Chanel Boy: what the older reviews said about hardware and wear

Bags Reviews
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1

The Boy is a bag of structure and metal. Its thick chain and rectangular clasp make it a rawer bag than the Classic Flap.

In the older reviews of its replicas, one point kept coming back: the hardware. I suggest we reread them, bearing in mind that these are older versions. See also Celine Triomphe: JXG vs Black Frame in the reviews of the time.

Related threads: Loewe Puzzle after months of daily use: what the long-term reviews say about grained vs smooth leather and Saint Laurent Loulou after daily use: what long-term reports say about the quilting, chain and logo.

2

The oldest thread is the one that set the tone: gold hardware chipping. And the replies made a point that’s still true. Gold hardware can chip or tarnish with wear on authentic bags too.

3

And the same thread suggested ruthenium or aged-silver finishes age more gracefully. A darker metal hides wear better.

4

Then the long-term reports: a one-year wear review of a Boy WOC with gold hardware, and a later review of an old medium Boy. Flag: medium confidence. These are single-bag reports, but detailed.

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Corners and logo. In long-term reviews, those are where wear shows first. Check them in any wear-and-tear post.

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And the most recent one: a FashionReps review of a 187 factory Le Boy praised heavy, smooth hardware and a very structured bag.

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The chain is what I love most about the Boy! :heart_eyes: If it has a good weight, the whole bag looks more serious.

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The weight of the chain, yes. A light chain gives the bag away immediately, even from a distance.

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So, is gold hardware a bad idea?

10

Not a bad idea, darling, just a known trade-off. The picture across those reviews:

Hardware

  • Gold can chip or tarnish with wear, and that happens on authentic bags too.
  • Ruthenium / aged silver was suggested as ageing more gracefully.
  • The most recent review, of a 187 factory version, praised heavy, smooth hardware.

Long-term wear

  • Watch corners and the logo, where wear appears first.

Structure

  • The Boy should feel structured, and the chain weighty.

[[PHOTO: Chanel Boy clasp and chain in daylight, showing hardware finish]]
[[PHOTO: Chanel Boy corner close-up, where wear usually appears first]]

These reviews describe older versions. Current batches may differ, so judge PSP on hardware weight, edges and structure.

11

A sound summary. Metal first.