Robb Report Christmas Gift Guide For Him

25 of the finest presents for the men in your life. Or, yourself.

By Terry Christodoulou 26/11/2020

Specific, elevated tastes? We know you and we know you don’t want to smile through another unremarkable gift unwrapping.

And so – introducing the curated, Robb Report selection of gifts.

 

Technics – SL-1200GR Direct Drive Turntable System

Technics SL 1200GR

Technics has long delivered the gold standard for turntable systems. Here, in the SL-1200GR, the revered brand combines its analogue know-how with leading edge digital technologies. Smoother rotation through the high-precision motor control achieves better, more replicable sound while the aluminium diecast turntable platter pursues rigidity and vibration damping for an indulgent listening experience.

$2749; lenwallisaudio.com

 

Dior – Oblique Hawaiian Beaded Shirt

Dior Oblique Hawaiian Beaded Shirt

This short-sleeved shirt is cut in silk twill and offers a relaxed silhouette with a convertible collar. The navy fabric is paired with a reinterpreted ‘Dior’ signature seeing a pearl effect. A visible button placket and chest pocket is paired with a straight hem while side vents further its summery appeal.

$2000; dior.com

 

Technogym Bench

Christmas Gift Guide

A lot of fitness gadgetry and fads claim to be all-inclusive – even though few are. Technogym’s newest addition, the Technogym Bench, brings training back to basics. The bench combines various fitness bands (in three different resistance levels), hexagon dumbbells (totalling 57kgs), weighted knuckles and a training mat, all concealed in an elegant storage solution easily moved out of sight courtesy of attached wheels.

$2290; Technogym.com

Targa Great Barrier Reef – Ferrari Brisbane 

Targa Great Barrier Reef.

Open to Ferrari owners (hey, we know you’re there) this is an ultimate road experience – one that means belting said Prancing Horse in and around the lush nature that frames Cairns and some impressive Far North Queensland roads. This is closed road racing, an unforgettable three days spent navigating the heady Targa circuit with all aspects (vehicle transfer, meals, luxury accommodation, more) curated and seamlessly delivered by Ferrari Brisbane.

Next year’s race is set for September 3-5; brisbane.ferraridealers.com, +61 (0) 7 3853 0125

Hasselblad – 907X

Christmas Gift Guide

This vintage inspired camera not only arrives with plenty of design cred – by virtue of its boxy, retro aesthetic – but also holds plenty of technical capability. The 907X is the Hasselblad’s smallest, lightest medium format camera ever. Boasting a CFV II 50C digital back (which can ingeniously fit almost every V system body going back 60 years) the 50-megapixel CMOS sensor is capable of stunning resolution, exceptional colour and a wide dynamic range of 14 stops.

$14,750; Hasselblad.com

 

Aston Martin – AMR-C01 Racing Simulator

Christmas Gift Guide

Short of gifting an actual Aston (and wouldn’t you be the ultimate Santa in doing so), the British marque’s luxurious simulator comes close. Taking first steps into the digital world of simulated driving by partnering with Curv Racing Simulators, the AMR-C01 offers the very best in driving simulation through Assetto Corsa software grafted to the luxury details and finishes such as a carbon-fibre monocoque and the same seating position found in the Valkyrie supercar.

Approx. $104,000; curvrs.com

The Balvenie – 30-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Christmas

Hailing from Speyside in the Scottish Highlands, Balvenie’s expression is one of the lightest and most delicate in the region with little to no peat. The rare and especially fine single malt finds its way into traditional oak whisky casks before being transferred to European oak sherry casks. Expect silky, honeyed notes on the nose with mellow levels of oak and orange peel before arriving at a dark chocolate, plum, marzipan and caramelised pear taste executed on a lingering sweet finish.

$1499; nicks.com.au

 

Bang & Olufsen – H95 Adaptive ANC Headphones

This stylish set of headphones offers Danish outfit Bang & Olufsen’s expertise in noise-cancelling and sound production. Customised titanium drivers and the brand’s signal processing engine create an unrivalled wireless listening experience while premium materials designed to embrace the ear are made from soft top grain lambskin and ductile memory foam. Aluminium dials provide a tactile interface. Pictured here in the gold tone edition – as part of B&0’s 95-year celebration – drown out the noise this Christmas with a set of these.

