Chanel
Baselworld 2019: Chanel releases a new J12 with a Kenissi manufacture movement
But more notably, the brand has been acquiring assets in watchmaking. It took a 20% stake in F.P. Journe, and also has stakes in Romain Gauthier (which developed the movement for the Monsieur de Chanel watch) and Bell & Ross. Now it’s added to its portfolio a 20% stake in the Kenissi manufacture.
The 191-component movement has a number of key strengths: rapid date correction, instantaneous date jump, and a power reserve of 70 hours. The oscillating weight is in tungsten and driven by ball bearings. The movement is COSC-certified as well, assuring consumers of its performance accuracy. The date window sits between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers.
Some changes by Arnaud Chastaingt, director of the Chanel Watch Creation Studio, include increasing the number of notches on the bezel to 40 (from 30), refining the fonts used on the dial, shrinking the crown and adding indicators to the inner railway. The “Swiss Made” label now sits on the outer minute track rather than on the dial. It leaves more breathing space on the dial, and the all-black ceramic watch has a sportier, gender-neutral impact.
A movement developed for Chanel allows the brand to expand further and bring its particular aesthetic and style of watchmaking, coupled with functions that would appeal to the Chanel consumer.