This prestigious race, a much-anticipated annual showdown between Oxford and Cambridge Universities, has been a staple of the UK sporting calendar since its inception in 1829. Held on the River Thames, the 4.25-mile Championship Course between Putney and Mortlake sees eight-rower crews from both universities battle it out in front of a live audience of over 250,000 spectators. Millions more tune in via BBC’s global broadcast, making it one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide.
Scheduled for 13 April 2025, The CHANEL J12 Boat Race promises to be an exhilarating competition, with CHANEL bringing its luxury heritage and pursuit of excellence to the historic event.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
The collaboration between CHANEL and The Boat Race is a celebration of shared ideals—both institutions are committed to precision, craftsmanship, and collective effort. Frédéric Grangié, President of CHANEL Watches & Fine Jewellery, explained the synergy:
“Synchronicity in rowing is as crucial to the race as watchmaking craftsmanship is to accurate timekeeping. Every rower, like every mechanism in a watch, must work in perfect harmony. We’re honoured to be the first official timekeeper in the race’s history, and we look forward to bringing this partnership to life through the CHANEL world and our iconic J12 watches.”
CHANEL’s involvement with the sport dates back to its founder, Gabrielle Chanel, who championed women’s freedom of movement through her designs, inspired by sporting attire. This long-standing connection to sport, combined with the brand’s dedication to innovation, makes the partnership a natural fit.
Taking The Boat Race to New Heights
Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of The Boat Race Company Ltd, expressed excitement about the new partnership:
“We’re thrilled to welcome CHANEL as our Title Sponsor. From the moment we met, it was clear they understood the appeal of our event. Their involvement will elevate The Boat Race to new heights, introducing it to wider audiences while enhancing the experience for our millions of loyal followers.”
The 2025 race will continue the tradition of showcasing the exceptional talent and teamwork of the Oxford and Cambridge rowers, mirroring CHANEL’s own commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and design.
The J12 Watch: A Symbol of Precision
The CHANEL J12 watch, launched in 2000 and inspired by the J Class 12-metre race boats, is a fitting symbol for this collaboration. Produced in the CHANEL Watch Manufacture in Switzerland, the J12 is powered by advanced self-winding movements and epitomises precision and luxury—much like the coordination required in The Boat Race.
As CHANEL steps into its role as both Title Sponsor and Official Timekeeper, The CHANEL J12 Boat Race is set to become an even more extraordinary event, celebrating the best in sport, craftsmanship, and collective effort.
