In a move that only serves to further reinforce its philanthropic ties, Chanel has created a one-of-a-kind J12 Rétrograde Mystérieuse white ceramic time piece that will be auctioned off with 100% of proceeds benefiting amfAR. Valued at 260,000 Euros (or $344,266 dollars), this Rétrograde Mystérieuse is not only extravagantly expensive, but its mechanisms in watchmaking set a new standard: created by neo-complications expert Giulio Papi, it is the first time that this type of retrograde hand has been attempted–and so aesthetically. Note the placement of the watch’s crown–it’s on the dial! It’s actually a vertical retractable crown that, when the minute hand butts up against it, reverses it until it is positioned on the other side of the crown. As the hand can no longer indicate the minutes, figures–digital display–step in a magnifying aperture located between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock, an ingenious idea which in no way disturbs the rate of the hour hand.
For those that didn’t score a coveted invitation to the Chanel Joaillerie maison at Place Vendôme for the December 13 auction, where Simon de Pury, chairman of Phillips de Pury & Company, will oversee the bidding, Chanel is accepting telephone bidders. You can also watch the live stream of the auction at 3:30 pm Central European Time on Monday. It even has its own dedicated website
Wow what a masterpiece.