$1399; Bang-olufsen.com

 

William & Son – Poker Set

Up your game with this stylish poker set from Willian & Son. Presented in a sleek leather carry case, the pack allows you to stage your very own Casino Royale and comes with ceramic poker chips – in a range of denominations – dice and two decks of playing cards.  With enough practice you might be able to call Le Chiffre’s bluff, even after a few vesper martinis.

$5244; mrporter.com

 

Tiffany & Co. – Paloma’s Groove Ring

Tiffany & Co Robb Report AU

Go for gold this Christmas – 18-carat to be precise – with the Paloma’s Groove Ring from Tiffany & Co. With its wide design, powerful graphic lines and handsome grooves, originally penned by Paloma Picasso, it’s a statement from the famed American jeweller’s dedicated men’s department that won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

$4940; tiffany.com.au

 

Chopard – Alpine Eagle XL Chrono

A relative newcomer to the stainless-steel world of sports watches, Chopard’s Alpine Eagle flies high above the pack with a lucent steel and sunburst Aletsch blue dial. It arrives powered by the automatic 03.05-C movement with 60 hours of power reserve and is water-resistant to 100 metres. It currently has four patents pending including a unidirectional gearing system that prevents energy loss, a vertical clutch that ensures accuracy, a flyback chronograph with three pivoting hammers and an ability to compensate for variations in inertia throughout the watch’s lifetime.

$28,100; chopard.com

 

 

BDK – Sel D’argent Eau De Parfum

With top notes of bergamot, grapefruit and salt, this is the perfect fragrance for the holiday period and beyond. The nostalgic fragrance is reminiscent of late afternoon swims with a side of ‘romance’ courtesy of green notes such as galbanum, among others.

$299; libertineparfumerie.com

 

Louis Vuitton – Baby Foot Table

Foosball, but not as you know it. The lauded French maison has delivered an elegant spin on the classic game with hand-painted players and cowhide leather-coated handles adorning the piece. Enamel counting coins see the label’s monogram flower while the ‘LV’ logo decorates the side of what is absolutely the most decadent way to play.

$120,000; louisvuitton.com

 

Hublot – Big Bang Integral King Gold

The Hublot Big Bang Integral King Gold makes an entrance, which is what you’d expect from a ‘royal’. Satin-finished and polished 18-carat king gold (a fusion of precious metals that results in a warmer tone) forms the watch’s 42mm case and strap. Inside, the Unico 2 calibre – which is visible from the open worked dial – offers a 72-hour power reserve and thanks to technical optimisations, now sits 1.3mm thinner on the wrist. Red indications pop against the matte grey dial while the watch is water resistant to 100-metres.

$73,000; hublot.com

 

Berluti Venezia – Letter Holder

Utilising Berluti’s expertise in leather goods, the Italian label – headed by Kris Van Assche – has recently unveiled a range of office accessories. Here to elevate your desk and a re-edition of a Carl Aubock original design comes the Venezia leather letter holder which is folded over a metal plate. Opt for the louder colour in the Sukhna Sunset Purple.

$2150; Berluti.com

 

Alexander McQueen – Oversized Sneaker

Robb Report Gift Guide

A pair of white leather sneakers are a staple of the modern man’s wardrobe. And one of the finer examples is the oversized offering from Alexander McQueen – featuring a drop-heel counter in ‘lust red’ with McQueen signature featuring on the tongue and heel counter.

$790; alexandermcqueen.com

 

Tom Ford – Grain Leather Shoulder Briefcase

Robb Report AU Gift Guide

Ford’s elegance extends to this slim briefcase. Made in Italy, the briefcase is crafted from 100 per cent grain calf leather and offers myriad compartments and pockets alongside a detachable shoulder strap and oversized zip (in gold-tone no less) for added functionality.

$5490; harrolds.com.au

 

Boston Dynamics – Spot Robotic Dog

Robb Report Gift Guide

Spot, as this robot dog is called, may seem like a fun pet, but this four-legged robot actually earns his paycheck by performing remote duties well beyond fetching Sunday slippers. Using its stereo cameras, Spot can manoeuvre through dynamic work areas, carry payloads up to 13kgs, perform security sweeps and even inspect progress on construction sites—at stretches of up to 90 minutes at a time (its swappable battery pack means Spot can get back on duty ASAP). Good dog.

Approx. 101,800; bostondynamics.com

 

Brunello Cucinelli – Calfskin Backpack

No, you won’t look like a preppy schoolboy wearing a backpack, especially with this elevated Brunello Cucinelli calfskin number. The richly textured grained leather – delivered here in ochre – is complemented by two small side magnet pockets, a front zipper and straps that make it the ultimate utility for the man on the go.

