While our geographically isolated nature and historically smaller slice of the luxury market has meant Australia has often been left out of the equation when it comes to region-specific watches, times are a-changin’. Both Seiko and Grand Seiko have paid homage to the land down under with thoughtful limited-edition Australian exclusives, while Zenith teamed up with AFL legend Buddy Franklin to design a bespoke charity timepiece.
Furthering the love on local shores, Longines has teamed up with Australian Indigenous artist Otis Hope Carey to create a quartet of special edition NATO watch straps. A proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man, Carey is both an artist and professional surfer; utilising the former medium to promote a bridging of cultures and understanding across communities. A core element of Carey’s practice is the sharing of experience and the process of healing, with his work a reflection of his connection to country, the ocean, and ceremony.
Aligning with the sunray dials of the newly redesigned Longines HydroConquest collection, the four straps are executed in shades of green, blue, orange, and black. Interpreting traditional Indigenous techniques and symbols through a modern lens, Carey’s work is vibrant and evocative, with his signature motifs seamlessly translating from canvas to nylon.
“My approach to painting is bold and masculine yet soft and feminine, and that’s exactly how I see Longines’ approach to the watches,” explains Carey. “I wear the watches with pride knowing I see a lot of similarities in our approach to what we’re creating.”
United in their respect and reverence for tradition, both Longines and Carey allow history to influence their creations, while remaining grounded in the present. “Heritage to me is a line of long knowledge and connection, it’s the base of my approach to my work,” notes Carey. “I channel the history, connection and love of my culture into an expressive form with a paintbrush.”
Oceanic influences are present in each of the four strap designs, which feature intricate hand-stitched details in black and white. “The body of work I have used in this collaboration with Longines is the totem of my Gumbaynggirr people. In our native tongue we call the Ocean ‘Gaagal’,” explains Carey of the inspiration behind the design. “The ocean is always there when you need it so I thought it would be fitting to carry the ocean not only with me in my heart and soul but on my wrist with a beautiful watch face.”
An apt tribute to both Carey’s heritage and community, as well as a natural fit for the submersible timepiece.
Each NATO strap in the Longines x Otis Hope Carey collection is priced at $319AUD and is available via the Longines webstore.
Words by T. Angel
