Joël Robuchon Visits the Blancpain Manufacture in Le Brassus

This week luxury watchmaker Blancpain welcomed a special guest to their manufacture in Le Brassus, Switzerland. Joël Robuchon, the most starred chef in the world, paid a visit to the manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Blancpain.

The Swiss manufacture has long had ties to the celebrity chef, awarding Robuchon a specially hand-engraved watch when he was nominated one of the “Cuisiniers du siècle” (chefs of the century) by Gault et Millau in 1989. No doubt their shared quest for excellence, know-how, precise gestures, passion and meticulous hand craftmanship bring together these leaders of haute horlogerie and haute gastronomie!

Joël Robuchon took charge of the Concorde Lafayette Hotel kitchens at just 29 years old. He was voted “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (Best Artisan in France) in 1976 at this establishment, and in 1981 he opened “Le Jamin”, subsequently winning three Michelin stars in three years. He earned the title of “Chef of the Year” in 1987, followed by “Chef of the Century” in 1989. In 1994, the restaurant bearing his name was nominated “Best Restaurant in the World”. Wishing to make cooking more accessible, he was then featured in several television programmes. Parallel to this, his travels provided him with the inspiration of developing the original concept of “L’Atelier Joël Robuchon” (cookery workshops) which promoted his cuisine based on high-quality produce in a friendly atmosphere. The success of the “Ateliers” in Paris and Tokyo, which opened simultaneously in 2003, turned haute gastronomie traditions on their head and led Joël Robuchon to develop the concept further. Thanks to his talent in the choice and training of his chefs, he is currently the world’s most multi-starred cook with no less than 28 stars in the Michelin guide.

Be sure to check out the behind the scenes video from Robuchon’s visit!

Photos and video courtesy Blancpain.