Chanel?s latest J12 sports watch might seem like a bit of frippery but character watches have been around almost as long as the wristwatch.

By James Buttery

Only a precious few of the watches shown at Baselworld managed to raise more than the customary nod of approval from the QP editorial team this year. But I don?t mind admitting that one watch managed to cut straight through my professional defences, inducing an outright grin.
Chanel?s latest addition to the J12 collection sees a caricature of Chanel?s legendary founder, Gabrielle, at the centre of its the dial with her arms serving as minute and hour hands.

It would be easy to dismiss Chanel?s Mademoiselle J12 as something of a kitsch novelty, but this whimsical headline-grabber has a bit more pedigree than that, some 84 years in the making. For Chanel has revived the character watch, a genre that is sure to hold a special place in the hearts of many as playful respite from the serious business of fine watchmaking. Disney origins
The character wristwatch began life in 1933 at the Chicago World?s Fair with the appearance of Mickey Mouse on the dial of Ingersoll-Waterbury watches. The man behind the deal was Herman ?Kay? Kamen, the owner of a Kansas City advertising business with experience of marketing and merchandise.
Walt Disney and his brother Roy, who struggled with cash flow in the early years of the business, agreed to meet with Kamen the next time he was in California. Kamen immediately withdrew his life saving...