The legendary House of Chanel was founded by Gabrielle Chanel in the early 1900s and has become an internationally-recognized symbol of refinement, luxury, and sophistication.
The collection has since evolved through the decades, and their watches remain highly sought-after timepieces among discerning collectors worldwide.
Sourcing vintage Chanel watches can be tricky due to the large number of counterfeits on the market.
But fear not – we have compiled a list of seven timeless pieces that will stand out among both casual looks and more formal occasions.
Whether you’re looking for something with diamonds or an unusual combination of colors, this guide will give you insights into what makes these pieces so special – and how they can elevate your everyday style.
History Of Chanel Watches
Since it was founded in 1909, the House of Chanel has held a timeless position in fashion. Its luxury collections remain iconic and continue to influence today’s trends.
This includes the esteemed Chanel watches which follow on from the illustrious legacy set by founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel.
Chanel launched its first line of watches in 1987 with a design that was meant to recall their 1920s jewelry pieces.
These early models were created by Swiss designers such as Max Bilham, who produced unique, classical designs with round cases and intricate features.
The original line included models such as Première, J12, and Boyfriend which quickly rose to popular status among watches enthusiasts for their quality craftsmanship and timeless style.
Since then, Chanel has extended its watch range further with more complex designs like those from its Mademoiselle Privé collection or limited editions featuring materials such as ceramic or mother-of-pearl dials found in its J12 Chromatic collection.
The brand continues to offer new models annually while still retaining classic looks meant to cater to different tastes in modern luxury watchmaking, and their pieces remain a true treat for collectors – though pricey, an investment in a vintage Chanel watch is sure to last you a lifetime!
Best Vintage Chanel Watches
Adding a Chanel watch to your collection is a great way to elevate your wardrobe with a single, simple accessory – and we have six of the best option to try today.
Known as “the first revolution of the watch world in the 21st century”, the Chanel J12 White Ceramic watch has more than earned its place in fashion history.
Designed by Hélleu, this was the watch that earned Chanel a seat at the horology table, securing them a place as experts and connoisseurs in the world of watchmaking.
Launched in 1999, the original design was unisex, with a classic style that was designed to suit each and every wrist that it found itself on, and the white ceramic model offered an option for women looking for a feminine option in the range.
The white case and bracelet are complemented by a black dial, making it the perfect accessory for any look, and this iconic watch is a timeless classic that will never go out of style.
If you are looking for a serious investment piece that will stand the test of time, the J12 white ceramic is the ultimate option.
Designed in 1987 with a simple, classy, and refined elegance, this is a watch that goes perfectly with any look and style and is an easy way to instantly upgrade the look and feel of any outfit – even if you are keeping it casual in skinny jeans and a cute tee.
The clear, square face is offset by a simple black band that is all about understated glamour, and the face continues this minimalist theme, with a super simple clock and the name of the brand.
If you want to up the glamour, it is possible to opt for a face set with cute gems and diamonds, but for those keeping it low-key, the vintage classic is the ultimate choice – subtle enough for everyday wear, while still adding an instant upgrade to any outfit that you choose to pair it with.
Though relatively new compared to the other watches we have reviewed, the Coco Code is nonetheless a great addition to the Chanel vintage watch range.
This is a sleek, slick timepiece with an ultramodern look that blends luxury and modernity with a smooth, distinctive appearance.
The slightly smaller square face forms part of the design and is instantly eye-catching for all the right reasons with a glam “grid” effect, creating an overall look that is perfect for a woman looking to make her mark in the world – this is a watch with serious female boss energy.
As an added bonus, the watch is tough, hard-wearing and durable enough t wear on a daily basis, making this a great addition to even business outfits, and ensuring that you can enjoy your watch for years to come.
Dress Watches
There are a few Chanel vintage designs that lend themselves perfectly to a major dress-up event, and we took a closer look at these below.
If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your wardrobe, this diamond-encrusted timepiece is a perfect choice.
A sleek chain is feminine and elegant, and both the 18k white gold case and bracelet are set with brilliant-cut diamonds, making it a truly luxurious piece.
The first watch of this kind was launched in 1987, and it became an instant hit, with the distinctive face shape and overall vibe of the piece taking heavy inspiration from perhaps the most famous Chanel product of all: a bottle of Chanel Number 5 perfume.
Clean-cut geometry is paired with delicate elegance, and this is the perfect accompaniment to help your outfit feel polished, classy, and feminine.
The modern incarnation of the watch comes in a range of metal types, colors, and details, but the vintage classic is a go-to for a timeless look and feel.
Chanel Mademoiselle has long been a favorite of the fashion set, and this watch is no exception. The classic design features a round face with an elegant black band, and the face is adorned with the iconic Chanel logo.
The Mademoiselle watch was first launched in 1987 and has remained popular with fans ever since. It’s perfect for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their look, and it’s a timeless classic that will never go out of style.
Whether you are dressing up for a night out or keeping it casual for the day, this watch is the perfect accessory to complete your look.
The Camellia watch is one of the most iconic pieces from the Chanel range, and it’s a classic that will never go out of style. The design features a round face with an elegant black band.
The face is adorned with the iconic Chanel logo, creating an overall look that is super feminine, elegant, and perfect for adding a gorgeous touch to even the simplest of outfits.
As with other vintage watches, the Camellia watch was first launched in 1987 and has been a firm favorite ever since.
Its fun, quirky face is perfect for capturing attention for all the right reasons, and the super feminine design and face mean that this is a great way to glam up even a casual outfit.
With its distinctive square face and chunky bracelet style, the Chanel Matelasse is a must-have addition to any collection of vintage watches; especially if you are on the hunt for the perfect “throwback” aesthetic.
This is the perfect way to add a masculine edge to a super feminine dress, or give your outfit a little extra business glamour – if you are looking for a Chanel watch that makes a serious statement, this is the perfect pick.
Final Thoughts
As we have seen, vintage Chanel watches come in a range of shapes, sizes, and types – and the list above is a small taste to inspire you and offer an introduction to some of the stunning Chanel watches available.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you find the perfect vintage Chanel watch for you and can rest assured that your investment will be a timeless addition to your wardrobe that you can cherish and enjoy for many years to come.
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
