Launched in 1999 as the brainchild of Jacques Hélleu, Chanel's then-chief designer, the J12 was launched as a practical sports watch that carried Chanel’s iconic and timeless design language in a way that broke from the conventional understanding of what type of watches fashion brands would create at the time. Boasting a completely ceramic construction, the J12’s black case and bracelet were a big part of the watch’s design language thanks to their pairing with a monochromatic display and bezel. One of the earliest “fashion watches” to break from the understanding that fashion brands only create cheaply made watches to sell at a large mark up, the J12 ref. H5697 that we have here is powered by a chronometer-certified movement, the cal. 12.1 – which is on display behind an exhibition caseback that proves that it is by no means just a cheap watch, but instead a historically-established horologically-significant offering from one of fashion’s most iconic houses.

Watch is in near-mint condition, with very minor signs of use. The bracelet has 10 links total and fits an approx 7 1/4" wrist. Watch comes with inner box and an open chronometer certification card.

Created as a merger between Chanel's famously fashionable tastes and their understanding of watches as an extension of one's personal style, the J12 has become an icon in the world of watchmaking thanks to its timeless design and early use of ceramic.