$5250; brunellocucinelli.com

Twilight Tour & Degustation Dinner – Penfolds Magill Estate 

An exclusive twilight experience taking in the workings and storied history of the famed Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide – a chance to journey through all that makes Penfolds an international symbol for brilliance. A seven course degustation dinner follows at an award-winning restaurant, the meal paired with wine selected by Penfolds’ cellar sommelier.

$560 per person; penfolds.com

Jaques Marie Mage – Molino Square-Frame Acetate and Gold-Tone Sunglasses

Jaques Marie Mage

The curated selection of sunglasses by JMM are crafted in small batches and pass through over 100 hands in a 300-step process to ensure quality of the highest standards. Made in Japan, the acetate ‘Molino’ offers a contemporary silhouette fitted with fold inlays and light blue lenses.

Approx. $878; mrporter.com

 

Cake – Freeride Kalk& Electric Motorbike

Robb Report Gift Guide

A lightweight, high performance weekday commuter that can easily hold its own on a pock marked trail, the Kalk& means clean, fume-free and fun riding. Weighing only 62kg (plus a 17kg battery), it offers 83km of range, is capable of speeds over 90km/h and recharges from flat to 100 per cent in three hours.

Approx. $19,100; ridecake.com

 

Gucci – Logo Embossed Perforated Leather Wash Bag

Christmas Gift

Green with envy. Well, that’s what everyone will be when you gift this logo embossed leather wash bag from Gucci. Suited to travel with its ventilating perforations, the bag offers a lined interior, zipped pockets and fastening and a useful side handle.

Approx. $1020; mrporter.com

 

IWC – Yacht Club Chronograph

Christmas Gift

Let these Swiss masters sail you into Christmas with the Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph. The 44mm stainless steel case houses a silver-plated white enamel dial which is contrasted by a black rubber strap. The in-house flyback chronograph movement offers a 68-hour power reserve and is water resistant to 60 metres so there are no trepidations about taking it out on the water.

$17,400; iwc.com

 

Robb Report ANZ – Annual Subscription

BTM

Award-winning luxury delivered for the next 12 months – is there anything better? We say no, this the gift that literally keeps on giving with quarterly print and digital issues included, so too exclusive offers, access to Robb Report’s VIP concierge services and more. This is the ultimate subscription.

$75; robbreport.com.au

 

 

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Escape from the Ordinary

Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean.

By Robb Report Team 19/02/2024

Not all cruises are created equally. Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean. From the stunning Amalfi Coast to the pristine Greek Islands, the narrow Corinth Canal to the picturesque Dalmatian coast, historic Istanbul and beguiling Malaga, each destination is a unique adventure waiting to be unravelled. With Ponant, these aren’t just locations on a map; they’re experiences that come alive with the intimate knowledge and insight that their expert guides provide.

Ponant’s luxury cruises are renowned for their individuality, with no two journeys the same. This is not by chance. Itineraries are scrupulously designed to ensure that each passenger is left with a feeling of having embarked on a journey unlike any other.

Athens-Venise. Photograph by N.Matheus. ©PONANT

In 2025, their fleet will set sail for a combined 56 departures from March to October, exploring the dreamy locales of Greece and the Greek Islands, Malta, Italy (including Venice and Sicily), Croatia, France, Turkey, Spain and Portugal. These European Journeys offer an intimate encounter with the Mediterranean, its people and culture. As you cruise in luxury, you’ll dive deep into the heart of each destination, exploring historic sites, engaging with locals, sampling scrumptious cuisine and soaking in the vibrant atmospheres.

The company’s small, sustainable ships, which can accommodate from as few as 32 to 264 guests, have the exclusive ability to sail into ports inaccessible to larger cruise liners, affording privileged entry into some of the world’s most treasured alcoves. Picture sailing under London’s iconic Tower Bridge, crossing the Corinth Canal, or disembarking directly onto the sidewalk during ports of call in culturally rich cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice and Venice, among others.

Photo by Tamar Sarkissian. ©PONANT

This singular closeness is further enriched by destination experts who unravel the tapestry of each locale’s history and traditions.

Onboard their luxurious ships, every guest is a VIP and treated to refined service and amenities akin to sailing on a private yacht. Whether at sea or ashore, their destination experts guarantee a fascinating experience, immersing you in the rich cultural and historical diversity of each region.

