CHANEL’s new Première Sound collection is something unexpected: a watch that moonlights as a necklace and—wait for it—headphones. In 2024, where wireless reigns supreme, CHANEL has gone old-school with a set of chic wired headphones. It’s a bold move for a brand known for rewriting the rules. But is it fashion’s latest must-have or a passing trend?

The Première Sound is more than a timepiece. With an 18k gold-coated steel chain that drapes around your neck like a necklace, it’s part tech, part jewellery—though CHANEL would prefer you see it as couture on a string. There’s more than a nod to the brand’s heritage here, with the watch taking inspiration from the 1987 Première model, which in turn was modelled after the stopper of a Chanel No. 5 bottle. On Lily-Rose Depp—who fronts the campaign—it becomes a vision of effortless cool, a mix of Parisian insouciance and tech-savvy innovation.

And then there are the headphones. CHANEL’s bet on wired technology in an age where most have ditched the cord feels like a deliberate choice. Perhaps it’s a reminder that wired headphones, with their black and gold detailing and functional 3.5mm jack (yes, it works with USB-C adapters), offer something their wireless cousins can’t: longevity. No batteries, no Bluetooth pairing, just plug and play.

Is it logic to the decision, or is it simply nostalgia wrapped in couture?

CHANEL’s foray into watch-jewellery is nothing new. Pendant watches have been around since the 18th century, initially serving as decorative accessories worn around the neck to symbolise wealth. They saw notable revivals during the Belle Époque and Art Nouveau periods. During the Belle Époque, pendant watches were celebrated for their luxury and often embellished with gemstones. The Art Nouveau movement brought its own twist, featuring pendant watches with intricate, flowing designs that matched the era’s emphasis on artistic ornamentation. CHANEL, ever the master of reinvention, takes this historic accessory and spins it for the 21st century, adding just the right amount of tech to make it modern without losing its soul.

The question remains: Will wired headphones become a fashion statement? Or is CHANEL simply reminding us that style sometimes comes with strings attached?

In 2024, wired headphones might seem, well, dated. But that’s exactly the point—CHANEL doesn’t do predictable. This move feels like a deliberate subversion, a refusal to conform to the wireless revolution. And there’s a sustainability angle here too. After all, wired tech lasts longer, doesn’t require constant charging, and reduces the environmental burden of batteries. So maybe CHANEL’s wired accessories are less of a step backward and more of a leap forward, with a stylish wink at durability.

So, is it a hit? In CHANEL’s world, it might be more than that: a tune you’ll want to play on repeat.