WHAT MAKES ME TICK

01 THE WATCH MAKETH THE LOOK

Watches are the only “branded” item I wear. I have no interest in clothes, bags or shoes – only nice timepieces.

02 KEEPING IT SIMPLE

I started my watch collection about a decade ago and now have around five timepieces (including an Omega diver for diving trips, a Panerai, and an Apple Watch). I like large pieces and have a personal preference for square bodies. My taste for watches has not changed much – I have always preferred the contemporary to the classic. Also, I don’t need a lot of functions on my watch, so I prefer the design to be simple.

03 ROUGH AND TUMBLE

This Bell & Ross watch was a 40th-birthday present from my wife, Edina, and it is what I wear most often. Work in the kitchen is rough, so I require something of a solid make to take me through day-to-day operations. I’m not worried about it getting dirty either, as I can just give the fabric strap a rinse.

04 THE WATCHMAN

There are clocks and timers in the kitchen, but I use my watch as a reference time. I don’t often work at the stove now; I’m usually the caller. I refer to my watch so I know when an order was placed to the kitchen, and how long guests have been waiting. I also use it to keep track of the times between courses. I feel lost without my watch. On days when I forget to wear it, you might catch me glancing at my bare wrist constantly.

05 SLOW LIVING

I like to take it free and easy, when I am not working. However, I also teach yoga as a hobby and, again, time is essential – be it the few seconds to hold a pose or the perfect timing of a full class. I also really dislike being late, so keeping time remains an important part of my life even when I am off duty.