Chanel Redefines The Relationship Of High Tech & Haute Horlogerie With The Première Sound Watch

In a modern move that pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, Chanel introduces the Première Sound watch, a creation that blends the intricacies of haute horlogerie with the demands of life in the contemporary era. Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the Chanel Watchmaking Creation Studio, has brought to life a concept that honors Gabrielle Chanel’s legacy and propels it into the future. With the Première Sound, Chanel has reimagined its iconic Première watch into a strikingly innovative piece of wearable technology—a long sautoir necklace that features a watch and wired headphones, merging sophistication with connectivity.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chanel

The Première Sound is an enhanced interpretation of the original Première Édition Originale watch, which was first introduced in 1987. The Première watch, with its octagonal case inspired by the stopper of the No. 5 perfume bottle and its bracelet reminiscent of the chained shoulder strap of Chanel’s iconic handbag, has always epitomized the brand’s unique blend of freedom and audacity. Now, the Première Sound takes this spirit into the 21st century, creating a connection between the elegance of Chanel’s past and the technological advances of the present.

In a departure from traditional watch design, the Première Sound transforms the bracelet into a versatile necklace that effortlessly connects to smartphones, whether iPhone or Android, and other audio devices. The watch is a timepiece and a gateway to a connected world. The integrated headphones, equipped with a microphone and remote control, allow users to adjust volume, control audio and video playback, and receive phone calls with ease.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chanel

The design of the watch is as much about aesthetics as it is about functionality. The headphones are crafted to deliver high-quality sound, providing an immersive listening experience with passive sound insulation that effectively cancels out external noise. This marriage of cutting-edge audio technology with the timeless elegance of Chanel is what sets the Première Sound apart—a piece that captures the moment and the movement of life with unparalleled style.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chanel

Just as the original watch redefined the codes of watchmaking, the new iteration continues this legacy of innovation. It is a watch that tells time and tunes into the rhythm of the world around it. Whether walking through the bustling urban landscape or enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, the Première Sound keeps you connected—to your closest loved ones, to the sounds of your environment, and to the freedom that Chanel embodies.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chanel

This new creation is a testament to the house’s ability to innovate while staying true to its core values of elegance, audacity, and timeless style. It’s a watch for those who, like Gabrielle Chanel, want to be a part of what will come.