Chanel’s presence at Watches & Wonders has always been a study in how a fashion maison can shape the watchmaking landscape without ever pretending to be anything other than itself. Under Frédéric Grangié’s steady leadership and Arnaud Chastaingt’s relentlessly inventive creative direction, Chanel has carved out a space where couture sensibilities and horological legitimacy coexist with ease. For 2026, the maison doubles down on that identity. The novelties are bold, playful, technically confident, and unmistakably Chanel — a fusion of heritage codes, modern materials, and a touch of theatricality that only this house can pull off.

Coco Game: Chanel’s Playful Side, Dialed Up

The Coco Game collection is the maison at its most whimsical, transforming Gabrielle Chanel herself into a literal game character. At the center is a piece-unique ceramic chessboard, a showcase of Chanel’s goldsmithing and gem-setting artistry. From this playful foundation, the collection branches into multiple limited editions: A J12 X-Ray Coco Game with the transparent Caliber 3.1 and diamond accents, some J12 models in glossy white or matte black ceramic where Mademoiselle Chanel glides around the dial as a laser-cut carbon seconds hand, A Boy·Friend Coco Game where she appears as the Queen of Hearts and a Coco Game Long Necklace, inspired by retro handheld consoles, with a diamond-set Mademoiselle and a miniature watch dial hidden on the reverse.

The J12 Evolves Again — In Both Directions

The J12 remains Chanel’s most recognizable watch, and this year’s releases expand the collection’s versatility with two new sizes: a miniature 28mm and an oversized 42mm. The 28mm is quartz-driven, leaning into the J12’s fashion-forward roots, while the 42mm houses the COSC-certified Caliber 12.1, produced by Kenissi, reinforcing the line’s mechanical credibility. This size duality is more than a design choice — it’s a reminder of the J12’s gender-neutral legacy. When it debuted in 2000, the J12 challenged conventions about who could wear what. Twenty-six years later, that spirit still feels fresh. Both new sizes also appear in the limited-edition J12 Golden Black, where polished or matte black ceramic meets yellow gold-plated accents. The 42mm version even features a matching gold-plated oscillating weight visible through the sapphire caseback — a subtle flex of watchmaking prowess.

The J12 Superleggera returns in what may be its most striking form yet. This year’s model pairs matte black ceramic with steel, topped by a hardened steel bezel with tight, precise gouges. The black-lacquered dial features circular satin finishing, and a red arrow marks the date at 4 o’clock. The bracelet, woven from matte ceramic and satin-finished steel, completes the watch’s sharp, motorsport-inspired aesthetic.

Last year’s limited-edition J12 Bleu was an instant hit — so much so that Chanel has now made it a permanent fixture. Its deep, inky blue ceramic returns in 33mm (Caliber 12.2) and 38mm (Caliber 12.1) versions, both COSC-certified. With silver accents and a steel unidirectional bezel, the Bleu is poised to become a new fan favorite. For now, it sticks to time-only functionality, but it’s hard not to imagine complications on the horizon.

The Return of the King

The MONSIEUR LION TOURBILLON BLACK EDITION is powered by the Caliber 5.1, a movement crafted entirely by the artisans of the CHANEL Watch Manufacture. Its dial showcases the intricate mechanics within, highlighted by a flying tourbillon positioned at 6 o’clock. At the center of the tourbillon cage sits a finely sculpted lion’s head, laser‑engraved from a solid block of titanium by the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio. As Mademoiselle Chanel’s zodiac sign—symbolizing strength and protection—the lion has served as the emblem of all the House’s movements since 2016. Every detail of the watch is meticulously considered, featuring a matte black ceramic case and bezel that stand in striking contrast to the gleam of blackened steel.

Noeud de Camélia: A New Chapter in Feminine Watchmaking

The Noeud de Camélia collection is a fresh addition for 2026, drawing on Mademoiselle Chanel’s beloved camellia motif. Designed squarely for women, the line includes four wristwatches and a secret ring watch, all rendered in classic black and white with generous diamond embellishment. The standout is the embroidered cuff watch, which blends couture craftsmanship with horology in a way only Chanel attempts — and succeeds at.

The PREMIÈRE COCO GAME in a limited edition

With this PREMIÈRE, the graphic signature codes of the House – the line, black and white – are easy to read. Combining black coating, white lacquer and sapphire crystal, 6 charms swing to the rhythm of the wrist’s movement and spell out CHANEL with pure simplicity.

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton Lion: The Return of the Secret Watch

Chanel’s secret watches are always a surprise, and this year’s Mademoiselle Privé Bouton Lion continues the tradition. The lion — a recurring Chanel emblem — conceals the watch dial in both a ring and a necklace version. Sculpted in gold and paired with black accents, the pieces feel like wearable talismans, equal parts jewelry and timekeeping.