Only Watch 2013: CHANEL, Première Flying Tourbillon for Only Watch

Only Watch 2013: CHANEL, Première Flying Tourbillon for Only Watch

CHANEL's approach to watchmaking relies on intangible stylistic codes originally set down by Mademoiselle's universe. They are at the heart of its profound identity involving simplicity of forms, rigor of colors, and innovation of materials.

The Première, first watch created by CHANEL in 1987 is an example of this exceptional creativity. Its shape was inspired by the octagonal geometry of the Place Vendôme and echoed in the No.5 perfume bottle stopper.

In 2012, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, CHANEL created the Première Flying Tourbillon to offer women the opportunity to enter into the realm of high mechanical complications. This exceptional Tourbillon volant has been developed in close collaboration between CHANEL and the Swiss manufacturers, engineers and master-watchmakers Renaud & Papi (APRP SA) - the advanced research and development branch of Audemars Piguet.


Last year, for the first time, CHANEL Watches has been rewarded during the 12th ceremony of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), with the Première Flying Tourbillon watch, elected best in the "Ladies watch" prize category.

Technical description:

CHANEL, Première Flying Tourbillon for Only Watch
Unique piece manufactured in Switzerland.
« Première Flying Tourbillon » watch in 18-carat white gold set with 169 brilliant-cut diamonds ( ~ 2.20 carats) and black high-tech ceramic.
18-carat white gold case (28.5 x 37 mm) set with 92 brilliant-cut diamonds (~1.67 carats).
Black high tech ceramic bezel.
Colourless anti reflection treated sapphire crystal.
Polished black high tech ceramic dial.
18-carat white gold hands set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Tourbillon cabochon set with 19 brilliant-cut diamonds.
18-carat white gold crown set with 13 brilliant-cut diamonds and black high tech ceramic cabochon.
Black high tech ceramic case-back.
Strap: sold on a black alligator strap but presented on a black satin strap.
18-carat white gold double folding buckle set with 30 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Water resistance: 30 meters.
 

“Camélia Flying Tourbillon” Calibre

Movement exclusively developed for CHANEL by Renaud et Papi (APRP SA)

Manual winding mechanical movement.
40 hour power reserve.
Number of parts: 225.
Components, chamfered, stretched, and circular grained.
Number of rubies: 18.
Flying Tourbillon: 73 components – carriage weight: 0.432 g.
Frequency: 21’600 vibrations/ hour (3 Hz).
Motor unit: 1 fixed clamp barrel.
Spring torque: 720 g.mm.
Custom designed oblong bottom plate.
Shockproof system on the balance.
Balance with variable inertia moment.
 

Wished Price: 150 000 €

Why is this watch unique ? 

CHANEL, Première Flying Tourbillon for Only Watch

CHANEL, Première Flying Tourbillon, Movement exclusively developed for CHANEL by Renaud et Papi (APRP SA).

Unique piece.

High feminine complication, this flying tourbillon decorated with the motif of the camellia, a tribute to Mademoiselle Chanel’s favorite flower, beats away discreetly and almost secretly at the heart of the Première watch. 

Having no upper bridge, the carriage decorated with a camellia appears to be rotating in a weightless state. 

Unique edition in 18-carat white gold set with 169 diamonds (~2.20 carats) with a black high-tech ceramic bezel exclusively created for Only Watch.