Chanel watch movements.
A Brief History of Chanel Watch Movements
Chanel entered the world of watchmaking in 1987 with the launch of the Chanel Premiere watch, which was inspired by the shape of the iconic Chanel No.5 perfume bottle. Since then, the brand has continued to produce a range of different watch models, each with its unique design and features.
When it comes to watch movements, Chanel has primarily relied on external suppliers rather than producing its movements in-house. The brand has worked with some of the most prestigious Swiss manufacturers, including ETA, Sellita, and Kenissi. These companies are renowned for their expertise in watch movement production and have helped Chanel maintain its reputation for quality and precision.
Who Makes Chanel Watch Movements?
As mentioned earlier, Chanel does not produce its watch movements in-house. Instead, the brand sources its movements from various third-party suppliers. Some of the most prominent suppliers that Chanel has worked with in the past include:
1.ETA
ETA is one of the largest Swiss watch movement manufacturers and supplies movements to many of the world’s top watch brands. Chanel has used ETA movements in several of its watch models, including the J12 Automatic and the Boy.Friend.
2.Sellita
Sellita is another well-known Swiss movement manufacturer that has supplied movements to Chanel in the past. The Sellita SW200-1 movement is used in the Chanel J12 Automatic, for example.
3.Kenissi
Kenissi is a relatively new player in the watch movement market, but it has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality movements. Chanel has partnered with Kenissi to produce its new Calibre 12.1 movement, which is used in the latest version of the J12 watch.
Advantages of Using External Movement Suppliers
While some brands choose to produce their movements in-house, there are several advantages to using external suppliers. One of the most significant benefits is that it allows brands to focus on what they do best – designing and marketing watches. By relying on established movement manufacturers, brands can ensure that their watches are equipped with reliable and accurate movements without having to invest in expensive production facilities and expertise.
In addition, working with external suppliers gives brands access to a wider range of movements. Each supplier has its unique set of movements, and by working with multiple suppliers, brands can offer a more diverse range of watches to their customers. This allows them to meet different needs and preferences while still maintaining their brand identity and quality standards.
Finally, partnering with external suppliers gives brands greater flexibility when it comes to designing their watches. Since they are not tied to a specific movement manufacturer, they can choose the best movement for each watch model based on its specific requirements. This allows for greater creativity and innovation in watch design, which is crucial in today’s competitive market.
Chanel’s Most Popular Watch Models
Chanel offers a range of different watch models, each with its unique design and features. Here are some of the brand’s most popular watch models:
1.Chanel Premiere
The Chanel Premiere was the brand’s first-ever watch model and remains one of its most iconic designs. It features a rectangular case and strap that is inspired by the shape of the Chanel No.5 perfume bottle.
2.Chanel J12
The Chanel J12 is a sports watch that was first introduced in 2000. It is known for its ceramic case, which is scratch-resistant and lightweight. The J12 comes in both automatic and quartz versions, and its design has evolved over the years to include diamonds and other precious stones.
3.Chanel Boy.Friend
The Chanel Boy.Friend is a unisex watch that was inspired by men’s dress watches from the 1920s. It features a cushion-shaped case that is available in different sizes and materials, including steel, gold, and ceramic.
4.Chanel Code Coco
The Chanel Code Coco is a unique watch that doubles as a bracelet. It features a rectangular case that opens and closes with a click sound, much like the clasp on a bracelet. The Code Coco comes in various styles, including diamond-encrusted versions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chanel does not produce its watch movements in-house but relies on external suppliers to provide accurate and reliable movements for its watches. The brand has worked with some of the most prestigious Swiss manufacturers over the years and continues to collaborate with new players in the market. By using external suppliers, Chanel can focus on what it does best – designing and marketing elegant and sophisticated watches that appeal to customers worldwide.
