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Welcome back Chanel’s iconic Première, which invites the wearer to loop and wrap as they please
Photography by Otto Masters
Styling by Eve Bailey
When Chanel made its debut in the world of watchmaking with the Première in 1987 it stood in bold contrast to the horological trends of the era. This was no petite, feminised iteration of a man’s watch; instead, the Première drew upon Chanel’s signature brand codes to create a piece that emphasised elegance and practicality. The octagonal case evokes both the design of the Chanel No. 5 bottle, as well as the angular geometry of Place Vendôme, the beloved home of Coco Chanel for over 30 years. Now, nearly four decades later, Chanel has reimagined the model for a new era. The Première Galon, a luminous 18k gold bangle, pays tribute to Coco Chanel’s affinity for braided finishings that adorned her iconic jackets and handbags, while the new double-row bracelet and sautoir designs offer modern reinterpretations of the timeless Première watch. Luxury houses dedicate a lot of energy to their own legacies, but the Première reminds us that every wearer is really a collaborator – and that objects, as well as people, transform with the passage of time.Matteo Pini
