The world’s most iconic handbag strap first found a place on the wrist in 1987, in the form of Chanel’s Première watch. This jewelry-meets-timepiece has since become a modern classic for the storied brand, and its octagonal case was inspired by its iconic No. 5 perfume bottle.
Actress and house ambassador Lily-Rose Depp wearing the Première Sound.
In 2024, the house codes have once again been reimagined—this time with innovative technology. What at first glance appears as a long sautoir necklace made of leather with a gold chain is actually a watch and connective headphones, allowing the wearer to be in tune with the world and remain connected to fashion in the process. Designed by Arnaud Chastaingt, the director of Chanel’s Watchmaking Creation Studio, the Première Sound watch also doubles as a bracelet, making it the ultimate modular accessory.
The Première Sound watch.
With Gen Z celebrities from Lily-Rose Depp (who stars in the new Première Sound campaign) to Kaia Gerber embracing the retro flair of wired headphones, and the Instagram account @wireditgirls chronicling the return of the trend, there’s never been a better time to be sporting ear buds, especially if they come complete with a double-C logo.
These limited-run pieces combine tradition and tech. The headphones are equipped with a microphone and a remote control to adjust volume, control audio and video playback, and receive phone calls. If there is such a thing as timeless technology, this is definitely it.
Styled by Herin Choi; hair by Adam Markarian for Oribe; makeup by Kuma for Bobbi Brown; manicure by Eri Handa for Chanel Le Vernis; casting by Shaun Beyen at Plus Three Two; model: Kayako Higuchi at The Society Management.
A version of this story appears in the September 2024 issue of ELLE.