Introducing The Chanel J12 Is Reborn In Bleu
What We Know
Chanel has released a limited-edition line of J12 Bleu watches to celebrate the model's 25th anniversary. With multiple iterations culminating in the remarkable J12 Diamond Bleu Tourbillon, the collection underscores Chanel's continued commitment to material innovation. Each piece is crafted from high-resistance matte Bleu ceramic—a distinctive hue that took five years of research and development at the brand's manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. From the outset of its watchmaking journey in 1999, Chanel embraced ceramic—well before it became an industry standard—boldly establishing it as a signature house code in its watchmaking division. Over two decades later, the maison continues to explore the full creative and technical potential of this modern material.
The collection comprises nine limited-edition models, ranging from 28 mm to 42 mm. Most are powered by automatic movements, with three exceptions: the petite 28 mm J12 Bleu features a high-precision quartz movement, while the Diamond Bleu Tourbillon and the J12 Bleu X-RAY are driven by manual-winding calibers.
The J12 Diamond Bleu Tourbillon stands as the (literal) crown jewel of the collection, showcasing a flying tourbillon with a diamond-set cage, visible through a sapphire crystal dial. Throughout the lineup, thoughtful details—ceramic bezels laser-cut to mimic baguette settings, Bleu sapphires, and diamonds set into the smallest components, including tourbillon cages and crowns—complement a range of in-house and co-developed movements, affirming the collection's balance of technical performance and refined aesthetics. 
And then there's the J12 Bleu X-RAY—technically part of the Bleu lineup, but deserving of a spotlight all its own. A counterpoint to last year's pink version, this transparent marvel in Bleu sapphire crystal is a feat of craft, if I do say so myself. Stay tuned for more coverage.
What We Think
Chanel's J12 has been a staple among stylish women (and men) since its Y2K debut. 25 years later the J12 finds itself draped in a deep, sophisticated shade of blue—a hue that evokes a clear French maritime heritage. A color long intertwined with Chanel's visual language, one that belonged to the neutral and androgynous palette of Gabrielle Chanel's early designs. Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio calls it "a blue that is nearly black or a black that is nearly blue." The shade may also seem familiar to those acquainted with the Bleu de Chanel fragrance. 
While it may bear repeating, the maison's evolution in watchmaking is undeniably worth noting. Chanel has gracefully transcended its fashion-watch origins. With in-house movements—developed in collaboration with Kenissi—and a steadily expanding reservoir of technical expertise, the brand has emerged as a legitimate force in contemporary watchmaking.
The Basics
Brand: Chanel
Model: Model: J12 BLEU Caliber 12.1 – 38 mm; Model: J12 BLEU Caliber 12.2 – 33 mm (with diamonds); Model: J12 BLEU Caliber 12.1 – 38 mm (with sapphires); Model: J12 BLEU Caliber 12.2 – 33 mm (with sapphires); Model: J12 BLEU Diamond Tourbillon – 38 mm; Model: J12 BLEU X-RAY – 38 mm; Model: J12 BLEU Caliber 12.1 – 42 mm (with sapphires); Model: J12 BLEU – 28 mm (with sapphires); Model: J12 BLEU Caliber 12.1 – 38 mm (with sapphires on bezel and dial)
Case Material: Ceramic
Dial Color: Matte Blue
Water Resistance: 200 m; 200 m; 200 m; 200 m; 50 m; 30 m; 50 m; 30 m; 50 m
Strap/Bracelet: Matte blue ceramic bracelet
The Movement
Caliber: Caliber 12.1; Caliber 12.2; Caliber 12.1; Caliber 12.2; Caliber 5; Caliber 3.1; Caliber 12.1; Quartz; Caliber 12.1
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date; Hours, minutes, seconds; Hours, minutes, seconds; Hours, minutes, seconds; Hours, minutes; Hours, minutes; Hours, minutes, seconds; Hours, minutes, seconds; Hours, minutes, seconds.
Power Reserve: ~70 hours; ~50 hours; ~70 hours; ~50 hours; ~42 hours; ~55 hours; ~70 hours; –; ~70 hours
Winding: Self-winding; Self-winding; Self-winding; Self-winding; Manual winding; Manual winding; Self-winding; Quartz; Self-winding.
Frequency: All 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Chronometer Certified: All COSC except Quartz, X-Ray and Diamond Tourbillon
Additional Details: J12 BLEU Diamond Tourbillon - flying tourbillon . Cage set with a 65-facet solitaire diamond (~0.18 carat, F/G color, VVS clarity)