The J12 made its mark on the 2000s by imposing its white and then black ceramics, a trend that many then attempted to follow. Over a four-year period, those in charge of watchmaking at Chanel had been exploring the theme of colour among other potential options for evolving the J12 line. And why not invent a new colour? Two years of R&D later, the brand is introducing a new alloy synonymous with the first chromatic approach: titanium ceramics. During the production process, the material is no longer injected like mineral ceramics, but instead pressed. Its tone is similar to that of mercury, it absorbs light and is pervaded by its environment. The J12 Chromatic is grey, but becomes tinged with the surrounding colours. Lighter and harder than mineral ceramics, titanium is also far more difficult to polish, which almost meant inventing unprecedented and even more complicated polishing techniques. Only diamonds can scratch it. It naturally comes in a gem-set version and this new collection comprises seven references in three different sizes, all extremely pleasant to wear.