As previously stated in some of the other postings on this blog, Rubber B takes great joy in those moments where the company’s interest in horology combines with another part of a culture where people take great joy. In the past, Rubber B’s articles that cover these kinds of cross-sections have often been focused on the world of film, so a decision was made to cover another area that is universally beloved – food – and specifically, where it intersects with the world of watchmaking.
To that end, this article will focus on five of the world’s most beloved celebrity chefs, and the timepieces that they use to help them keep their kitchens running on time and their customers happy.
1. Chef Masaharu Morimoto
New Yorkers have long been familiar with Chef Morimoto’s work since the early ’90s, as the Japanese fusion restaurant Nobu, which is now world-famous, opened there in 1994. In 2001, he further expanded his global footprint by opening several namesake restaurants of his around the world. However, the majority of people are familiar with him because of the title the Food Network famously bestowed upon him – the Iron Chef.
When he’s working in the kitchen, Chef Morimoto can often be seen wearing a Panerai Luminor 1950 3-Days Acciaio. It makes complete sense that he would want to be absolutely precise about keeping track of time, as he’s known for preparing some of the finest seafood dishes in the world.
2. Chef Daniel Humm
Chef Daniel Humm is not just a wildly successful chef, but also an entrepreneur as well, as he is the co-owner and executive chef of Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad Hotels in New York and Los Angeles. Currently, he is the public face of the number-one ranked restaurant in the world.
In order to successfully manage all of these businesses at the same time, it is important that Chef Humm is able to keep track of multiple time zones at once. According to those who know him, Chef Humm is often seen wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin while he is on the clock. This timepiece retails for over $100,000, but it’s certain that Chef Humm knows that the timepiece is worth every penny.
3. Chef Joan Roca i Fontané
One of the preeminent names in traditional Spanish cuisine in the world, few names are more trusted, or respected, when it comes to preparing Latin food than Chef Joan Roca I Fontané. He is the co-founder and senior chef at El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, which is considered a local institution in the area and runs the restaurant with his two brothers. El Celler de Can Roca was named the best restaurant in the world in 2013 and 2015 and received the runner up award in 2011, 2012, and 2014.
While he is working, many of the customers and staff have seen him wearing his Rolex GMT-Master II, which has become something of a trademark for him as of this point in time.
4. Chef Joël Robuchon
Truly the definition of a veteran chef, Chef Joël Robuchon is currently the holder of 28 Michelin Stars, a distinction which makes him the most decorated chef in the world. Simply put, he’s not just a foremost expert on French cuisine, but on food in general. He is best known for his namesake “L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon” restaurants, which operate around the world.
Chef Robuchon doesn’t just reflect French elegance in his cooking – it shows up in his personal style as well. His watch of choice is a Blancpain Léman Chronographe Flyback Quantième Perpétual, which retails for almost $30,000.
5. Chef Daniel Boulud
Known and respected around the world for his namesake New York restaurant DANIEL, Chef Daniel Boulud is the proud recipient of 2 Michelin stars and one of the most respected chefs in the United States.
Though he resides in the United States now, Chef Boulud has never forgotten his European roots, and although he owns a large collection of timepieces, his personal favorite is a lovely Hublot timepiece.
Looking for a Custom Rubber Watch Strap For Your Luxury Timepiece? Visit Rubber B
At Rubber B, we are proud to make custom rubber watch bands for the world’s leading luxury timepiece manufacturers, including Rolex, Tudor, and Panerai, along with several others. To see our complete product catalog and find a watch strap that is right for you, simply visit the Rubber B website here.
