High jewelry objects take a remarkably long time (and a large number of people) to make. Every single step in the development process is pivotal to the resultant finesse, whether in appearance or performance – and Chanel is well aware of that. In 2012, with an objective to better manage its growth and success in the fine jewelry market, and consolidate – under one roof – all the activities which are involved in the manufacture of its precious accessories, the French house opened a new high jewelry workshop at 18 Place Vendôme in Paris.

Chanel’s high jewelry workshop at 18 Place Vendôme in Paris is responsible for the creation of exceptional sets and special orders.

One of the most exceptional collections to have emerged from the doors of this workshop is the Les Eternelles de Chanel high jewelry timepiece range, which was first unveiled at Baselworld last year. The creations, designed after late founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s beloved inspirations such as the camellia, comet and feather, marked the first time Chanel had ever shown extravagant high jewelry watches at the Swiss fair. 

Artisans at Chanel’s high jewelry workshop took five months to embellish the Signature Grenat with gems. The 39.9-carat cushion-cut garnet on the watch’s dial alone took a month and a half to set.

At Baselworld this year, Chanel, again, presented a new crop of high jewelry timepieces as an extension of the Les Eternelles de Chanel line. This time, the brand has reinterpreted its famous quilting technique as diamond-paved squares on four one-of-a kind secret watches, all assembled by hand at Place Vendôme. The stunners are clothed in an array of exquisite metals and feminine-colored gems – these include pink gold, orange sapphires and a 43.6-carat pink morganite.

The star of the lot is the 18k white-gold Les Eternelles de Chanel Signature Grenat, which is set generously with 91 brilliant-cut yellow sapphires, 79 fancy-cut orange sapphires, 87 brilliant-cut spessartite garnets and a whopping 1,171 brilliant-cut diamonds. Above the quartz watch sits an equally decadent 39.9-carat cushion-cut garnet, which, when activated with two pushers at the side, opens up to reveal the time.

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This story was first published in L’Officiel Singapore.