VIDEO: WHY I LOVE MY WATCH with Ben Cooper, Head Chef of Chin Chin
The story of the watch ended up being bigger than the act of me having the watch… This is perhaps the best video proof we have so far of the fact that watches can take on a depth of personal meaning to a wearer that will literally bring tears to their eyes when they’re asked about it. Even if that wearer’s one of the most hardened tequila drinkers out there… A little while ago Ben Cooper, Executive Chef of Chin Chin, Kong, Baby and Hawker Hall (phew, that’s quite a gig) invited us to his house for a stir-fry. There’s just no way to #humblebrag that. It was unreal, everything you might hope, full of flavours, beers and feels. While we were there Ben imparted some of the secrets of getting chilli-drunk, correct wok-technique and why chefs are so into watches. Coops also introduced us to his kitchen wrist-ware of choice, the Hublot Big Bang. Today Ben goes one step further and tells us the story of how he came to be wearing it. And in the immortal words of Big Chris (Vinnie Jones) from Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, “it’s emotional”.Thanks for your openness chef. Watch and as Ben would say, enjoy.
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After their square instrument pieces, Bell & Ross has made quite an impression with their vintage collection – a range of more classically styled round pieces that often riff on the icons of aviation. The BR 126 Aeronavale is a little different. The handsome, gold-accented blue chronograph is directly inspired by the uniforms, rather than the planes, of the air arm of the French Navy – the Aeronavale. It’s also a watch that you need to see shimmering and flashing in real life to truly appreciate.
Was it really necessary? To take a journey involving two flights (one of them aboard a very small plane) to a tropical island somewhere between Sydney and New Zealand that, at any given time, has a maximum of 750 people on it to test out the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Collection? I would argue that, because Lord Howe Island occupies the very special timezone of UTC +10:30, and is one of the 37 timezones displayed on the gorgeous dial of the World Time, that it wasn’t just necessary… it was meant to be. The beauty of the location – aside from its outrageous natural beauty, good Lord! – was that it provided us the perfect testing ground to put all three new Overseas models, and their conveniently interchangeable strap options, through their paces. Fine dining and fruity cocktails in the restaurant of Capella Lodge, tick – hello tuxedo. A completely deserted beach, our very large outdoor gym for a chronograph session. And a glorious ex-volcano / mountain was our chance to get on top of the world for a view of the World Time. Before you say it, let me jump in, yes it’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it, right?