Now you must understand how to interpret the Chanel date code chart provided. Upon locating your bag's serial number, ascertain the number of digits it contains. A seven-digit serial number indicates manufacturing before 2005, while eight digits signify later production. Most Chanel bags made in 1986 feature a seven-digit code, although some from the early part of that year may have had only six digits, with the initial '0' omitted and replaced by '1' or '2'.
The initial number in a seven-digit Chanel date code and the first two digits in an eight-digit code denote the manufacturing year of the bag. These codes consist entirely of numbers, with no instances of 'X'. In the chart, 'X' merely denotes the placeholder for a random number.
Suppose you're authenticating a Chanel bag bearing the serial number 28794237. Since it comprises eight digits, we consider the first two: '28'. Referencing our Chanel date code chart, we determine it was manufactured in 2019.
Did you recently buy a Chanel bag from the boutique and were surprised not to find the usual hologram serial sticker and authenticity card? Don't worry!
Since April 2021, Chanel has introduced a fresh authentication method for its handbags and chain wallets. The traditional serial stickers and accompanying authenticity cards, which you've relied on for years, are now a thing of the past. In their place, microchips have been installed inside the bags, containing all the necessary authentication details digitally.
THE EVOLUTION OF CHANEL'S SERIAL STICKER AND AUTHENTICITY CARD:
A BRIEF HISTORY
Serial stickers and authenticity cards were not always part of Chanel bags.
It wasn't until 1984 that every bag began to feature its own sticker, showcasing a unique serial number.
Accompanying the sticker was an authenticity card, introduced simultaneously, which bore the same serial number. This credit-card-sized black plastic card was typically housed inside the bag, often within the inner pocket.
Termed as a date code or authenticity code, the digits within the serial number were tailored to each bag, indicating the time and place of its production.
Over time, the stickers underwent six design iterations.
The numerical composition of the serial numbers also evolved, commencing with a 6-digit code in the mid-80s and expanding to 8 digits by 2021.
With the most recent 8-digit codes commencing with 31 or 32, bags bearing these codes might represent the final batch to feature stickers and authenticity cards before transitioning to the new microchip system.
Bags from the 21A collection onwards will be equipped with microchips.
INTRODUCING THE NEW CHANEL MICROCHIP: A BREAKDOWN
The primary feature of Chanel's updated authentication system is the metal plate, which supplants the traditional serial sticker.
This plate, approximately 1.2 inches wide, assumes the form of a small rectangle affixed to the bag's interior. Its metal hue harmonizes with the bag's hardware, ensuring a seamless aesthetic.
Emblazoned on the plate is the iconic interlocking CC logo, beneath which resides an 8-digit alphanumeric serial code.
Embedded within the plate lies the actual microchip.
Utilizing NFC technology (near-field communication), the chip enables specific devices to exchange data with other NFC-equipped counterparts (think Apple Pay).
Additionally, the chip leverages blockchain technology, a data storage system that is exceedingly challenging to modify or tamper with once recorded.
The information encapsulated within the scannable chip not only confirms authenticity but also encompasses the bag's entire lifecycle - spanning from its inception to distribution, purchase, and any subsequent repairs.
Access to the microchip data is restricted to proprietary machines wielded exclusively by Chanel sales associates and boutique managers for scanning purposes.
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