Chanel Première Flying Tourbillon For Only Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
2012
This Chanel Première Flying Tourbillon is a unique edition created for the Only Watch auction. The watch features an 18-carat white gold case set with 169 diamonds totaling approximately 2.20 carats, complemented by a black high-tech ceramic bezel.
The movement was developed specifically for Chanel by Renaud et Papi (APRP SA). The dial includes a flying tourbillon complication designed with a camellia motif, which serves as an homage to the flower associated with Mademoiselle Chanel. The tourbillon carriage lacks an upper bridge, providing the appearance of rotation in a weightless state. The timepiece is accompanied by an 18-carat white gold double folding buckle set with 30 brilliant-cut diamonds.
While presented on a black satin strap, the watch is also supplied with a black alligator leather strap.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Flying tourbillon wristwatch
- Bezel
- Black high-tech ceramic
- Maker
- Chanel
- Buckle
- 18-carat white gold double folding buckle
- Case Material
- 18-carat white gold
- Diamond Count
- 169 diamonds on case, 30 on buckle
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Tourbillon Motif
- Camellia
- Movement Developer
- Renaud et Papi (APRP SA)
- Maker / attribution
- Chanel
Design
- Visible features
- • Octagonal case profile influenced by the Place Vendôme • Camellia-shaped flying tourbillon cage with central diamond setting • Crown set with brilliant-cut diamonds
- Provenance and History
- This specific timepiece is identified as a unique edition created specifically for the Only Watch charitable auction. The model was introduced in 2012 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Première collection, allowing for the inclusion of high mechanical complications within the line. The Première Flying Tourbillon was awarded the 'Ladies watch' prize at the 12th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
- Case and Aesthetic Design
- The case of the Chanel Première Flying Tourbillon is constructed from 18-carat white gold and set with 169 diamonds, amounting to approximately 2.20 carats. A black high-tech ceramic bezel surrounds the dial. The overall case geometry is octagonal, a design element originally introduced with the first Première watch in 1987, inspired by the shape of the Place Vendôme and the stopper of the No.5 perfume bottle. The watch is secured to the wrist via an 18-carat white gold double folding buckle that is further decorated with 30 brilliant-cut diamonds. The watch is sold with a black alligator strap and is presented on a black satin strap.
- Movement and Complication
- The watch is powered by a mechanical movement developed through a collaboration between Chanel and Renaud & Papi (APRP SA), which functions as the research and development branch of Audemars Piguet. The primary complication is a flying tourbillon, which is situated on the dial. The carriage of the tourbillon is decorated with a camellia motif, a flower linked to the history of Mademoiselle Chanel. As a flying tourbillon, the mechanism is designed without an upper bridge, intended to create the visual effect of the assembly rotating in a weightless state.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Specific diamond clarity and color grades are not provided
- Research required: Full technical specifications for the movement caliber are not detailed