In collaboration with artist, Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal), Chopard brings to life the Australian Desert as well as supporting the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation.
Being an island away from the rest of the world, it’s always exciting when watch brands bring out a piece with an Australian focus or inspired by part of our big country. It’s even more exciting when a brand like Chopard works with an artist like First Nations artist, Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal) to bring this to life, which is exactly what they have done with the new Alpine Eagle with a “Sunburnt Red” dial.
Limited to just 20 pieces, Chopard and Shal have created a piece that talks to the red soil of outback Australia. With deep ochre hues and in a Chaopard first, a gradient Iris Of The Eagle dial that is darker around the edges and lighter in the centre. This design reflects the effects of light and shade that the sun reflects on the Australian landscape at different times of day It certainly makes for an eye-catching piece.
Adding to this, the caseback is decorated in a motif that is emblematic of Shal’s paintings, rich in colour and abstract just like the Australian landscape, and as part of Chopard’s commitment to sustainability, the limited edition piece comes in a sustainable wooden box, which has also been hand painted by Shal, with tranquil lines evoking the course of rivers.
Outside of the unique aspects of the collaboration, the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt is the same Alpine Eagle you’ve come to know over the past few years. With a 41mm case made from Chopard’s Lucent SteelTM as is the bracelet, and the now iconic Iris of the Eagle dial that is mesmerising in any colour variant staring back at you it’s a good looking watch. On the dial, like other Alpine Eagle models, you have the highly legible hour markers which contrast the daily and these and the hands are enhanced with Grade X1 Super-LumiNova® to ensure optimal visibility even in the dark. If you’ve seen our hands on review with the two-tone steel and rose gold you will know what we’re talking about there. If not, give it a read and see what we mean!
Under the hood is the Chopard 01.01-C self-winding movement. A calibre that’s developed in house by Chopard and visible through the sapphire case back. Well, sort of. Shal has decorated the caseback with the red lines that depict the rivers, like on the special edition box, and again, a nice tie into his paintings and Australi’s First Nations people. The Chopard 01.01-C is COSC and has a 60-hour power reserve. It also features hacking seconds so you’re able to set the time accurately and to a reference point.
Chopard will also be donating a portion of the profits of each of the 20 pieces to fund programmes of the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation. Ngunya Jarjum was established in 1995 by Bundjalung Elders and community members to address the crisis and need for more Aboriginal kinship and foster carers. Shal saw first-hand how the organisation was badly impacted by the 2022 Eastern Australia flood disasters, which spurred him to take some action.
“Children are our future! Seeing Ngunya Jarjum suffer from the floods and knowing how much they do for the community on Bundjalung country was heartbreaking. Cleaning out their building and seeing the community working together was something I won’t forget anytime soon. Ngunya Jarjum work to support families to nurture their children, raise them on country, and preserve our culture and strength into the future. I want to see Bundjalung families thriving and supported!”
Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal)
Final Thoughts
If you have worn a Chopard Alpine eagle previously or seen them or tried them on the wrist, this piece won’t be much of a surprise to you. However, the Sunburnt Red dial looks absolutely stunning and I’m sure in full daylight it will come to life. It’s nice to see a brand like Chopard doing a collaboration with a local indigenous artist in a country like Australia, and having a portion of the profits going to a worthy organisation. such as the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation.
I feel for $27,500 AUD, the price is getting up there however when you look at what the watch is, the limited pieces, and the worthy cause it supports, there is a value proposition especially when you also take into account Chopard’s watchmaking credentials and the Alpine Eagle’s quality. There is still something quite beautiful about these and something that works so well when they are on the wrist. With 20 pieces in the country and available from Australian Chopard boutiques, these will be a sure fire hit and sure to sell out fairly quickly. For more information head to the Chopard Boutique in Sydney.
Reference: 298600-3025 – 20-piece limited edition
Specification
- Case: 41mm,9.7mm thick, 47mm lug to lug
- Case: Lucent steel
- Dial: Brass dial stamped with a radiating pattern inspired by the iris of the eagle, varnished and featuring a Sunburnt Red gradient
- Hands/Indices: Applied Rhodium plated numerals and hour markers coated with Super-LumiNova
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Caseback: Exhibition case-back with glare-proofed sapphire crystal adorned with special motifs designed by Shal
- Water resistance: 100m (10BAR)
- Movement: In-House CHOPARD 01.01-C self-winding mechanical movement. 28,800 VPH / 4Hz and 31 Jewels
- Power reserve: 60 hours
- Bracelet: Lucent Steel A223 tapering bracelet with satin-brushed wide link and sides, polished central links in 18k Ethical Rose Gold and triple folding clasp with safety pushers
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD $27,500
Availability: Exclusively available through Australian Chopard Boutiques.