Indulge in the finest gastronomy at sea, inspired by none other than gastronomic virtuoso and Ponant partner, Alain Ducasse. Each voyage offers an expertly crafted dining experience, from a-la-carte meals with perfectly matched wines by the onboard Sommelier at dinner and lunch, to a French-inspired buffet breakfast, featuring all the favourite pastries, fresh bread and quality produce.

Chef Mickael Legrand. Photograph by NickRains. ©PONANT

For a more intimate discovery, consider Le Ponant, with its 16 high-class staterooms and suites—perfect for private charter—sailing eight exclusive routes between Greece and Croatia, offering guests unparalleled experiences both onboard and ashore. Ponant’s commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences extends beyond itineraries. Aboard their ships, the luxury is in every detail. Unwind in opulent cabins and suites, each offering private balconies and breathtaking views of the azure water and destinations beyond.

Ponant’s upcoming European Journeys are more than just cruises—they’re your passport to a world of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and unrivalled luxury. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on the voyage of a lifetime: the Mediterranean is calling.

To book European 2025 sailings visit au.ponant.com; call 1300 737 178 (AU) or 0800 767 018 (NZ) or contact your preferred travel agent.

 

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Saint Laurent Just Opened a New Bookstore in Paris. Here’s a Look Inside.

The chic new outpost is located on the city’s arty Left Bank.

By Rachel Cormack 14/02/2024

Saint Laurent is taking over even more of Paris.

The French fashion house, which only just opened an epic new flagship on Champs-Élysées, has launched a chic new bookstore on the Left Bank. Located in the 7th arrondissement, Saint Laurent Babylone is a mecca of art, music, literature, and, of course, fashion.

The new outpost is a tribute to the connection that Yves Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Bergé had to the Rue Babylone, according to Women’s Wear Daily. (In 1970, the pair moved to a 6,500-square-foot duplex on the street.) It is also inspired by the house’s original ready-to-wear boutique, Saint Laurent Rive Guache, which opened in the 6th arrondissement in 1966.

The exposed concrete in contrasted by sleek marble accents. SAINT LAURENT

With a minimalist, art gallery-like aesthetic, the space is anchored by a hefty marble bench and large black shelves. The raw, textured concrete on the walls is juxtaposed by a soft blue and white rug, a wooden Pierre Jeanneret desk, and sleek Donald Judd stools.

The wares within Saint Laurent Babylone are the most important part, of course. Curated by Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello, the collection includes everything from photos by British artist Rose Finn-Kelcey to books published by Saint Laurent itself. Some tomes on offer are so rare that white gloves are required for handling.

The store also offers an enviable selection of records that are no longer being pressed. Highlights include Sade’s Promise, Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love, and the debut studio album of electronic band Kraftwerk.

Other notable items on the shelves include Leica cameras, chocolates made in collaboration with pastry chef François Daubinet, prints by Juergen Teller, and brass skull sculptures. You’ll also find an assortment of YSL merch, including pens, lighters, and cups.

To top it off, Saint Laurent Babylone will double as an event space, hosting live music sessions, DJ sets, book readings, and author signings over the coming months.

Saint Laurent’s latest endeavor isn’t exactly surprising. With Vaccarello at the helm, the Kering-owned fashion house has entered new cultural realms. Only last year, the label established a film production company and debuted its first movie at Cannes.

The space is fitted with a Pierre Jeanneret desk and Donald Judd stools.
SAINT LAURENT

Perhaps Saint Laurent film reels and movie posters will soon be available at Babylone, too.

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The Best Watches at the Grammys, From Maluma’s Jacob & Co. to Jon Batiste’s Vacheron Constantin

Music’s biggest names sported some outstanding watches on Sunday evening.

By Rachel Mccormack 08/02/2024

Weird yet wonderful watches punctuated this year’s Grammys.

The woman of the moment, Taylor Swift, who made history by winning Album of the Year for an unprecedented fourth time, wore an unconventional Lorraine Schwartz choker watch to the annual awards ceremony on Sunday night. That was just the tip of the horological iceberg, though.

Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma elevated a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds, while American musician Jon Batiste topped off a stylish Versace ensemble with a sleek Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon. Not to be outdone, rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for the occasion.

There was more understated wrist candy on display, too, such as Jack Antonoff’s Cartier Tank LC and Noah Kahan’s Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo.

