Chanel bags : a timeless investment

In the luxury leather goods market, Chanel is mainly known and recognised for its two iconic models : the 2.55 bag and the Timeless bag, also known as the “Classique” bag.

Chanel is the 3rd most sold luxury leather goods house at auction, behind Hermès and Louis Vuitton ; its two iconic bags, the 2.55 and the Timeless represent 14% of Chanel bags sold at auction in 2021.

To better understand the success of these two must-have bags, let’s look back at their histories and their quotations on the pre-owned market.

The 2.55 and its famous “Mademoiselle” clasp

The 2.55 bag is a great classic of the house imagined and created in 1955 by Coco Chanel who, tired of having her hands cluttered, decided to take inspiration from the shoulder bags used in the past by soldiers.

All the details of the 2.55 bag refer to her personal history : the burgundy colour of the leather lining, which recalls the colour of the uniforms of the convent where she grew up, a double-link chain handle inspired by the ones that the convent women had around their waists to fasten their keys, or the quilted pattern of its aged calfskin leather, referring to the stained glass windows of the Aubazine abbey she frequented there.

The rectangular clasp of the 2.55 was named “Mademoiselle” by Coco Chanel herself because of her choice not to marry.

The Timeless bag : the progeny of the 2.55 bag

The Timeless is one of Chanel’s most iconic bags and is the result of Karl Lagerfeld’s reinterpretation of the 2.55 bag in 1983.

Marked by the history of Coco Chanel, it features a double brass chain intertwined with a leather strap.

The clasp is also different from the 2.55 : it is round and with the two emblematic interlocking Cs, forming the Chanel logo.

The Timeless bag, also known as the “Classique” bag, comes in seven different sizes ; including the Jumbo and Maxi Jumbo versions.

The most popular version of the Timeless bag is made of quilted leather, and it comes in several materials such as jersey, velvet, PVC, but also exotic skins such as python or crocodile, now only available on the pre-owned market.

Indeed, Chanel has stopped their production in 2019.

Some changes since its creation in 1983

Since its creation, the Timeless bag has undergone a few changes, such as its flap : more rounded when the first models were produced, it later became more angular.

Some vintage models (produced before 2008) also have 24-carat gold hardware, as opposed to brass on recent versions. This significant advantage makes vintage Timeless bags very attractive and makes them sought-after models by fans of Chanel and vintage bags.

What about the rating of these two pieces ?

The 2.55 bag in few figures

A buyer had to spend an average of €1303 in 2011 compared to €2,130 for the same model in 2021. This means that the average price has risen by more than 60% in five years.

It should be noted that the 2.55 remains a very difficult model to find on this market and as a result, this model in excellent condition sells for at least €5,500 to €7,200 on average.

The Timeless bag in a few figures

The Timeless bag represents 9% of Chanel bags sold at auction with a growth of +60% in the last 10 years.

In 2010, the Timeless bag medium size was worth around €2800, a few years later its price in shop reaches €5150 in 2019. A strong increase was already noticed, but the arrival of the global pandemic has forced the company to review its prices again.

Indeed, as part of a commitment to consolidate its prices worldwide, Chanel is raising prices again in 2020, by 8-12% and by almost 15% in November 2021.

Following this summer’s increase, in August 2022, the price of a medium-sized Timeless bag is €8,990 today in Chanel boutiques.

On the pre-owned side, the value of Timeless bags is rising sharply, with the average price depending on the condition and the material.

The Timeless bag: a safe and durable investment

In view of the ever-evolving coastline of the iconic Chanel model, the Timeless bag is a must-have from the house and is therefore, without a doubt, a safe and lasting investment.

It is, however, important to take care of it because if one day you wish to part with it, the condition plays a determining factor on the sale.

A Timeless bag or a Jumbo bag in excellent condition can be sold very easily in the pre-owned market and at a very expensive price.

Choose your Timeless bag with BrandCo Paris : by offering you a pre-owned bag, you will please yourself and be part of an eco-responsible approach. In short, all the advantages ; our bags are just waiting to be given a new life.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

BrandCo Paris has a concierge service that will be happy to find you the piece of your dreams.

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