It is believed that you can tell people apart judging by watches they choose. What can you say about someone flashing a sleek Chanel J12 watch on the wrist? The person is glamorous, endowed with an intense sense of style, a bit bold and ready to break the barriers. Chanel J12 watch was the first unisex timepiece made by the famous French company. It erased the seemingly unconquerable barrier between the man and the woman - a new philosophy that fits so well within the modern urban lifestyle. It emancipated the woman even furthermore and freed the man from the forced macho image.

Since its d'but year in 2000, the J12 has become a real style icon. In terms of traditions, Chanel is still quite a young name in watchmaking. The first watch by Chanel, called Premiere was created in 1987. Although Chanel creations boast a true French style, all watches are actually produced in Switzerland in Chanel's own workshops to ensure the best quality. Its design is amazingly simple yet you will be able to tell a J12 from a distance - such a strong impression it leaves.

Chanel J12 watch is a sign of a good taste. Celebrities owning a J12 include Jassica Simpson, Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Heidi Montag, Fearn Cotton, Ashley Tisdale, Dale Winton and many others. They have many different models to choose from. At the moment there are 23 variations of the traditional 38mm watch available: white ceramic, black ceramic, white with diamonds, black with diamonds, pink sapphire, pink gold to name just a few. Then there are two types of a larger 42mm GMT watch, a Superleggera, which is a certified chronograph plus an array of exclusive editions and custom versions of timepieces.

The materials applied to make a Chanel J12 watch are exquisite and high-tech. Its automatic movement is very sophisticated and precise; the white or black ceramic used to make its case and bracelet is borrowed from a recipe created by NASA to build parts for their rocket ships. Ceramic is a nice and bold move away from the usual metal and leather world of wristwatches.

At the dawn of the 21st century, use of ceramic was more a privilege of dentists - many thought that the daring project of Chanel might as well end in a disaster. Still, after a short while, the J12 became an object of a desire amongst both men and women. It has retained and grown its status for 9 years and is still on the top of a fashion wave. The classic J12 shape is still in production, yet the line has added other variations to appeal to a wider community of high-style lovers. Many fashion designers have actually noted that a ceramic watch fits contemporary urban clothing much better than a traditional combination of metal and leather. A Chanel J12 watch is like a chameleon - it will boost your sportive image if worn with sports garment and look amazingly well with your smart suit or cocktail dress.

You can also swap watches with your boyfriend or girlfriend and nobody will think it's inappropriate - unisex is a great freedom and another step towards unifying different kinds of people and different styles.