Chanel first launched the Monsieur de Chanel back in 2016 and caused quite the stir. There were two versions back then, one in white gold and the other in beige gold, a proprietary material introduced by Chanel into its watch collection a couple of years ago. Both were limited to 150 pieces and, no doubt, were received very well.
The reason for the watch’s success was twofold, 1) it simply looked good, 2) it featured a very impressive new movement, the Caliber 1. Developed by Chanel Haute Horlogerie in conjunction with Romain Gauthier, the watch featured a jumping hour with retrograde minutes and running small seconds, in a 40mm case.
The following year, in 2017, the maison released a third version of the watch in platinum with a jet black “Grand Feu” enamel dial. Just 100 pieces this time. The fourth version of the watch was announced in late 2017, again in a platinum case but this time with a blue dial to mark Chanel’s three decades of watchmaking efforts. Only 30 pieces of this commemorative watch were made.
And now, weeks ahead of Baselworld 2019, Chanel has shared the fifth iteration of the Monsieur de Chanel in black ceramic. Aptly named the Monsieur Édition Noire, the watch’s case consists of a ceramic bezel and mid-case with metal in between and the back of the case.
Thing is, given that the Caliber 1 is all black anthracite, the new case color and texture brings the complete watch together in a way that is quite seamless. The only gripe that people are likely to voice out is on the matter of the new case being 42mm; the prior four versions all had 40mm cases.
The Monsieur Édition Noire will be limited to 55 pieces. For more, visit Chanel.com
Technical Specifications
Movement
Calibre 1 manual winding movement; 240º retrograde minutes with instantaneous jumping hours and running small seconds; two barrels in series totaling 3-day power reserve
Case
42mm; matte black ceramic
Strap
Matte black alligator strap with steel folding buckle
