The 15 Best New Watches Of 2021

In a year that saw soaring demand for high-end watches, these models stood out.

By Victoria Gomelsky 05/01/2022

From January to November of this year, demand for Swiss watches was nothing short of insatiable. (According to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, Switzerland exported the equivalent of 20.4 billion francs, or $22.2 billion, in that period, besting, by a couple of percentage points, the export figures for the same period in 2019.) The U.S. market drove much of that demand, reflecting the growing mania for high-end watches.

To satiate collectors and enthusiasts, watchmakers introduced countless models over the past 12 months — selecting the stand-out styles was no easy feat. The 15 watches listed below made the cut — a selection sure to intrigue, and perhaps provoke, watch fans.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5711/1A-018

Patek Philippe x Tiffany & Co. Ref. 5711

Patek Philippe x Tiffany & Co. Ref. 5711 Patek Philippe

It was the year’s best mic drop. In a move that shocked the watch world, Patek Philippe unveiled in early December the final final edition of its coveted Ref. 5711, aka the “Tiffany Blue” Nautilus, a 170-piece limited-edition featuring the Tiffany & Co. signature at 6 o’clock and a dial bathed in the retailer’s signature robin’s egg blue. And while it may not represent Patek Philippe’s finest example of watchmaking, the steel watch certainly will go down in history as one of the most polarizing timepieces of 2021. Few would deny the model serves as a poster child for the current era of skyrocketing demand for unobtainable steel sport models. (To wit: One example, put up for sale at Phillips’ New York watch auction in December, with proceeds going to benefit The Nature Conservancy, fetched US$6.5 million.) On the flip side, Jay-Z proved it looks pretty damn good on the wrist.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921

Vacheron Constantin Unique American 1921 Historical Remake

Vacheron Constantin Unique American 1921 Historical Remake romain levrault

Something about the off-centre dial of Vacheron Constantin’s supremely elegant Historiques American 1921 feels just right for this year of twists and unexpected turns. A faithful adaptation of one of the brand’s most legendary timepieces, a cushion-shaped “driver’s watch” released in 1921, the encore edition that the brand introduced earlier this year honours the model’s centennial. And it’s as close to the original as it gets, down to the logo on the dial and the strap, which, while not vintage stock, was sourced from a supplier who specializes in early 20th-century calfskin leather styles. Talk about a time machine!

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième Jaeger-LeCoultre

Jaeger-LeCoultre pulled out the stops for the 90th anniversary of its famed Reverso watch this year. Of all the novelties it introduced, including a four-faced model that blew our socks off, we’re partial to the Reverso Tribute Nonantième (meaning 90th in Swiss-French), an 18-karat pink-gold style with a silvered and sunray-brushed dial bearing a moon phase display at 6 o’clock and a date window at 12 o’clock. “It’s as classic and elegant as any traditional version of this model, but a turn of the dial reveals an entirely new expression,” we wrote upon its introduction in April, citing the model’s flip side, whose two round apertures, arranged like a figure-8, house a semi-jumping digital hour at 12 o’clock, among other enchanting details. Colour us bewitched!

Vianney Halter Deep Space Resonance

Vianney Halter Deep Space Resonance

Vianney Halter Deep Space Resonance Courtesy of Vianney Halter

Twenty-five years in the making, the Deep Space Resonance by Vianney Halter, one of the pioneers of contemporary, independent watchmaking, is a serious contender for the most philosophically advanced, horologically complex timepiece of the year, if not the decade. In short, the model is a triple-axis tourbillon equipped with an acoustic coupling mechanism incorporating two balance wheels. A tribute to undulatory physics, or the theory that light is transmitted as waves, the model is the product of an R&D effort Halter began in 1996, inspired by some of the 18th-century watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet’s early efforts to achieve resonance—a physical phenomenon in which an external force or a vibrating system forces another system around it to vibrate with greater amplitude at a specified frequency of operation. Watch lovers besotted with mechanical wizardry—this one’s for you.

Zenith Chronomaster Sport

Zenith El Primero Chromomaster Sport

Zenith El Primero Chromomaster Sport Allen Farmelo

The new Chronomaster Sport collection from Zenith strikes us as the fulfilment of a decades-old prophecy. Having introduced the El Primero calibre 400, the world’s first high frequency automatic chronograph movement, in 1969, the brand lays claim to one of the 20th century’s greatest horological legacies. That it’s now capitalised on that legacy with a handsome chronograph equipped with the zippy new calibre 3600 seems like a decision that was predestined. Many onlookers have pointed out the model’s resemblance to the steel Rolex Daytona—this one, however, may actually be available at retail.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Titanium Perpetual Calendar

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar Titanium

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar Titanium Courtesy of Bulgari

The latest addition to Bulgari’s critically acclaimed Octo Finissimo series, a perpetual calendar housed in a sleek and ultra-lightweight titanium case, took home the “Aiguille d’Or” grand prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in November for its masterful take on micro-watchmaking. With a case that measures only 5.8mm thick, the model is the world’s slimmest perpetual calendar. As Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin said when accepting the award, “It is an example of Italian genius and obsession for details.” We couldn’t agree more.

Grand Seiko SLGH005 “White Birch”

Grand Seiko SLGH005 “White Birch”

Grand Seiko SLGH005 “White Birch” Grand Seiko

The SLGH005 “White Birch” from the Japanese watchmaker Grand Seiko rightfully tops myriad wish lists this year. Its most striking feature is its delicately textured dial, patterned to resemble the Shirakaba, the white birch tree of northern Japan, which thrives in the region surrounding the Grand Seiko Studio in Shizukuishi. But beneath that impeccable exterior ticks a technically accomplished movement, powered by a new Dual Impulse Escapement, a proprietary free-sprung balance and a horizontal gear train. In short, the timepiece—which, not surprisingly, won the best men’s watch prize at the GPHG—packs brains and beauty into one perfectly proportioned package.

