![Chanel J12 chromatic, bracelet detail](https://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/chanel-j12-chromatic-14.jpg)
Chanel J12 chromatic, bracelet detail
![Chanel J12 chromatic, bracelet and caseback](https://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/chanel-j12-chromatic-6.jpg)
Chanel J12 chromatic, bracelet and caseback
The J12 is a pleasure to wear. That super low profile is great for long sleeves.
![Chanel J12 Chromatic, wrist profile](https://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/chanel-j12-chromatic-9.jpg)
Chanel J12 Chromatic, wrist profile
The finish does, as you can see, show fingerprints due to the mirror finish and complete lack of pores or roughness. The bezel is a bit slick, and I’d prefer a lume pip, but it works for cooking and parking meters, my two main uses.
![Chanel's J12 Chromatic on the wrist](https://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/chanel-j12-chromatic-8.jpg)
Chanel’s J12 Chromatic on the wrist
The constant changes as the light plays across the varied finishes are a delight.
![Chanel's J12 Chromatic on the wrist](https://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/chanel-j12-chromatic-12.jpg)
Chanel’s J12 Chromatic on the wrist
Legibility is very good too.
I was expecting a blingier watch, but in person it’s actually really not. Hard to explain, but the size and color palette combine for a non-attention-getting watch. The weight feels the same as steel, too.
Other than the long-discontinued Zenith Rainbow Elite, there are few dress divers like this. It’s a finely made watch, sized for classic tastes, and made from materials that can take a beating. I like it a lot. Price is $6,600. chanel.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Chanel
>Model: J12 Chromatic Classic, ref H2979
>Price: $6,600
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Anyone who wears nice clothes and wants a no-drama watch.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Poor lume and non-lumed bezel
>Best characteristic of watch: Elegant size and “Chromatic” ceramic material