The longstanding friendship between the Manufacture Blancpain and the talented French chef was marked by a double celebration. As the watch brand was launching its new boutique, located at 697 Fifth Avenue, the winner of 31 Michelin stars was simultaneously opening his "L'Atelier Joël Robuchon" restaurant in a nearby district of New-York, the latest addition to those already established in Europe, Asia and North America.
A number of journalists and friends of the brand attending the occasion enjoyed a private tour providing an introduction to the premises and the Blancpain universe, conducted by Alain Delamuraz. This was followed by a friendly yet passionate dialogue between the latter and the great French chef, focusing on common core values such as the quest for quality and excellence, expertise, a deft touch and meticulous workmanship. "Innovation is our tradition" explained Alain Delamuraz. And added "Joël Robuchon is exactly the same, in that his techniques and creations are constantly evolving. This unremitting determination to call into question all that we do will thus enable us to progress and build the future.” In turn, the Michelin-starred chef confirmed that he shares the same vision when introduced to the watches from the Fifty Fathoms, Le Brassus and Villeret collections: “I had the opportunity of getting a closer look at the work of master-watchmakers during my visit to the Manufacture Blancpain. I saw the precision with which they work and the care they devote to their art and I understood the pride that we – chefs and watchmakers – take in producing our creations.”
At the end of the visit, in a sudden burst of enthusiasm, Joël Robuchon seized the opportunity to carry off with the boutique’s wall clock. He proudly reinstalled his prize in his new establishment as a symbol of his “deep attachment to the Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux”, while emphasizing that “time is an essential ingredient in cooking”.
