In the luxury leather goods sector, Chanel is mainly known and recognized for its two iconic models: the 2.55 bag and the Timeless bag, also called the “Classic” fake designer bags.
Chanel is the 3rd best-selling luxury leather goods house at auction behind Hermès and Louis Vuitton; its two iconic bags, the 2.55 and Timeless models, represent 14% of Chanel bags sold at auction in 2021.
To better understand the success of these two must-have bags, let’s take a look at their stories and their prices on the second-hand market.
The 2.55 and its famous clasp
” Miss “
The 2.55 bag is a great classic of the house imagined and created in 1955 by Coco Chanel who, tired of having cluttered hands, decided to take inspiration from the shoulder bags once used by soldiers.
All the details of the 2.55 bag refer to his personal story: the burgundy color of the leather lining, reminiscent of the color of the uniforms of the convent where he grew up, a double-link chain handle inspired by those had the women of the convent around their waists to attach their keys to or the quilted pattern of her aged calfskin, referring to the stained glass windows of the Abbey of Aubazine which she frequented there.
The rectangular clasp of the 2.55 was baptized by Coco Chanel herself “Mademoiselle” because of her choice not to marry.
The Timeless bag: the younger of the 2.55 bag
Marked by the history of Coco Chanel, it has a double brass chain intertwined with a leather strap.
The clasp is also different from the 2.55: the latter is round and forms the two emblematic intertwined Cs, forming the Chanel house logo.
The Timeless bag, also called the “Classic” bag, comes in seven different sizes; including the Jumbo version and the Maxi Jumbo version.
The most popular version of the Timeless bag is made of quilted leather, and it comes in other materials such as jersey, velvet, PVC, but also exotic skins such as python or crocodile, now only available second-hand.
Indeed, the Chanel house 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 that of its flap: more rounded during the production of the first models, it later became more angular.
Some vintage models (produced before 2008) also have 24-karat gold hardware, compared to brass on recent versions. This significant asset makes vintage Timeless bags very attractive and makes them models sought after by lovers of the Chanel house and vintage bags.
What about the quotation of these parts?
The 2.55 bag in a few figures
The average price of the 2.55 on the second-hand market varies depending on its condition. At auction, it is estimated that 70% of 2.55s are sold in used or good condition.
Note that the 2.55 remains a very difficult model to find on this market and therefore this model in excellent condition sells for at least between €5,500 and €7,200 on average.
The Timeless bag in a few figures
The Timeless bag represents 9% of Chanel bags sold at auction, with growth of more than 60% over the past 10 years.
In 2010, the medium-sized Timeless bag was worth around €2,800, a few years later its price in stores reached €5,150 in 2019. A sharp increase was already noticed then, but the arrival of the global pandemic forced the house to review their prices again.
On the second-hand side, the Timeless rating and its value are rising sharply, its average price depends on the condition and the material.
The Timeless bag: a safe and durable investment
In view of the constantly evolving coast of the iconic model of the house of Chanel, the Timeless bag is a must-have of the house and is therefore, without a doubt, a safe and durable investment.
However, it is important to take care of it because if one day you want to part with it, the condition plays a determining factor in the sale.
A Timeless bag or a Jumbo bag in excellent condition sells very easily second-hand and at a very expensive price.
Opt for your Timeless bag at BrandCo Paris, by offering yourself a second-hand bag: you will enjoy yourself and be part of an eco-responsible approach.
In short, only advantages; our bags are just waiting for a new life.
