Chanel Première Édition Originale watch debuted on its 35th anniversary, reissued last year under the guidance of Arnaud Chastaingt, the director of the watchmaking creative studio. It maintains its classic silhouette and aesthetics, while once again showcasing its own glamorous style.
Singer Zhang Manzi (Gigi) interprets the timeless charm of the Première watch and shares with us the meaning of time and its connection with the Première watch.
When Zhang Manzi meets Première Édition Originale
ZTYLEZ: What does time mean to you?
Gigi: For me, time is an emotional rhythm that represents the pace and story of life. Everyone has their own rhythm and story.
ZTYLEZ: The most unforgettable “first time” in life?
Gigi: The concert held in Mong Kok earlier was very unforgettable for me, after all, it was my first concert in life, so I really want to remember this moment. The moment I went on stage is still fresh in my memory, it has already been engraved in my heart. Whenever I think back to that moment, it seems to become “slow motion”, and every audience member who entered the venue came to support me, so that moment is very special and important to me.
ZTYLEZ: What is the most attractive aspect of the Première watch story for you?
Gigi: The most attractive aspect for me is that the Première watch is very iconic. Just by looking at the Première watch, you know it’s Chanel. It perfectly combines every classic detail, and the brand’s charm is truly impressive. I also learned a lot about Chanel’s story through the design details. It turns out that Gabrielle Chanel used to live in the Ritz Hotel on Place Vendôme, and the view from her suite became the inspiration for the design of the Première watch.
ZTYLEZ: What do you think is the reason that makes the Première watch one of Chanel’s classic watches? What sets it apart from others?
Gigi: The Première watch has a unique quality that sets it apart from other watches. It represents a rebellious and avant-garde attitude, daring to innovate and stand out. Of course, its appearance is also important – being fashionable, versatile, and easy to match are some of the reasons why the Première watch is still popular. For me, it is a watch with a strong presence. It may seem feminine, but it can also be stylish, and the black and gold color combination itself creates a strong contrast.
ZTYLEZ: What do you think is the connection between the spirit of Première and your personality?
Gigi: It’s the Spirit of Freedom. I am someone who values freedom very much, and the Première watch is very revolutionary, representing the pursuit of freedom. Since its introduction in 1987, the watch has continuously evolved with different designs, much like my creative process, where I draw inspiration from everyday life and constantly innovate to create my own works. I believe this is something I have in common with Première.
ZTYLEZ: Describe your outfit and the Première watch on your wrist. Why do you wear a watch?
Gigi: Although I am someone who values time, I don’t necessarily wear a watch every day. Instead, I choose to wear a watch based on my mood for the day. Today’s outfit focuses on a red leather vest, paired with my favorite skirt or pants, creating a red and black leather look. I specifically chose this belt to complement the Première Gourmette Chain watch on my left wrist. Unlike the original version, the black and silver color with a stainless steel chain gives it a more neutral and slightly punk style, which matches my mood and outfit today.
Inspiration for Première Watches
The Chanel Première watch, which was introduced in 1987, not only represents the passing of time, but also a style and aesthetic that remains a classic representation of the brand to this day. It is called Première, which means “first” in French, not only because it represents Chanel’s first foray into the world of watches, but also because it broke the mold of the watchmaking industry at the time, which was still predominantly focused on men’s watches. It is the first watch ever designed specifically for women. The concept behind Première perfectly embodies the philosophy of women seeking freedom and living in the present moment.
As Chanel’s first watch collection, Première Édition Originale was designed by the then artistic director Jacques Helleu. Its elegant yet avant-garde octagonal shape is inspired by the cap of the N°5 perfume bottle and the silhouette of Place Vendôme, recreating the view from the suite of the Ritz Paris hotel. The leather and metal chain that complements the octagonal shape is derived from the classic diamond pattern handbag, with a flexible and soft chain that gives women the freedom to wear it. The elegant black lacquered dial and gold case have no numerals, seconds hand, or date display on the dial. There are only two gold hands gently rotating, and the crown is set with a round striped agate, making the two-tone geometric pattern even more perfect.
Première Watch Returns Again
To celebrate the return of the Première watch, Chanel has created the “CHANEL Première Funfair” theme park at IFC in Central from now until May 7th, allowing everyone to personally explore the new charm of the Première Édition Originale watch!
The design of the “CHANEL Première Funfair” experiential event incorporates the iconic style elements of the watch, presenting them in a fun and playful way in every detail: the venue is adorned with black and gold, with gold octagonal balloon-shaped decorations that echo the watch’s silhouette, and leather chain watch straps transformed into tracks that run throughout the entire space; interactive installations allow guests to immerse themselves in the dreamy atmosphere of the Première Funfair.
