Chanel J12 chromatic, bracelet detail

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

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

The constant changes as the light plays across the varied finishes are a delight.

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