The Art of Luxury Issue 48 2021 | Page 70

WATCHES & TIMEPIECES
Blancpain cultivates special ties with the greatest award-winning chefs , encompassing more than 100 Michelin stars among its circle of friends , past and present .
Blancpain and the Art of Living
The encounter between the world of haute horlogerie and haute cuisine , between Blancpain and the Art of Living is entirely self-evident , whether in terms of their common attachment to fine craftsmanship , the importance placed on product quality , or the respect for terroir and traditions . These shared values also encompass the same quest for excellence , expertise , a sure touch and true passion .
It all began in 1986 , well before the current craze for haute cuisine , when the brand offered its friend Frédy Girardet a specially engraved watch upon winning the “ World ’ s Best Chef ” award . Three years later , Blancpain reiterated its commitment when the latter , along with Paul Bocuse and Joël Robuchon , were named “ Chefs of the Century ”. The Manufacture honoured them at the time by giving each of them an engraved watch commemorating the occasion . Since then , Blancpain ’ s circle of friends has continued to grow and now includes new names on the international gastronomy scene , including the Spanish chef Martín Berasategui , Edgard Bovier of Switzerland and Julien Royer from the Auvergne region of France , all of whom have been awarded stars in the Michelin Guide .
In 2020 , Blancpain expressed its close connection with the famous Michelin Guide through a three-year global partnership . By way of this new collaboration , the Manufacture and the Michelin Guide intend to work together in promoting their touchstones of excellence , passion and expertise .
Blancpain is also partner of prestigious hotels such as those belonging to Relais & Châteaux .
www . blancpain . com
70 The Art of Luxury Issue 48 2021