Uniquely amongst brands which made a show of their wares at this year’s Watches and Wonders Geneva, Chanel had thematic unity in its Interstellar capsule collection as well as its general releases, making this unique Eclipse set a chapter in a much bigger story. Eclipse is a set of seven J12 timepieces, each displaying a different moon phase. This is not done with a display of the moon phases, but by using the entire dial and case to represent each phase. The set is also a visual representation of a solar or lunar eclipse.
It is clear that this is an exercise of visual poetry and horological dexterity, as you can only achieve the full effect with all seven timepieces arranged in their correct order. Interstellar was inspired by science fiction, but also real-life space-time. Eclipse is not an astronomical set, but its inspiration is heaven-sent.
The individual J12 watches in this set have the same automatic calibre as the standard models. The 38mm (46.6mm lug to lug) diameter of all models is the same. They also have the exact same water resistance. The wearing experience may be different based on the amount of white or black ceramic. The segments you can see on the bezel are made of baguette-cut, individually set ceramic. This gives the watches a texture that is beyond their visual appeal.
It’s purely psychological, but having all seven timepieces on hand gives you options. It is nice to see all the watches in one box. But, as the set is only available for purchase, it is not possible to discuss individual differences.
This entire story is also academic because the Eclipse seven-piece set is unique, and therefore most likely not available to anyone. It is unique, just like most special editions of this type. We think it would be a shame for a set of this caliber to go unremarked, so we hope that this story will serve as a sort of documentary.
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