SpotlightWatch Spotting On MasterChef Australia: The Judges’ Timepieces In Season 11

Timing is always crucial in a kitchen, and this is especially true for the MasterChef kitchen. Through every cook in the competition, each of the judges has pointed out the amount of time left for the contestants to plate up their dishes. Now, while the big analogue timer hanging from the kitchen ceiling is the point of reference that is always focused on, I did happen to notice the timekeeping devices on the wrists of the judges as well. These watches often peek out from under their sleeves when the camera zooms in on the dishes that the contestants have served to them.

The timepieces I saw this season were quite different from the usual Rolexes one usually comes across on television. And it was quite interesting actually, particularly because it was season 11. It was announced earlier this year that this season of MasterChef Australia would be the last one for the three judges—Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan. Preston, the food critic and columnist, and chefs and restaurateurs, Calombaris and Mehigan have become household names even in India, owing to the cooking competition reality programme’s global popularity.

Though I have tried to observe the kind of watches all three of them wear, I’ve never managed to catch a glimpse of what’s under Preston’s cuff, or if he even wears a watch. It seems the other two, however, have quite the collection. Calombaris, in particular, has more than one Rolex. I’ve seen his Submariner, and I believe he’s even worn a Rolesor Datejust on occasion. He has been spotted wearing a Zenith Pilot watch as well. Mehigan, on the other hand, has a more eclectic mix of timepieces, including a Zenith, and at least one Breitling. Here, we take a look at just a few of the watches they donned this season.

Gary Mehigan Wore A Zenith Defy El Primero 21 In Rose Gold

A gold watch is a must-have in one’s watch wardrobe, and what a way to go! Gary Mehigan’s all-gold timepiece is the technically superior and handsome Zenith Defy El Primero 21. Housing a descendant of the world’s first integrated automatic chronograph movement is this watch with the El Primero calibre for the 21st century—the 9004. Equipped with the ability to measure up to 1/100th of a second, this watch must surely be handy for Mehigan when he needs to rely on extremely precise timing in the kitchen. With a modern skeletonised display, this 44mm rose gold piece is a looker as well.

Mehigan was seen wearing this Zenith Defy El Primero in rose gold most prominently in the second half of season 11

This chiselled watch is water resistant to 100m. Seen here is the timepiece with a rubber strap, featuring a brown leather overlay, ensuring comfort along with sophistication

₹30,90,000

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George Calombaris Wore A Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special

The Zenith watch of choice for George Calombaris, on the other hand, is the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special. A leader in the realm of aviation timekeeping, Zenith has patented the use of the word ‘pilot’ on the dials of watches, which the Swiss watchmakers have proudly emblazoned on the dials of these vintage-inspired Pilot watches. The Type 20 Extra Special is a reference to the Type 20 montre d’aéronef (French for ‘aircraft clock’)—one of their cockpit instruments made for French aircraft in the 1930s. This piece in bronze features all the classic elements of early aviation watches—enlarged numerals, an oversized, onion-shaped crown, cathedral-style hands, etc. This watch could easily inspire Calombaris to cook up a classic French degustation menu!

Calombaris was spotted wearing the Zenith Pilot watch in this episode during Nigella week. Guest judge, food writer and TV cooking sensation Nigella Lawson is seen on the far left

Water resistant to 100m, the 45mm case of this Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special houses an automatic movement

₹6,88,200

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Gary Mehigan Wore A Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph

Seen under the cuffs of Mehigan’s suits while sampling the contestants’ dishes, and even when he was cooking himself during a masterclass or two on this season of MasterChef, was a striking blue Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph. This diver’s watch was instantly recognisable, owing to its blue rubber strap textured like a Milanese bracelet, and its racheted blue ceramic bezel, which can be rotated only in one direction, like a diver’s bezel is meant to. The 44mm steel case is water resistant to a significant depth of 200m, while the certified chronometer automatic movement inside offers chronograph functions, and a day-and-date display, seen at three o’clock on the blue dial.

During Queensland week on season 11, Gary Mehigan chose to wear his Breitling Superocean—a perfect accessory for the beach-side team challenge episode

The chronograph of this watch is equipped to measure one-fourth of a second, in addition to having the regular 30-minute and 12-hour counters at 12 and six

₹5,72,000

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Gary Mehigan Possibly Wore A Graham Silverstone Chronograph

Also among Mehigan’s watches was this interesting, sporty timepiece, with oversized numerals, which are even larger at 12 and six o’clock. The peculiar font used for the numerals and the sub-dial at nine o’clock made it identifiable as something from Graham, and particularly the Silverstone collection, owing to the absence of the crown-and-trigger at nine—a distinctive feature of the Chronofighter series. It seemed quite obvious that it was a chronograph from Graham’s Silverstone collection that comprises motor racing-inspired watches.

The watch closest to the one he’s wearing is the 48mm, PVD-treated steel watch, with a rubber strap featuring a tyre-tread pattern (pictured below).

GRAHAM Silverstone EXPLORE THE WATCH

The grand finale of season 11 airs tonight in India. With that, it’s a wrap for Gary, George and Matt! This was our little farewell to them. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the show and spotting some our favourite watches on it.

Did you spot any watches that we might have missed? Do share a comment below and let us know.