Première Sound by Chanel, the hybrid jewel that reinvents listening

After years of dominance by wireless earbuds, popularized by Apple’s AirPods, a new wave of nostalgia has brought wired earbuds back into vogue. This return to the Y2K aesthetic, influenced by the culture of the 2000s, has been widely embraced by numerous celebrities and influencers, reviving an accessory that was thought to be obsolete. This movement, more than just a trend, seems to reflect a desire to reconnect with a time when technology, even after significant advancements, was still tangible and palpable, far from the immateriality of today’s wireless devices. Another tangible proof of this wired headphone revival: the Première Sound by Chanel, a hybrid jewel combining a watch, necklace, and headphones that has become one of the hottest accessories of the moment. It draws its essence from Chanel’s history, a harmonious blend of the house's glorious past and a bold vision for the future. It all began in 1987 with the first Première watch, designed to capture the spirit of Gabrielle Chanel. Its octagonal design, inspired by the stopper of the mythical No. 5 perfume bottle, and its bracelet evoking the chain of the brand’s iconic handbag, pay a dignified tribute to the house’s heritage at 31 Rue Cambon. Nearly four decades later, under the direction of Arnaud Chastaingt, director of Chanel’s watchmaking creation studio, this watch has now transformed into an avant-garde accessory. The Première Sound is no longer simply a watch, but a hybrid piece where luxury watchmaking meets cutting-edge audio technology. The watch’s bracelet transforms into a sophisticated necklace, integrating high-fidelity headphones that allow not only timekeeping but also connectivity, enabling calls and music playback. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Première Sound is how Chanel has managed to blend technology and elegance while maintaining the brand’s iconic refinement. In collaboration with Master & Dynamic, a high-end audio specialist, the illustrious house has designed headphones that combine functionality and aesthetics. The octagonal steel case, enhanced with a fine layer of 18k yellow gold, not only honors the brand's heritage but does so while embodying timeless luxury. These headphones are not just an accessory; they are the centerpiece. Equipped with modern features like an integrated remote for managing calls and music, they stand out with their compatibility with USB-C and Apple Lightning formats, adapting to current technologies. Their passive noise isolation capability ensures an immersive listening experience, reducing external noise for optimal sound quality. Beyond their technical performance, these headphones make a bold fashion statement. Their design reflects Chanel’s visual signature, with attention to detail that is the hallmark of the house. The necklace, meanwhile, adapts to any occasion, able to be worn traditionally or with the detachable headphones, offering flexibility in tune with the rhythms of modern life.

Already spotted on Jennie, the star of K-pop group Blackpink, then in the official campaign featuring Lily-Rose Depp, and most recently around the neck of Lana Del Rey during her appearance at the Rock en Seine festival, this jewel is not just following the trend, it’s redefining it. Its launch took place at an exclusive pop-up at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris, an iconic location for fashion and luxury. This space, open until October 2, 2024, showcases this new creation but also offers a retrospective of Chanel’s first watches, highlighting the evolution of the house in the luxury watchmaking field. This pop-up, more than just a showcase, is a true cultural event where visitors can discover Chanel’s watchmaking heritage while experiencing the modernity of the Première Sound. A place where past and present meet, where technology serves craftsmanship to create pieces that transcend time.