Vacheron Constantin collaborates with First Nations artist Reko Rennie on an immersive art installation in Sydney
Jamie WeissSwiss watch brands are increasingly collaborating with Australian First Nations artists, which is amazing to see. Last year saw Longines work with Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man, artist and professional surfer Otis Hope Carey on a collection of elevated NATO straps. Chopard followed that up with an exceptional collaboration with Shaun Daniel Allen (aka Shal) – a Bundjalung man living on Gadigal land in Sydney who’s a multi-hyphenate tattoo artist, surfer, hardcore punk musician and painter – on a “Sunburnt Red” Australian-exclusive Alpine Eagle that in my opinion, is the best Australian limited edition watch ever made.
Vacheron Constantin is the latest watchmaker to recognise the value and brilliance of First Nations artists, collaborating with acclaimed contemporary artist and Kamilaroi man Reko Rennie on an immersive art experience titled “From Geometry to Artistry”, which is being exhibited at the Maison’s flagship Sydney boutique until the end of September.
The exhibition, which takes place across two floors of the Sydney boutique, combines Reko’s signature colourful geometric patterns with mirrors and motifs evoking Vacheron’s Maltese cross logo. A plinth-like sculpture can be found on the ground floor of the boutique, while an expansive gallery blasted in colour continues upstairs. Reko adds a new dimension to his work using augmented reality in this space upstairs, providing a juxtaposition between the traditional air of a luxury boutique and his dynamic modern art.
“As a First Nations artist, I come from the oldest continual living culture in the world,” Reko tells Time+Tide. “Time is often represented in symbolic formats. My work references time, the past, the present and the future. I make work about these three facets of time,” he explains.
“As a collector of art, watches, cars and motorcycles, there are many crossovers within the art world and collecting. They complement and contrast one another. I also love the Vacheron Constantin 222 and welcomed the opportunity to create a site-specific installation referencing my connection to ‘geometry to artistry'”.
Reko reaffirms how significant is it for luxury brands like Vacheron Constantin to collaborate with First Nations artists like himself. “It is super important, as it showcases the diversity of our wonderful culture and identity.”
“Aboriginal art is not just dots and desert work. We are not a monoculture. There are over 250 different language groups and different cultural art practices… Working with contemporary artists like myself breaks down these romanticised stereotypes.”
“This sensory exhibition entices viewers into an immersive engagement where the mirror erases perceived physical boundaries to rupture the gaze of oneself and the work they are looking at,” Vacheron Constantin explains. “Through Reko’s artwork, new dimensions emerge in the physical and digital world.”
The Reko Rennie x Vacheron Constantin “From Geometry To Artistry” installation will be exhibited at the Vacheron Constantin boutique located at 104 King Street, Sydney until 30th September 2024. The Maison invites appointments to experience this work. For appointments, phone +612 7205 6090 or book online here.
It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in town. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Jamie and the Time+Tide Team
Watch meme of the week: dyscalculia
This gem from /r/WatchesCirclejerk hits a little too close to home. I’ve definitely seen people in the Time+Tide office whip out their phones to tell the time rather than look at the watch on their wrist… Me included. Cue the self-justifications about phones or computers being more accurate than mechanical watches…
Wristshot of the week: who needs a dive watch?
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Australian-based watch photographer and former T+T contributor Henry Zwartz loves getting in the water with all sorts of watches, but as he puts it, “sometimes it’s just hard to beat a Casio.” The Casio F-91W might be one of the cheapest and most ubiquitous watches on the market, but this shot makes it look like a million bucks.
Time+Tide Shop pick of the week: Baltic x Time+Tide Hermétique Night Mode
The Baltic x Time+Tide Hermétique Night Mode is finally here! After its launch earlier this year in January, one of Time+Tide’s hottest Studio Editions has finally landed in Australia. Our studio team have spent a few long nights packing up everyone’s orders – thanks for bearing with us, by the way – but we’ve still got a few Night Modes in stock for those who missed out earlier this year. This stealthy take on a field watch features a 37mm stainless steel case with a matte black PVD coating paired with a matte black dial. A polished steel ring punctuates the indices, adding a subtle hit of light that plays well with its double-domed sapphire crystal.
Discover the limited edition Baltic x Time+Tide Hermétique Night Mode exclusively in-store at the Time+Tide Melbourne Discovery Studio. Price: A$1,200.
Accessory of the month: Artem Nylon NATO straps
NATO straps are a dime a dozen, but not all are made equal. Crafted with a focus on quality and comfort, Australian brand Artem’s Nylon straps stand out in a saturated market of subpar options, providing an exceptional wearing experience, rivalling even OEM alternatives, yet at a more accessible price point. Crafted from premium polyamide-nylon, they combine durability and a soft, comfortable feel that’s superior to typical seatbelt-style straps. They’re also available in a range of designs, from classic block colours to pinstriped “Bond” looks.
Artem Nylon NATO straps retail for US$63 / A$106. Find out more at Artem Straps’ online store here.
Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week
Cards Against Humanity, but for watches? Zach & Scarlett play THE SICKNESS
Devised by the wonderfully twisted mind of Andrew McUtchen, THE SICKNESS, in short, is a card game for watch addicts. One of the best parts of watch enthusiasm and watch collecting is the banter between #watchfam at watch meetups and events. THE SICKNESS aims to bring out the best banter, whether over a shot of espresso or whiskey. During Watches and Wonders earlier this year, Zach and Scarlett Baker (Wonderland, Man About Town, British GQ) met outside the Palexpo Press Centre to play a quick round – answering everything from a cheeky question like “what watch has the most BDE?”, to deeper questions like “what moment did you most feel like a watch impostor?” Watch the results above.
Horage just invented a new way to regulate your own watch
It’s not often we get a genuinely new invention in the watch world, which is why Swiss independent brand Horage’s latest innovation is so exciting. It’s called the Microreg, and it’s a device that allows you to regulate your own watch. With no electronic components inside the movement, a tiny micro-motor is controlled through a device that attaches to the outside of the watch and allows the user to adjust the accuracy of their watch by +/- 0.1 second. It’s pretty amazing – Russell explains how it works in full here.
The Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope commemorating the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is so iconic (I know, buzz phrase), that when the Speedmaster comes up in conversation, there is often a singular focus on the black dial Professional. The reality is, the modern-era Speedmaster is available in 97 different configurations. While nobody should be faulted for honing in on the Professional, the Two Counters range has become a rock-solid sleeper pick for those who want a Speedmaster off the beaten path. As the Paris 2024 Olympics kicks off, watch our hands-on review of the commemorative Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 here.