For the rest of the best watches we saw on the Grammys 2024 red carpet, read on.

Maluma: Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

Maluma busted out some truly spectacular bling for this year’s Grammys. The Colombian singer-songwriter paired a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds. The sculptural wrist candy sees a four-arm movement floating in front of a breathtaking dial adorned with no less than 257 rubies. For added pizzaz, the lugs of the 18-karat rose-gold case are invisibly set with 80 baguette-cut white diamonds. Limited to just nine examples, the rarity is priced at $1.5 million.

Asake: Hublot Big Bang Essential Grey

Nigerian singer-songwriter Asake may not have won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance for “Amapiano,” but did wear a winning Hublot Big Bang at Sunday’s proceedings. Released in 2023, the Essential Grey model is made purely of titanium for a sleek, uniform feel. The 42 mm timepiece was limited to just 100 pieces and cost $37,000 a pop.

John Legend: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding

Multihyphenate John Legend wore a legendary Audemars Piguet with silky Saint Laurent on Sunday evening. The self-winding Royal Oak in question features a 34 mm black ceramic case, a black grande tapisserie dial, and striking pink gold accents. The watchmaker’s signature is also displayed in gold under the sapphire crystal. The piece will set you back $81,000.

Jon Batiste: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon

American musician Jon Batiste received four nominations but no wins at this year’s Grammys. The “Butterfly” singer can take solace in the fact that he looked ultra-sharp in Versace and Vacheron Constantin. A tribute to the spirit of travel, the Overseas Tourbillon features a 42.5 mm white-gold case, a bezel set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, and a blue dial featuring a dazzling tourbillon cage inspired by the Maltese cross. Price upon request, naturally.

Fireboy DML: Cartier Santos

Fireboy DML’s outfit was straight fire on Sunday night. The Nigerian singer paired an MCM wool jacket with a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet, several iced-out rings, and a sleek Cartier Santos. The timepiece features a steel case, a graduated blue dial with steel sword-shaped hands, and a seven-sided crown with synthetic faceted blue spinel.

Noah Kahan: Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo

Best New Artist nominee Noah Kahan wore one of Panerai’s best new watches to Sunday’s festivities. The Luminor Quaranta BiTempo features a 40 mm polished steel case and a black dial with luminous numerals and hour markers, a date display at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock. The timepiece can be yours for $14,000.

Busta Rhymes: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Legendary rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a chic Audemars Piguet for this year’s Grammys. The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in question is distinguished by a 42 mm rose-gold case and a matching pink méga tapisserie dial with an outer flange for the tachymeter scale. The face is fitted with three black subdials, large black numerals, and a black date display at 3 o’clock. You can expect to pay around $61,200 for the chronograph on the secondary market.

Jack Antonoff: Cartier Tank Louis Cartier

Producer of the year Jack Antonoff took to the red carpet with a stylish Cartier on his wrist. The Tank Louis Cartier in question appears to be a large 33.7 mm example that features an 18-carat rose-gold case, a silvered dial with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands, a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, and a brown alligator strap. It’ll set you back $19,900.

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This 44-Foot Carbon-Fiber Speedboat Can Rocket to 177 KMPH

The new Mayla GT is available with a range of different powertrains, too.

By Rachel Cormack 03/02/2024

We knew the Mayla GT would be one of the most exciting boats at Boot Düsseldorf, but a deep dive into the specs shows it could be downright revolutionary.

The brainchild of German start-up Mayla, the 44-footer brings you the blistering performance of a speedboat and the luxe amenities of a motor yacht in one neat carbon-fiber package.

Inspired by the go-fast boats of the 1970s and ‘80s, the GT sports an angular, retro-futuristic body and the sleek lines of a rocket ship. Tipping the scales at just 4500 kilograms, the lightweight design features a deep-V hull with twin transversal steps and patented Petestep deflectors that help it slice through the waves with ease. In fact, Mayla says the deflectors decrease energy usage by up to 35 percent while ensuring a more efficient planing.

The range-topping GT can reach 185 kph. MAYLA

The GT is also capable of soaring at breakneck speeds, with the option of a gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid powertrain. The range-topping GTR-R model packs dual gas-powered engines that can churn out 3,100 hp for a top speed of more than 100 knots (185 kph). At the other, more sustainable end of the spectrum, the E-GT is fitted with an electric powertrain that can produce 2,200 horses for a max speed of 50 knots. The hybrid E-GTR pairs that same electric powertrain with a 294 kilowatt diesel engine for a top speed of 60 knots (111 km/h/69 mph). (The GT in the water at Boot sported two entry-level V8s good for 650 hp and a top speed of over 70 knots.)

