The CHANEL Watch Creation Studio has launched five new artistic watches that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary with the new MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ PINCUSHION collection. Inspired by a dressmaker’s pincushion, each wristwatch features an oversized case of curved crystal. Crafted from precious metals, diamonds, mother-of-pearl or onyx, inimitable icons from the brand’s couture fashions adorn the dials of these luxurious timepieces. Five watches born from a powerful creative gesture and embellished with the savoir-faire of the Métiers d’Art.
The 5 CHANEL Pincushion Inspired Watches
Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, appropriated the humble pincushion (Pique-Aiguilles) and designed the Mademoiselle Privé Pique-Aiguilles watches. “I like the image of this functional jewel which adorns the wrist of seamstresses” he said. “This must-have for couture artisans generally takes the form of a metal bracelet adorned with a generous dome-shaped cushion. Technically, it allows you to store and organize pins and needles to facilitate their use during tailoring work. “I am fascinated by the design of objects whose architecture is born from a practical need. In terms of style, the needle pick signs the wrist with authority, its presence is impactful. Its oversized format does not alter its comfort in any way, it adapts to all wrists.
I like the random pattern of the needles that punctuate the surface of the cushion. Orderly, disordered, the pinheads stuck in the fabric dome create a decor that evolves during the making work. I adopted the spirit of this tool to create a watch. If its architecture has the audacity of simplicity, its oversized dial plays on excess and offers an incredible surface for expression. – Arnaud Chastaingt
I dreamed of this creation as a blank canvas for the most daring artistic professions. I imagined five paintings for this collection: camellia lace, a composition of iconic bags, a jewelry throw, diamond embroidery and a jacket being made.”
Each watch plays off a particular material and/or design associated with the French Fashion House. If you were to ask fashionista’s familiar with Chanel, they’d immediately know that the following are as iconic as the No.5, the Camellia and Coco herself, to the brand; Tweed, Lace, Quilted, Pearl and Embroidery.
The large curved crystal cases emulate the dome-shaped pincushion (the Pique-Aiguilles) worn on the wrist of many a dressmaker.
According to Harper’s Bazaar, in her workshop on Rue Cambon, Paris, Gabrielle Chanel always kept two tools at hand: a pair of scissors suspended from a ribbon which she wore round her neck, and on her wrist sat the most indispensable tool of any seamstress, a pincushion. This latest release not only pays homage to Gabrielle Chanel but is also a testament to CHANEL’s Haute Horlogerie, the ‘high art of watchmaking.’
Mademoiselle Privé Tweed Motif
The pattern of a tweed jacket trimmed with 92 brilliant-cut diamonds (2.79 carats total weight). The dial is delicately trimmed with a chain, a replica to the one sewn inside every Chanel jacket.
Mademoiselle Privé Lace Motif
A beautiful camellia lace design meticulously crafted using three different Métiers d’art techniques. Firstly, the yellow-gold surface of the dial was hand-engraved to give it texture.
It was then covered with a layer of translucent “Grand Feu” (the art of fusing glass to metal) enamel to accentuate the intricacy of the engraving and create a sense of depth.
Finally, the traditional decal techniques were employed to draw and create a lacy pattern of camellias. The whole surface was then adorned with tiny gold beads and five diamonds, completing the design.
Mademoiselle Privé Quilted Motif
Five iconic Chanel handbags are engraved and crafted in black mother-of-pearl to replicate the brand’s iconic quilted leather effect.
Yellow gold chains are engraved and adorned with diamond charms, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the design. Each clasp is also embellished with a baguette-cut diamond.
Mademoiselle Privé Pearls Motif
Jewels are carefully placed on a black tweed-inspired plate, creating a stunning display of braided chains, long necklaces, and Byzantine brooches.
All are sculptured in yellow gold, lacquered by hand or set and trimmed with a row of diamonds and gold pearls.
Mademoiselle Privé Embroidery Motif
A convex disc made of black-coated white gold, snow-set with 650 brilliant-cut diamonds and adorned with a delicate row of tiny gold beads — each one meticulously placed by hand.
CHANEL watches
images and information courtesy of CHANEL