REPAIR & SERVICE
Chanel J12
Gray & Sons Jewelers, located in Miami Beach, Florida is an independent watch service center, repairing Chanel J12 watches since 1980.
Transforming a Chanel J12 Automatic Watch
Chanel Repair Services
Chanel Watch Repair - Overhaul & Detail
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Brief History On Chanel and their Watchmaking Journey
Known primarily for their women’s fashion demographic, Chanel has surprised many with their success in watchmaking as well. The fashion house based in Paris, France is famous for its perfumes, clothing, sunglasses, makeup, and of course their iconic handbags.
However, the iconic Coco Chanel is also a brilliant creator of timepieces. Tracing all the way back to the 80s, Chanel has been in the watchmaking industry for decades. Releases such as the Chanel ‘Premiere’ were loved by women all around the world. Chanel grasped inspiration from their very own Chanel No.5 perfume to design this model.
However, what really made Chanel a strong competitor in the watch industry was the release of the Chanel J12 collection which was released in the early 2000s. This collection set Chanel up for success in the high-end watch world of the 21st century.
The classic Chanel J12 is a simple feature watch that has been modified into several different models within the past two decades. Despite having inspiration for these models come from classic men’s sport-style watches, only a few of these J12 models were intended to be worn by men.
The thought for the J12 was for it to be a classic, sporty timepiece available in white or black ceramic and stainless steel. Although Swiss Raso has been doing it since the 80s, Chanel was one of the more successful brands to popularize the use of high-polished and matte ceramic as the outer components of a watch case.
This highly scratch-resistant material is made from a zirconium dioxide ceramic in black or white which is mostly a high-gloss finish, some black versions are given a matte finish for a more masculine finish.
The fascinating thing about the J12 is how Chanel was able to create a high functional dial while capturing the beauty that is Chanel. The dial of this watch is not only visually pleasing but easy to read at any time of the day. Fashion houses like Chanel have the skill set and fashion insight to know how to produce something that sells and this collection is a prime example of such.
Gray & Sons - Top Watch Repair Service Center For High Caliber Watches
The watch repair we will speak on came from a customer whose wife has given some tough love to. The watch was no longer keeping time accurately and the bezel insert needed to get replaced. There was also a significant amount of scratches on the crystal we knew we could replace to make it look brand new. Every watch that comes into Gray and Sons Jewelers for repair will automatically receive a 12-month warranty once received by the customer post-repair.
First things first, we open the case back of the watch and look for any rusted or damaged parts that need sourcing. In this case, the movement was in good condition, it just needed some cleaning and lubrication. Once we’ve diagnosed the problem on the watch and know what extra watch parts are needed, our watchmaker takes apart the watch piece by piece and prepares it for cleaning.
The movement, crystal, and watch stem are separated from the head and bracelet. The case and bracelet are given to our head polisher while our watchmakers begin working on the movement. Piece by piece, our watchmaker begins dismantling the watch’s mechanism evaluating every piece.
Once the watch parts that need sourcing are identified, our watchmaker prepares the standing parts to be cleaned and sources the parts that are needed. We use six different cleaning solutions in an ultrasonic machine to make sure all dirt, dust, and dried oils are extracted from every crevice within the watch parts.
Once the watch parts are cleaned, the watchmaker starts to reassemble the movement while adding lubricants wherever designated and replacing all the gaskets for water resistance. This tedious process usually takes around 1 to 2 hours per watch! Of course, assuming the watchmaker isn’t interrupted and all parts continue functioning.
Since this watch is made out of zirconium dioxide ceramic, we were unable to polish as that would ruin the case and bracelet. Instead, we had our polisher give this watch a full cleaning session in our ultrasonic machine to remove any dirt or particles within every crevasse that were visible.
Once our watchmaker puts together the movement and re-cases the watch, it's time for the final steps of our repair process. Prior to returning the client their watch, we must execute a final quality control process to assure the watch is running as accurately as possible.
In this quality control, we measure the watch’s amplitude using special machines that listen to the heartbeat of the watch. We also test the watch’s water resistance with a machine that simulates a deep plunge using air pressure to check for leaks.
Additionally, we check that all complications are functioning fully; in this case the date window, hour, minute, and second-hand accuracy. If both amplitude and water tests come out well, the watch gets put on our winding wheel for observation where it rotates and mimics the movement of the wrist.
With this machine, we can analyze the power reserve on the watch and make sure the automatic is providing power up to par throughout the day. Our complete restoration process usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks total.
Get to Know More About Us, Gray and Sons Jewelers - Watch Specialists
For over 41 years, Gray and Sons have specialized in the luxury business of pre-owned watches and estate jewelry. Every item in our inventory has been repaired or restored to like-new condition.
Every day customers come into our independent watch repair center to sell us their watches and jewelry items so our inventory is ever-growing. Through our constantly updated website, customers can request a free monthly catalog that includes our updated inventory, as many things come in every month.
Our sales associates are fluent in English, Spanish, French, Polish, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian so language barriers are often not a problem. Aside from buying, selling, and repairing, we also do trade-ins or take things in on consignment. Visit us for all your luxury needs!
Our showroom is located in the heart of Miami Beach diagonally across the street from the world-renowned Bal Harbour Shops. If ever in the area, we highly recommend you come into our store; we’d love to meet you!
#1 Specialist on Chanel Timepiece Watch Repairs
Visit Gray and Sons Jewelers is a one-stop source for all your luxury watches and high-end jewelry needs throughout Florida, especially in Miami, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, and Fort Lauderdale. Gray and Sons have an excellent reputation with many customers in New York, Massachusetts, California, Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Chicago. Access our website by clicking here .
OUR EXPERIENCE
OVER 150 YEARS OF COMBINED WATCHMAKING AND JEWELRY/CASE AND BRACELET REPAIR EXPERIENCE!
How to Repair Your Watch with Gray & Sons Jewelers
We offer our watch repair services locally in South Florida (Miami, Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach), nationally as well as internationally with our Easy Ship Box Option.
Local Repairs
Come visit our showroom and let us evaluate your watch. Our Swiss-trained watchmakers are among the best in the United States and we just happen to be located on Miami Beach. We will provide you an estimate before beginning any work.
National Repairs
To accommodate customers across the United States who complete repairs with us, we devised the Easy Ship Box as the fastest and most convenient way to send sensitive luxury items. This allows you to receive our state of the art services anywhere in the country, so you never compromise on the care your watch rightfully deserves.