Chanel has created its first-ever trophies for the Boat Race, the annual rowing contest between Oxford and Cambridge universities, as part of its title sponsorship. Unveiled at London’s Somerset House during the ceremonial Presidents’ Challenge event, the matching men’s and women’s trophies mark a new milestone in Chanel’s multi-year partnership with the historic race. Designed by Arnaud Chastaingt, director of Chanel’s watch creation studio, and crafted in the UK by Thomas Lyte, the trophies feature a traditional sterling silver cup set within a rectangular aluminium frame — white for the women’s competition and black for the men’s.

The colour scheme mirrors Chanel’s J12 watch, which has served as the official timekeeper of the race since the sponsorship began in 2024. Chanel’s involvement is expected to continue until at least 2029, encompassing the women’s race centenary in 2027 and the men’s 200th anniversary in 2029. Each trophy required over 320 hours of craftsmanship, including the unprecedented task of cutting the silver cups in half to insert them into the aluminium frames, using 120 custom fixings. “These trophies are the first in our history and they are an expression of our long-term commitment to the Boat Race,” says Frédéric Grangié, president of Chanel watches and fine jewellery.