The First Watch Designed for the Working Chef

Becca Dilley / Heavy Table
Becca Dilley / Heavy Table

This feature article is sponsored by Morpheus Watches.

Six months of sketching, computer graphics, and molding went into creating The Culinary, a timepiece made by Morpheus Watches for the gastronomic professional. The final product is substantial; it’s a strong, durable, water-resistant watch that says “cooking” without shouting it.

Courtesy of Morpheus Watches
Courtesy of Morpheus Watches

“We walked a fine line between designing a themed watch and maintaining the integrity of a beautiful watch,” says James Cowan, president of the company. “I don’t care for watches that try and capture a theme or concept just by printing a noun on the dial.”

In designing The Culinary, Cowan and his team sought to create a product that would elegantly fill the role of professional chef timepiece. The watch features a crown and pushers molded in the shape of high-end range oven dials, a case designed in the shape of a saute pan, and band arms designed to look like skillet handles. An alarm timer adds a bit more functionality, “not that chefs lack timers,” says Cowan. “But it’s part of the overall look.”

A hardened stainless steel case and scratch-resistant curved sapphire crystal ensure that the watch can take a tough knock — Cowan says the goal with The Culinary was to help forge a reputation for his newly founded timepiece company, which meant building the watch around a high-end Swiss movement.

“I definitely overbuilt it and overspent on the watch for the price point,” he says. “We’re a new company, and we’re trying to catch people’s eye and break into the market.”

The Culinary comes with a two-year warranty and is available online, directly from Morpheus Watches.