The GT is suitable for more than just high-speed jaunts, of course. The multipurpose cockpit, which can accommodate up to eight passengers, features a sundeck with sliding loungers, a wet bar and BBQ, and a foldaway dining table for alfresco entertaining. Further toward the stern, a beach club sits atop a garage with an electric transom door.

The garage has an electric transom door. MAYLA

The GT is even fit for overnight stays. Below deck lies a cabin with a double bed, sofa, wardrobe, vanity, and en suite. You can also expect a high-tech entertainment system with TVs and premium audio.

As for price, the GT with the entry-level powertrain will cost between $2.7 million and $2.9, depending on the final configuration. (You can fine-tune the layout, hull color, and interiors, naturally.) Interested buyers can set up a sea trial with Mayla, with test-drives set to begin this spring in Europe.

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Red Centre

First Nations artist Shaun Daniel Allen joins forces with Chopard to create a timepiece inspired by the Australian landscape.

By Horacio Silva 29/01/2024

Shaun Daniel Allen does not look like your typical collaborator on a prestige watch. For one, Shal, as he prefers to be known (“There are many Shauns but only one Shal,” he explains), is more heavily tattooed than your average roadie. His youthful appearance, bad-boy ink and all, belies his 38 years and leads to a disconnect. 

He recounts being recognised on the street recently by a journalist, who, unable to remember his name, shouted out, “Chopard!” “I was with a friend,” Shal says, holding court in his apartment in Sydney’s inner city, “and he’s, like, ‘What the hell? Does that happen to you often?’”

Perhaps because of his body art, he reasons, “People don’t put me and Chopard together.” It’s not hard to understand the confusion, Shal adds; even he was taken aback when Chopard reached out to him about a potential collaboration a little more than a year ago. “When I first went in to see them, I was, like, I don’t know if I’m your guy. I’m not used to being in those rooms and having those conversations.”

He’ll have to adapt quickly to his new reality. Last month Chopard released Shal’s interpretation of the Swiss brand’s storied Alpine Eagle model, which in itself was a redo of the St. Moritz, the first watch creation by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (now Co-President of Chopard) in the late 1970s. 

Previewed at Sydney’s About Time watch fair in September, to not insignificant interest, and officially known as the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt, the exclusive timepiece—issued in a limited edition of 20—arrives as a stainless steel 41 mm with a 60-hour power reserve and a burnt red dial that brings to mind the searing Outback sun. Its see-through caseback features one of Shal’s artworks painted on sapphire glass.

When the reputable Swiss luxury brand approached Shal, they already had the red dial—a nod to the rich ochre hues of the Australian soil at different times of the day and gradated so that the shades become darker around the edges—locked in as a lure for Australian customers.

Shal was charged with designing an artful caseback and collectible hand-painted sustainable wooden case. After presenting a handful of paintings, each with his signature abstract motifs that pertain to indigenous emblems, tattoos and music, both parties landed on a serpentine image that evoked the coursing of rivers. “I have been painting a lot of water in this last body of work and the image we chose refers to the rivers at home,” he says, alluding to formative years spent at his grandfather’s, just outside of Casino.

It says a lot about Chopard, Shal points out, that they wanted to donate to a charity of his choosing. “Like everything else on this project,” he explains, “they were open to listening and taking new ideas on board and it actually felt like a collaboration, like they weren’t steering me into any corner.”

In another nice touch, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the watch will go to funding programs of the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation—an organisation, established in 1995 by Bundjalung elders, whose work Shal saw firsthand after the 2022 eastern Australia flood disasters ravaged their area. “Seeing Ngunya Jarjum suffer from the floods,” he says, “and knowing how much they do for the community on Bundjalung Country was heartbreaking. I want to see Bundjalung families thriving and supported.”

So what’s it been like for this booster of Australian waterways to be swimming in the luxury end of the pool? “I’ve done a few things with brands,” he offers, referring to the Louis Vuitton project earlier this year at an art gallery in Brisbane, “but nothing on this scale. It’s definitely fancier than I’m used to but I’m not complaining.” Neither are watch aficionados.

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