Too Haute To Handle

After riding the waves with modern day explorers, invading sports arenas, aligning with the world of performing arts, luxury watches have entered the kitchen. In early 2020 Blancpain aligned with the Michelin Guide worldwide. In Bangkok, chefs Thomas and Mathias Sühring of the two-starred Michelin Suhring, and Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn of the one-starred Le Du signed on as brand ambassadors. Not a new step for Blancpain as it has for decades collaborated with Michelin chefs in Europe to underline their mutual touchstones: the pursuit of excellence, passion, and expertise.

Later this year, uber-luxe watch brand Chopard,connected with Chef Sébastien Lepinoy, Director of Culinary and Operations at the three-Michelin star Les Amis restaurant in Singapore. For Chopard, it is a natural partnership: “the merging of two quite different and distinct crafts, but both created with finesse and a high level of technicality’.

Reveals Chef Sébastien Lepinoy: “After discovering Chopard’s collection of haute horology, I’ve been enamoured by the brand’s philosophy which is very similar to what I try to espouse through my cuisine. I am truly honoured and grateful to be a ‘Friend of the Brand’, and to work with like-minded individuals who value craftsmanship, technicality and are committed to delivering only the finest experience guests and clients alike.”

The chef’s watch of choice is the Alpine Eagle. “This is the only luxury timepiece that I would dare bring into the kitchen. As a chef, I need a watch that has the calibre to withstand the grind of the kitchen yet evoke an aura of sophistication when I greet my guests or attend special events,” he says.

Alpine Eagle – Rebirth of an icon

The new 41 mm Alpine Eagle has at its heart a Chopard chronometer-certified movement. The stamped brass dial with its sunburst motif, galvanic blue or grey, is inspired by an eagle’s iris. Applied numerals, hour-markers, baton-type hours and minutes hands are rhodium-plated and coated with Super-LumiNova® Grade X1. The rhodium-plated arrow-tipped seconds hand has a counterweight shaped like an eagle feather. The tapering bracelet is stain-brushed, wide link Lucent Steel A223 and has a polished central cap with a steel triple folding clasp.

Other options include a mother-of-pearl dial and diamond-set bezel;in ethical 18-carat rose gold with slate grey dial; and in ethical 18-carat rose gold with Tahitian mother-of-pearl dial, diamond-set bezel and partially diamond-set bracelet.

All photos: Chopard