'Reissue 2.55' vs 'Classic flap' in 2013 - which is better?

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Hello there, I don't own either of these bags, but I am looking into buying one in the near future. I have some specific questions. Hope you can help!

1. Is one bag considered more timeless than the other? Reissue vs Classic flap
2. Which bag is likely to hold it's value more?
3. Does the proper 2005 Reissue 2.55 have any distinguishable features compared to the general Reissues kicking around in the Chanel boutiques today?

I'm new to Chanel and am trying to do a crash course before I part with a huge wad of cash - the prices are RIDICULOUS! I really wish I'd bought one back in 2008, or something! Sigh.
 
Hi :smile1:

I'm trying to answer your questions the best way I can

1) The reissue (or 2.55) is the bag that Coco Chanel designed in February 1955 (therefore 2.55) and is the classic and iconic Chanel bag, while the classic flap is a kind of new interpretation - so to say - of the 2.55 designed by Karl Lagerfeld in the 80's... So maybe one would say the 2.55 is more timeless, but today the classic flap is considered timeless as well

2) This I can't answer quite properly but I would say both styles... Reissue and classic flaps are styles with a high demand among customers and both will keep or even increase their value

3) Sorry, I can't answer that because I don't have a reissue and never had a closer look at one, I only have classic flaps... but there are Ladies here who own several reissues, they can help you for sure
 
Both are classic and timeless. As Maryjoe said the "reissue" is the original 2.55 and the "classic flap" is Karl's version when he took over in the 80's. The 2005 anniversary reissues were to commemorate the original version. And have the stamping showing this under the flap. The reissues today are the same "design" (Coco's original) but may come in different fabrications & colors, etc. and the dimensions have changed a little bit since 2008.

As of today Classic Flaps do hold their value a bit better than Reissues although they hold up pretty well themselves. Resale is a bit tougher today since the prices have gone bananas. People are looking for deals and are not wanting to pay those kind of prices on ebay etc. Exceptions of course are rare HTF colors, etc.
 
I had the same dilemma in April when choosing between classic flap and reissue, I choose the classic flap in the end though. Both keep there value, so depends on what you prefer the style of.
 
Hello there, I don't own either of these bags, but I am looking into buying one in the near future. I have some specific questions. Hope you can help!

1. Is one bag considered more timeless than the other? Reissue vs Classic flap
2. Which bag is likely to hold it's value more?
3. Does the proper 2005 Reissue 2.55 have any distinguishable features compared to the general Reissues kicking around in the Chanel boutiques today?

I'm new to Chanel and am trying to do a crash course before I part with a huge wad of cash - the prices are RIDICULOUS! I really wish I'd bought one back in 2008, or something! Sigh.

Hi! I only own a "reissue" - meaning it has a mademoiselle lock vs the cc lock and the leather is not the caviar. So- I can't speak to most of what you are asking but ---
I was surfing for pre-loved Chanel the other day and I came across a 2.55 from 2005. On the inside of my inner red flap, I just have the CC stitched and on the 2005 there was the date "2005" stamped or stitched as well. I will try to find the link and post later so you can see. Presuming that one was authentic of course, but it was from a reputable site.
 
Although I love both, I think you should get the M/L classic in black with gold hardware. If you are only getting one, it's an iconic style that will get a lot of use.

The reissue is gorgeous too though. That's the next bag on my list, but in the 226 size. I love the gold chain. Although it came first, most people recognize the CC lock as quintessentially Chanel now.
 
Thanks so much for all of your detailed posts x So knowledgable!

Argh... This is hard!

I hope I can hear a few comments from ladies (are there ever any men?) who own the proper 2005 Reissues. I think it will boil down to that bag or a Classic flap.
 
:smile1:
Although I love both, I think you should get the M/L classic in black with gold hardware. If you are only getting one, it's an iconic style that will get a lot of use.

The reissue is gorgeous too though. That's the next bag on my list, but in the 226 size. I love the gold chain. Although it came first, most people recognize the CC lock as quintessentially Chanel now.
 
I had the same dilemma in April when choosing between classic flap and reissue, I choose the classic flap in the end though. Both keep there value, so depends on what you prefer the style of.
Must've been so hard to decide, but you did it! There's hope for me yet! I think I'm kind of romantic and like the idea of the first ever Chanel bag (2005 2.55). I read Coco Chanels first bags were actually made out of quilted jersey. I wonder if that's true.
 
Both are classic and timeless. As Maryjoe said the "reissue" is the original 2.55 and the "classic flap" is Karl's version when he took over in the 80's. The 2005 anniversary reissues were to commemorate the original version. And have the stamping showing this under the flap. The reissues today are the same "design" (Coco's original) but may come in different fabrications & colors, etc. and the dimensions have changed a little bit since 2008.

As of today Classic Flaps do hold their value a bit better than Reissues although they hold up pretty well themselves. Resale is a bit tougher today since the prices have gone bananas. People are looking for deals and are not wanting to pay those kind of prices on ebay etc. Exceptions of course are rare HTF colors, etc.


Really? Chanel resales are slowing done? I'm still learning about the Chanel bag world. I thought that because direct-from-boutique prices are now so crazy, that people would be clamouring for a grand off a bag here and there. It seems the longer you leave a brand new Chanel bag purchase the more stuffed you are.

Is Chanel trying to make their bags as exclusive as Birkins?
 
Really? Chanel resales are slowing done? I'm still learning about the Chanel bag world. I thought that because direct-from-boutique prices are now so crazy, that people would be clamouring for a grand off a bag here and there. It seems the longer you leave a brand new Chanel bag purchase the more stuffed you are.

Is Chanel trying to make their bags as exclusive as Birkins?


Not really slowing down, they are still very much in demand and hold up really well. I'm just saying since the prices are so nutty now, it's harder to make all of your money back or a profit.

I wouldn't say as exclusive as Hermes. Just taking a bit of inspiration from their model, I would say. By the prices being higher and somewhat limiting stock, it makes the Classic flap a bit harder to obtain and trying to maintain some exclusivity for the brands most iconic piece.
 
Not really slowing down, they are still very much in demand and hold up really well. I'm just saying since the prices are so nutty now, it's harder to make all of your money back or a profit.

I wouldn't say as exclusive as Hermes. Just taking a bit of inspiration from their model, I would say. By the prices being higher and somewhat limiting stock, it makes the Classic flap a bit harder to obtain and trying to maintain some exclusivity for the brands most iconic piece.


Ah...I get you now. I guess a few years ago you could get your full $2000 dollars back. Now making your full $4000+ is hard. All of you lucky, lucky people who bought Chanel classics years ago :p
 
As a bag lover but not a Chanel regular (Hermès regular) I like the reissue better, but a huge part of that is because I prefer minimal logos on my bags. I will say that both styles of flap bag are awesomely practical and usable, to be honest more than a Birkin or Kelly, which is why I bought a Chanel reissue (grey 226) when I could have purchased a gently pre-loved Kelly. The chain (doubled or single), the multiple pockets - honestly I adore this bag.
If you are looking for pure resale value the classic flap is probably just a touch better than the reissue, but then again there are SO many out there.
 
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