It’s Chanel Time! A unique reinterpretation of the Boy.Friend watch for TimeForArt
Credit : Chanel
On December 7, 2024, Phillips in New York hosted the second edition of the TimeForArt auction, an event entirely dedicated to supporting contemporary art. This unique initiative brought together 25 exceptional timepieces donated by some of the most prestigious watchmakers. All proceeds, including Phillips’ commissions, were directed to the Swiss Institute, a nonprofit organization based in New York. This multidisciplinary space actively supports the emerging art scene through exhibitions, artist residencies, and educational workshops.
Swiss Institute NY | Credit : Swiss Institute NY
A Unique Reinterpretation of the Chanel Boy.Friend Watch
Among the pieces up for auction, Chanel stands out with a one-of-a-kind creation: an entirely new reinterpretation of the Boy.Friend watch. For this special occasion, Gabrielle Chanel is depicted on the dial win a bold Pop Art style. Adorned with her iconic accessories—pearl earrings, layered necklaces, and signature cuffs—her image is elevated through the Grand Feu enamel technique.
Crafted by the artisans at Cadraniers de Genève, this watch showcases exceptional craftsmanship. Every detail on the dial, from the black outlines to Gabrielle’s blue hair, is applied with precision, requiring 12 meticulous pad-printing passes. Each enamel layer is then fired at 800°C to achieve vibrant, luminous colors.
The rectangular black steel case (37 x 28.6 x 8.4 mm) is enhanced by a bezel set with 38 baguette-cut diamonds. The watch is paired with a matte black calfskin strap with a satin finish and features a hand-wound mechanical movement offering a 42-hour power reserve. A special engraving on the back of the case highlights its exclusivity: “IT’S CHANEL TIME FOR ART! UNIQUE PIECE.”
Credit : Time for Art
The History of the Boy.Friend Watch
Launched in 2015, Chanel’s Boy.Friend watch embodies androgynous elegance with its clean rectangular case, inspired by the N°5 perfume bottle and Art Deco codes. According to Chanel, the idea behind its name was that a woman would wear it, but it would be so desirable that her partner would want to “borrow” it. At its debut, the watch was available in “beige gold”—a subtle alloy between yellow and rose gold—as well as white gold, with an optional diamond-set bezel.
In 2018, Chanel introduced the Boy.Friend Skeleton, featuring the Caliber 3, a skeletonized mechanical movement designed and developed by the house. This exceptional mechanism, created in collaboration with Romain Gauthier, is characterized by its bold bridges and innovative lines, showcasing Chanel’s horological expertise. The latest X-Ray Red Skeleton version takes this philosophy even further, with a transparent sapphire case and vibrant carmine-red plates that capture light in a spectacular way.
