Among the bevy of new Chanel timepieces waiting in the wings this year is this stunning head-turner which is likely to be the French maison’s main highlight for 2014. This is not the first tourbillon watch by Chanel, neither is it the first tourbillon J12 model; since 2006 there has already been a J12 Tourbillon. What makes this timepiece special is two things: it features a flying tourbillon and it is a high jewellery creation.

Chanel had done flying tourbillon watches but only in the Premiere collection. This was in 2012. The award-winning Premiere Flying Tourbillon also combined a high complication designed with a creative feminine touch with the opulence of gemstones.

The J12 Flying Tourbillon High Jewellery panders to the whimsical desires of the woman watch connoisseur. Its tourbillon carriage rendered in the form of a star and gem-set for that extra touch of luxury perfectly exemplifies Chanel’s approach to watchmaking – it’s never just about making complications for the sake of making them, but interpreting them in a way that’s true to the ethos of House Chanel.

Crafted in 18k white gold and set with a combination of brilliant and baguette cut diamonds, the movement within was produced exclusively for Chanel by complications specialist Renaud & Papi – the same team behind the highly controversial J12 Retrograde Mysterieuse and the Premiere Flying Tourbillon. Only five of these exceptional timepieces will be produced.