Everything
In a remarkable fusion of art and horology, Swiss watch and jewellery house Chopard this week unveiled the latest chapter of their Alpine Eagle series: the Alpine Eagle “Sunburnt”, an exclusive timepiece that marries Swiss precision with a tribute to Australia’s rich cultural tapestry. This limited edition, comprising only 20 pieces, is born from a unique collaboration with artist Indigenous artist, musician and tattoist Shal, aka Shaun Daniel Allen, a Yugambeh-born, Bundjalung man currently based in Gadigal land, Sydney.
“It was the Australian team who came to us, telling us about this amazing Australian artist we had to work with,” explains Caroline-Marie Scheufele, Chopard’s Product Manager and daughter of Chopard’s Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. “So we discussed it for a while, which watch might fit, and we decided that the Alpine Eagle could be a very good match.”
Crafted with a 41mm diameter, the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt is a testament to Chopard’s innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability. The timepiece is made from the brand’s signature Lucent Steel™, an alloy comprising at least 80 percent recycled material. This material choice not only speaks to Chopard’s environmental consciousness but also offers remarkable durability and a distinctive shimmering effect.
The watch’s most striking feature is its “Sunburnt Red” dial, a vibrant homage to the Australian landscape’s dynamic hues, with a gradient darkening towards its edges. This design choice reflects the play of light and shadow in the Australian outback, bringing a piece of the continent’s natural beauty to the wrist. “All Alpine Eagle dials are inspired by the Swiss mountains or by mountains,” explains Scheufele.
“So when it came to an Australian collaboration we thought ‘how can we get as close to the spirit of Alpine Eagle not not mountains but as nature?’ So we went with the reflection of sunlight on the Australian landscape.”
The Alpine Eagle Sunburnt is also the first time that Chopard has created a gradient coloured dial, says Scheufele.
Beyond its aesthetic and mechanical prowess, the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt embodies Chopard’s dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability. At the heart of the timepiece beats the Chopard 01.01-C movement while the robust 41mm case and bracelet, both crafted from Lucent Steel™, are designed for longevity and comfort, mirroring the qualities of surgical steel.
The Alpine Eagle Sunburnt is more than a mere watch; it’s a piece of wearable art. Shal’s artistic vision, rich in texture and colour, is seamlessly integrated into the watch’s design. On the watch’s caseback, you’ll find an artwork in miniature painted by Shal specifically for the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt. “The design was heavily influenced by the colour of the dial,” Shal tells ICON.
“I wanted to compliment the beautiful deep reds that are found all over this country. I painted a number of works in different mediums, and thought about those reds, the reds of the earth, ochre, sunsets, our native flora, all reflecting off of rivers. The darker parts of the work mimicking movement through the shadows. The twists and turns.”
To get an idea of how he could incorporate his art practice into the finite space of a watch, Shal said it took a few visits to the boutique before putting paint to canvas so to speak. “I went to see a few Alpine Eagles at the Sydney boutique and took a bunch of photographs, tried them on. I listened to the team explain the significance of the watch, the manufacturing and craftsmanship and the history of the business. All these things were considered before I started painting. From there, I continued down my exploration of painting Balun, rivers, and thought a lot of how they could compliment a case back of such a beautiful watch.”
True to Chopard’s philanthropic spirit, part of the proceeds from this special edition will benefit the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation, an organisation focused on the well-being of Aboriginal children and families.
As a part of the Alpine Eagle collection, conceptualised by the Scheufele family, the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt carries forward the legacy of the St. Moritz watch. It stands out with its round case, stylised sides, integrated metal bracelet, and luminescent dial, blending elegance with modern design sensibilities. In creating the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt, Chopard has not just crafted a timekeeping device but a symbol of Swiss expertise and Australian heritage, a true confluence of worlds.
The Chopard Alpine Eagle is available exclusively at Chopard boutiques in Australia.
Check out more of Shal’s work at China Heights Gallery.
