Chanel Celebrates the Première Original Edition Watch

The model and musician Soo Joo Park has a complicated relationship with time. “I’m usually running a little bit late,” she told T&C. “People call it California time, which means being about 15 minutes behind the time you’re supposed to be somewhere. It’s a bad habit, but I’m trying to break it.”

Luckily she’ll have help. Park is the face of Chanel’s new Première Original Edition watch, which will be available in stores October 1. The timepiece, which was first released in 1987, has been reimagined by Arnaud Chastaingt for the modern moment, and Park was celebrating its release on September 27 at Casa Cruz in New York City alongside guests including Ivy Getty, Jessica Seinfeld, Jon Neidich, Anna Weyant, Melodie Monrose, Lily Allen, and more.

What about the Première Original Edition—besides its ability to keep Park, who’ll be releasing new music soon, on schedule—appeals? “First of all, I love the design,” she said. “It has the DNA of Chanel all over it.” Indeed, the watch features an octagonal face, like the Chanel No. 5 bottle stopper, and a strap meant to mimic that of the house’s quilted bags.

“The reason I love Chanel is that it was started by a woman who wanted to break boundaries and bring to life a vision she believed in,” Park said. “It’s about celebrating women who are classy but can be rebellious at times.” And it’s always the right time for that.