Chanel’s latest rarity harmoniously combines horology, high jewellery, and technology.
The new Première Sound Watch, which the French maison unveiled in a digital campaign starring actress Lily-Rose Depp, sees a timeless timepiece attached to a long sautoir necklace and a pair of wired headphones.
First released in 1987, the Première watch took design cues from a few of Chanel’s famous icons. The octagonal case was inspired by the stopper of the No. 5 perfume bottle, while the flexible bracelet evoked the chained shoulder strap of the house’s handbag. The successor echoes the original’s chic style while incorporating modern features.
Image courtesy of Chanel
The brainchild of Chanel watchmaking creation studio director Arnaud Chastaing, the Première Sound features a steel necklace coated with 18-carat gold that is interwoven with a black leather audio cable. The cable is equipped with a built-in 3.5 mm jack that can connect to a smartphone (iPhone and Android) or any audio device, allowing the wearer to listen to music or podcasts and make or receive calls.
Developed in collaboration with high-end audio company Master & Dynamic, the matching black and gold earphones have been engineered to provide high-quality sound and eliminate external noises. They are paired with a remote control that allows the wearer to execute different functions. (Play/pause, answer/hang up, skip forward/skip back, etc.) The earphones can also be removed if you wish to rock the watch necklace sans tech.
Image courtesy of Chanel
The watch itself showcases a 26 mm steel case coated in 18-carat gold and a black lacquered octagonal dial. That same colourway extends to the steel crown, which is coated in gold and set with an onyx cabochon. The time-only piece is fitted with a quartz movement and is water-resistant to 30 metres.
Depp is showing off the Première Sound Watch in the official campaign, though the accessory was first spotted on Blackpink’s Jennie Kim earlier this summer. Collectors will be in good company, then.
Image courtesy of Chanel
The Première Sound Watch is a limited edition and costs roughly US$16,400 (HK$127,900). It will be sold at a Chanel pop-up at the Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche department store in Paris from 31 August to 2 October. It will also arrive at selected Chanel boutiques worldwide on 2 September.
