Why the Chain and Lock on Some Chanel Flaps Don’t Match in Color

It’s not uncommon for Chanel owners to notice that the gold tone on the chain doesn’t exactly match the tone on the CC lock. While this might raise concerns at first glance, for certain seasons, this detail is not only normal—it’s actually a marker of authenticity.

For example, one clear indicator of a transitional era is the engraving on the backplate of the lock. During these periods, Chanel introduced new locks with engraving styles that had never appeared in earlier collections—while often continuing to use older chain stock. These subtle inconsistencies were a direct result of internal changes, such as shifts in hardware production and supply methods. As a result, bags from certain seasons may display slight mismatches in hardware tone and finish.

The chain and lock, for example, are not always produced in the same factory or even within the same timeframe. Hardware components may be plated, finished, or assembled in different batches—sometimes weeks or months apart. In some cases, one component, like the chain, may come from a previous season’s batch.

These variations are especially common during high-production cycles or transitional periods. Rather than indicating inauthenticity, they reflect the complexity of Chanel’s evolving manufacturing process and therefore the authentication process.