Precision and creativity! These are two points of convergence between cuisine and watchmaking that Seiko wanted to explore through a partnership with renowned Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. The result was a project that helps promote the King Seiko collection, created in 1961 in Japan, which produces luxury mechanical watches within the century-old Japanese brand.
According to Seiko, these are ‘exceptional’ watches, born from ‘the invisible minutiae of each gear, technical rigour combined with savoir-faire passed down through generations’, according to information from the brand, which adds that "in the same way, a signature gastronomic creation is the result of impeccable technique, absolute mastery of time and raw materials, but also the artistic vision of the chef who transforms ingredients into emotion. Both require precision, attention to detail and, above all, respect for time.
The relationship was further explored based on the idea that time is not just a measure in the kitchen. It is also an ingredient. ‘A fish cooked to perfection, a sauce that reduces perfectly or a poached egg with a creamy yolk... It all depends on seconds well counted. A chef lives with time in mind, even if he is not looking at his watch.’
From their end, Seiko points out that ‘in watchmaking, each piece has a precise function. A movement, a gear, a design that stands the test of time and in which everything is thought out down to the last millimetre. As in gastronomy, there is great respect for the balance between technique and aesthetics.’
This quest for perfection in both worlds gave rise to the promotion of King Seiko in Portugal. The watch embodies the ‘harmony of the mechanism’. The dish embodies ‘the symmetry between flavours, textures and aromas’. And all this is related to time.
In fact, there are several points of connection between King Seiko and haute cuisine. High mechanical precision, for example, which can be compared to the rigour of culinary technique. Sophisticated, minimalist design, which can be compared to the aesthetics of the dish, and luxurious finishes, which can be translated into the use of premium ingredients.
There is also a relationship between the contemporary reissue of vintage models, which can be compared to the reinterpretation of modern recipes, and the limited edition of this collection finds its echo in the kitchen in the form of exclusive or seasonal tasting menus.
www.seikowatches.com