MB&F x Bulgari LM FlyingT Allegra

MB&F and Bulgari LM FlyingT

MB&F and Bulgari LM FlyingT MB&F

Collaborations have become big business in the watch industry, but few are as interesting and unexpected as the co-creation that resulted from MB&F’s recent partnership with Bulgari. As we wrote in November, “the new 39 mm-by-20 mm LM FlyingT Allegra uses the same vertically built 3-D movement (it features a flying tourbillon on the upper end of the axis) and space-age domed case design as the original [FlyingT by MB&F], but now comes decked out in Italian opulence.” The colourful cabochon gems and diamonds that orbit the dial lend this serious piece of timekeeping a groovy, cosmic vibe—precisely, we suspect, the effect its creators were seeking.

Audemars Piguet Black Ceramic Royal Oak Selfwinding

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 34 mm

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 34mm Audemars Piguet

On the brink of the Royal Oak’s big 5-0 in 2022, Audemars Piguet didn’t shy away from expanding the collection this year. In July, the brand rolled out eight new Royal Oak styles for women, including the undisputed winner of the bunch, the Black Ceramic Royal Oak Selfwinding. Encased in a lightweight, scratchproof material that looks fantastic from virtually every angle, the sturdy yet graceful timepiece—which boasts 18-carat pink-gold hour markers, hands and screws—has a diameter of 34mm, a size that promises to entice plenty of men who are sure to covet its stealthy on-the-wrist appearance.

Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition

Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition

Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition Panerai

Another collaborative homerun this year was the Submersible edition that emerged from Panerai’s team-up with the German automotive aftermarket tuner Brabus. Inspired by the company’s Shadow Black Ops series of day boats, the watch is housed in a 47mm case made from Panerai’s matte finish Carbotech composite material, and features a colour scheme borrowed from Brabus’s signature palette of gunmetal grey, black and red. Panerai fans are bound to lust after the watch for its three years-in-the-making skeletonized automatic movement, the brand’s first-ever. But just about everyone will appreciate its stylish approach to functionality.

Rolex Explorer Ref. 124273

Rolex Explorer Ref. 124273 and Ref. 124270

Rolex Explorer Ref. 124273 and Ref. 124270 Rolex

In April, when Rolex unveiled the brand new Explorer—often described as the original tool watch, given its association with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s historic ascent of Mt. Everest in 1953—the fact it came in a two-tone case in Rolesor (in Rolex-speak, this refers to the combination of the dual 18-karat yellow-gold and Oystersteel alloys) divided the watch community into lovers and haters. Count us squarely in the former camp (although, you can still opt for the full steel model, pictured right). Not only is the model’s 36mm case (a return to its original sizing) just right for unisex tastes, its lacquered black dial and Chromolight coating on the hour markers and hands give it a fetching, and fresh, new look.

De Bethune DB Kind of Two Tourbillon

DeBethune DB Kind of Two Tourbillon

DeBethune DB Kind of Two Tourbillon Diode SA – Denis Hayoun

Endowed with two distinct faces, the DB Kind of Two Tourbillon boasts two equally distinct vibes: Side “A” is in keeping with the boutique watchmaker’s more experimental, future-facing ethos, while side “B” represents a more refined and elegant take on horology. Toggling between the two requires nothing more than swivelling the case on its central axis, an action made simple by the titanium model’s floating lugs, each equipped with a rotating mechanism comprised of 28 components.

Cartier Cloche de Cartier

Cartier Cloche de Cartier

Cartier Cloche de Cartier Cartier

Famed for its unusually-shaped watches — the Tank, the Crash and the Baignoire, to name just a few—Cartier reintroduced a limited edition shaped style earlier this year in its Prive Collection called Cloche de Cartier, a 1920s model with a beguilingly quirky display (the Roman numerals are rotated 90 degrees from where you’d expect them to be). Named for a bell, the wristwatch works equally well as a mini table clock—and captures Cartier’s wonderfully inventive way with silhouettes.

Chopard L.U.C Full Strike

Chopard L.U.C. Full Strike

Chopard L.U.C. Full Strike Chopard

In anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the opening of its Fleurier and Geneva watch manufactures next year, Chopard released in November a new platinum version of its L.U.C Full Strike minute repeater, an acoustic timepiece that earned rave reviews for its innovation and elegant design when it was introduced in 2016. The model’s key differentiating detail is its one-piece crystal and gong component, machined from a single block of sapphire, that indicates the time through a combination of two notes, C# and F, with a crystal-clear, constant sound. “A platinum minute repeater would never otherwise resonate like this,” Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard’s co-president, told Robb Report. “The metal would just eat the sound. But the crystal system enhances the sound.” Each watch takes 160 hours to assemble—and it shows.

A. Lange & Söhne Langematik Perpetual

A. Lange & Söhne Langematik Perpetual

A. Lange & Söhne Langematik Perpetual A. Lange & Söhne

In July, A. Lange & Söhne celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Langematik Perpetual—the first mechanical wristwatch of its kind to combine a perpetual calendar with the brand’s signature outsize date—with two blue-dial updates, one cased in pink gold and the other in white gold. Endowed with a Zero-Rest mechanism and a main corrector that simultaneously advances all calendar displays, the new models are designed to simplify and speed up the time-setting process, proof that a watchmaking icon can always be enhanced with new tricks.

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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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