One. Two. Three.
Heartbeats. Movement. Life.
The hands tick on our wrists, on our hearts, giving meaning to time.
Today we find ourselves in an extraordinary place, walking within the walls of Palazzo Visconti, on a journey steeped in history and unforgettable symbols belonging to a Maison that, before anyone else, revolutionized the world of fashion – and beyond. Chanel’s revolution reached far and wide, extending even into high watchmaking, uniting them and presenting them in this remarkable and meaningful setting.
But we are also here with Marta Pareccini and Alexandro Basta, with whom we walk through these rooms, savoring the history of this palace – and not by chance. The palace once belonged to director and screenwriter Luchino Visconti, who owed his film debut to her – Gabrielle Chanel – who introduced him to director Jean Renoir.
From their first meeting, Chanel and Visconti became inseparable souls. And here we walk with Marta and Alexandro, inseparable souls themselves. We watch them try on the watches – essential accessories of their time, marking it with elegance.
Holding hands, they unite colors and emotions.
But what we are increasingly immersed in is the blue – or rather, the “Bleu de Chanel.”
It is not just any blue, and its charm does not leave us indifferent. It has a story so deeply rooted that it is a protagonist of both the past and present, and one that Chanel will carry into the future, always with a gaze toward revolution and excellence.
Color is not the only protagonist; we are here to celebrate the arrival of a timepiece that is the latest expression of Chanel’s blue: the J12 Bleu.
But let’s take a step back: how did we get here?
In October 1987, Chanel created a watch called Première – something that comes first in time and space. The Première watch opened the first chapter of the Maison’s grand story in watchmaking: the first watch created exclusively for women, inspired by the shape of the N°5 perfume bottle cap and the form of Place Vendôme. It was finally not just a reworking of a men’s watch.
With this new chapter, Chanel gave time the space it deserves: the watch became a true piece of jewelry, pure femininity, transcending functionality.
Fast forward to the year 2000, when the J12 was born – the realization of Jacques Helleu’s desire, the artistic director of the Maison, to create a timeless watch. First made in black ceramic and then in white ceramic, it revolutionized the watchmaking world and was consecrated as a watchmaking icon of the 21st century.
It took five years of research to develop the J12 Bleu: a matte, deep, and one-of-a-kind shade.
And it is precisely to admire this creation that we lose ourselves – alongside Marta and Alexandro –in the words that define time. Chanel has given us the opportunity to open a dialogue about the meaning of time, beginning with the creations that have most captivated us.
M: Among all the pieces in the exhibition, the one that struck me the most was the burgundy velvet cuff with golden edges. At first glance, it looks like an elegant jewel button, but upon closer inspection, you discover that it conceals a watch inside. I was utterly fascinated by the fact that to read the time, you must open the camellia – as if time were something to be protected. And indeed, time is so precious it must be “guarded.”
I also loved the contrast between the velvet, soft and enveloping, and the camellia, which – with its elegance and refinement – expresses strength and character.
A: It’s hard to choose, because we’re talking about truly unique watches, each with a strong and captivating identity. But the J12 BLEU is the one that impressed me the most.
It has everything: elegance, character, versatility. And then that blue – it’s not just any blue – “too blue to be black, too black to be blue.”
Here, time seems to stand still, but at the same time, technology and evolution take center stage: how important is it for you to feel in step with the times? And how do you express that through Chanel in your lives?
Chanel is the perfect example of how one can be in step with the times without ever forgetting their identity. We also enjoy observing what changes, but we never want to forget who we are and what we love.
Marta, what’s your favorite time of day? Do you love daytime or nighttime? Do you prefer the bright colors of day or the blue of night?
M: Evening, without a doubt.
It’s the moment I carve out for myself and indulge in those little rituals that allow you to end the day beautifully: a cup of tea, a lit candle, a warm bath… And then I love colors. That’s why when I saw the new J12 Bleu, I fell in love with it.
Chanel’s time moves to the rhythm of elegance: what does elegance mean to you, and how do you see it manifested here today?
For us, elegance isn’t just about aesthetics. We find it in gestures and in the things we do every day. Today at Chanel, we see it everywhere: in the care, the materials, and the details. An elegance that tells a story without the need for words.
Chanel’s symbols – reflected even in high watchmaking – are numerous: the lion, the camellia, the star, and even colors like blue. Which of these do you feel most connected to, and why?
M: There are many Chanel symbols I feel connected to, but one stands out: the lion.
Besides being a symbol of strength and elegance at the same time, it holds a more “personal” meaning for me. As a child, it was my favorite animal, which is why I named my first four-legged best friend Leo. We grew up together, for 17 years.
Now he’s the star that protects me. That’s why I had his name engraved inside my Coco Crush ring, next to a little star. And then, I found the love of my life—he’s a Leo. How could I not consider it a good luck charm?
A: Without a doubt, the color blue. It’s one of my favorite colors. Even in clothing: elegant, never “too much,” and perfect for any occasion. Blue gives me a sense of calm, balance, and at the same time, strength. It reminds me of the sea – that sense of freedom and intensity that changes with the light but never loses its identity.
And that’s exactly what I found in the J12 BLEU.
What value do you place on time?
Time is the most precious thing we have. The older you get, the more you realize how important it is to give it to the people you love.
That’s why sometimes it’s necessary to stop and let only the hands tick forward.
Photos by Johnny Carrano.
Thanks to Chanel Watches.
What do you think?