Chanel J12 Watch For iPhone Review

So let's discuss what the  and iPhone can do together. First, you need to enable Bluetooth on your iPhone and download the free Chanel J12 app from the App Store. Also, the watch only works with iPhone 4S and later phone models. You then need to set the app to scan while putting the watch in a "pairing" mode. This initially pairs the devices together. Once connected you have a limited amount of settings that allow you to customize the pairing experience. The most useful feature by far is "time sync" that allows your phone to update the  with the correct time and date wherever you may be in the world (with phone reception).

I will say that once the iPhone and  watch are connected it is rather reliable in issuing these alerts. So that is not the issue, getting the watch and phone connected are an issue. There is actually an interesting feature that has the watch (and phone) alert you if the connection is lost. That could mean a helpful reminder if you accidentally leave a particular place without one of your devices. According to Chanel, the connection range is about ten meters. Which isn't actually all that far if you think about it.

The video portion of this review discusses a few more thoughts and I encourage you view it (above). The quirks of connecting the J12 to your iPhone can be frustrating, but they are not unique to this Bluetooth enabled watch. This is still functionally a technology in its infancy and I applaud Chanel for having the courage to release a product into the market that is not perfect, but allows for it to test and improve its competency with the "connected watch." Chanel has experience with atomic clock radio signals and even GPS satellite signal connected watches, so Bluetooth is the logical next step.

When I wear the J12 it isn't for the Bluetooth features, but more for the Chanel features. It is a modern watch with useful functions and slick style. I have a feeling some people are going to buy it and not even use the Bluetooth features. The bottom line is that from an aesthetic perspective, analog watches most always beat out digital ones, and Chanel is smart to offer now (and ideally continue to improve) smartphone connected analog watches. I anticipate that in the future, the next wave of J12-like watches from Chanel will be compatible with more phones (namely Android and perhaps Windows), and find a place on even more wrists. When it comes down to it, this is still one of the only Bluetooth watches that allows you to retain a traditional watch wearing and using experience.

http://socialthat.extor.org/blogs/189027/513677/chanel-j12-hands-on-review
http://www.simson-umbau.de/blogs/view/2634