Buy a pre-owned Chanel bag, watch or jewel at The Swiss Collector
Founded in Paris in 1910 by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, the house of Chanel has become one of the most powerful symbols of luxury in the world. A pioneer of female emancipation through fashion, Coco Chanel revolutionised the art of dressing and accessorising with a radical philosophy : freedom, elegance and simplicity as the only imperatives. From Costume jewellery to high jewellery, from the revolutionary 2.55 bag to the iconic J12 and Boyfriend watches, every Chanel creation embodies a coherent and inimitable vision. At The Swiss Collector, our selection of pre-owned Chanel pieces (bags, watches and jewellery) evolves continuously, each one unique.
The History of Chanel : Over a Century of Creative Audacity
The Origins of a Revolutionary (1910–1954)
In 1910, Gabrielle Chanel opened her first millinery boutique on Rue Cambon in Paris. She quickly imposed a new style : clean lines, jersey fabric and freedom of movement, a total break from the Victorian corset. In 1921, she launched N°5, the first perfume to bear the name of its couturière. In 1932, she presented her first high jewellery collection, Bijoux de Diamants : a revolution combining diamonds, platinum and abstract motifs inspired by comets and stars. The same decade saw the birth of the famous tweed suit, which became the house's absolute emblem.
Legacy and Renewal (1954–2000)
After a long interruption due to the Second World War, Coco Chanel reopened her house in 1954 and presented a collection of suits that would influence global fashion for decades. Following her passing in 1971, Karl Lagerfeld took creative control in 1983, breathing new energy into the house while preserving its DNA. He reissued the 2.55 bag in 2005 for its 50th anniversary and launched the Boy bag in 2011, directly inspired by Coco's love story with Arthur "Boy" Capel. In 1987, Chanel entered the world of watchmaking with the Première : a watch with a case shaped like the N°5 bottle.
The Contemporary Era (2000–Today)
In 2000, the J12 made its watchmaking debut : the first high-tech ceramic case, in black or white, immediately became a horological icon of the 21st century. In 2015, the Boyfriend introduced a rectangular case with a masculine-feminine spirit, true to Coco's subversive DNA. Since 2019, Chanel has committed to full traceability of its gold and diamonds. In 2025, the J12 Bleu was launched with the in-house calibre 12.2, developed in partnership with Kenissi : a strategic investment that firmly anchors Chanel in the world of fine watchmaking.
Collections & Iconic Pieces
Watches
Bags
Jewellery
Key References & Secondary Market Prices
J12 Black / White Ceramic 38mm (H5697, H0970)
CHF 3,000 – CHF 6,500
J12 Chronograph Ceramic 41mm
CHF 9,000 – CHF 13,000
Boyfriend Steel
CHF 3,500 – CHF 6,000
2.55 / Classic Flap Medium Black Caviar Leather
CHF 5,500 – CHF 9,500
2.55 / Classic Flap Mini Lambskin
CHF 3,500 – CHF 5,500
Boy Medium Caviar Leather
CHF 3,500 – CHF 7,000
Values vary depending on condition, size, vintage and presence of box and certificates. Contact our TSC experts for a precise valuation.
Chanel vs Hermès vs Louis Vuitton : Which to Choose ?
Chanel
The choice for those seeking a piece with strong historical heritage, an immediately recognisable visual identity and a proven appreciation potential. The 2.55 bag has multiplied in price sixfold over twenty years. The J12 remains a unique horological reference in the world of fashion luxury.
Hermès
Shares with Chanel the status of an absolute safe-haven on the secondary market, with Birkin and Kelly bags regularly exceeding their retail price. A more artisanal and less "fashion-forward" positioning, oriented more towards heritage and legacy.
Louis Vuitton
More accessible at entry level, with a larger production and therefore a more pronounced secondary market depreciation on standard models. Limited editions and artistic collaborations, however, are highly prized by collectors.
Our Swiss Collector Verdict
If you are looking for a piece at the intersection of fashion, lifestyle and investment, Chanel is hard to beat. The 2.55 for history, the Boy for character, the J12 for watchmaking.

Chanel and Its Iconic Figures
Chanel has always surrounded itself with personalities who embody its spirit of elegance and modernity :
- Grace Kelly : actress and Princess of Monaco, a long-standing client for whom Chanel created many iconic pieces
- Keira Knightley : British actress, ambassador for Chanel watches since 2020
- G-Dragon : South Korean singer and global ambassador, symbolising the alliance between tradition and pop culture
- Deepika Padukone : Indian actress and the face of Chanel in its international campaigns
- Angèle : Belgian singer, beauty and fashion ambassador since 2020, regularly seen wearing Chanel jewellery and watches on red carpets
- Karl Lagerfeld : creative director from 1983 to 2019, architect of the house's global renown
Buying Pre-Owned Chanel at The Swiss Collector
- Budget : Pre-owned Chanel pieces start from CHF 500 for Costume jewellery. J12 ceramic watches start around CHF 3,000. The 2.55 and Boy bags range from CHF 3,500 to CHF 9,500 depending on model and condition.
- Condition : Every piece is classified according to four levels (like new, very good condition, good condition or worn condition) with high-definition photographs.
- Rigorous Selection : Every bag, watch or jewel is carefully selected and assessed by our experts before being listed for sale.
- Box & Papers (full set) : Clearly identified in our listings.
- Secure Delivery : Insured and trackable worldwide shipping.
Caring for a Pre-Owned Chanel Piece
Watches
Chanel recommends a full service every 4 to 5 years. The J12's ceramic case is scratch-resistant, but the movement must be regularly maintained to preserve its accuracy.
Bags
Store Chanel bags in their protective dust bag, away from light and moisture. Caviar leather is more resistant to daily wear than lambskin. Professional reconditioning every 3 to 5 years helps preserve the leather's lustre and the shine of the gold hardware.
Signs of Good Preservation
Even and unfrayed stitching, hardware with no excessive tarnishing, clean interior free from odour, serial number clearly legible on the authenticity label.