The Boy.Friend watch, first introduced in 2015, is, in my opinion, one of the most successful contributions to the field of luxury timepieces in recent times.

Created for those who appreciate timeless refinement, yet follow their own paths when it comes to fashion, its target group is mainly women who dare to combine a high-end timepiece – be it a watch aimed at men or women – with a casual look such as an oversized shirt, ankle boots, and a cool pair of jeans.

I feel that the Chanel Boy.Friend perfectly embodies the spirit of the great Coco Chanel, who had a penchant for masculine fabrics and cuts.

To this day, the marque follows the adages of the legendary founder of the Parisian fashion brand – which includes sayings like “simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance” and “fashion fades, only style remains,” proving them true.

Chanel Boy.Friend Skeleton

Parisian style to the core

In this sense, the Boy.Friend embodies the essence of the inimitable style and unique class that a real Parisian exudes. And this watch is Paris to the core.

Chanel Boy.Friend Skeleton with diamond-set bezel

Timeless refinement distinguishes its signature clean lines inspired by the octagonal design of the Première watch, Chanel’s first timepiece from 1987.

Like the Première, it takes its beveled lines from the stopper of the Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle in turn inspired by the city of love and lights’ famous Place Vendôme.

Speaking of love and light, these two words seem to characterize the personality of the new Boy.Friend Skeleton unveiled at Baselworld 2018: enhancing the line with not only its third manufacture movement – aptly named Caliber 3 – a horological statement by itself, and a superbly skeletonized one at that, indicates how dear this collection is to Chanel.

Chanel Caliber 3: a tribute to love and light

Manually-wound Caliber 3, comprising 114 components, has been three years in the making. Indicating “just” the hours and minutes, it beats at a contemporary 4 Hz and boasts a 55-hour power reserve. So much for the bare technical features.

Making of a Chanel Caliber 3

What makes Caliber 3 a true gem for me is its artisanal character. In keeping with the maison’s signature aesthetics, the geometry of the skeletonized movement was designed to be beautiful from every angle, featuring a series of interlinked, vertically aligned circles.

Chanel Caliber 3 powers the Boy.Friend Skeleton

The black coating of ADLC (Amorphous Diamond-Like Carbon) on its plates and bridges, combined with a unique contrasting galvanic application of the brand’s beige gold on the chamfers of the movement holder and the lower circular plate, add even more depth to the movement. Caliber 3 appears more ethereal than solid, seeming to “float” inside its octagonal case, which is crafted in Chanel’s own beige gold alloy.

Chanel Boy.Friend Skeleton

The beige gold-plated hands glide through their rounds above the dark-colored movement.

The result is breathtaking, proving another of Coco Chanel’s sayings, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” The Boy.Friend watch certainly is.

The timepiece is also available with brilliant-cut diamonds highlighting the miniature Place Vendôme shape.

For more information, please visit www.chanel.com/watches-jewelry/watches/boy-friend.

Quick Facts Chanel Boy.Friend Skeleton
Case: 37 x 28.6 x 8.4 mm, beige gold with onyx cabochon
Movement: manual winding manufacture Caliber 3, skeleton, power reserve 55 hours; 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency, variable inertia balance
Functions: hours, minutes
Price: $40,600-$51,400