I feel lucky being so deep in the watch world that I get to experience watches that most people don’t even know exist. And when I mean most people – I mean even the majority of watch lovers out there. Part of my work (I hope) is to  share new and interesting products with you, that you in turn will share with other people – because while some of this stuff is very rare, it does not mean it is so unique as to be outside of mainstream taste. Take this Culinary watch from America-based Morpheus watches. It is a fun and inviting timepiece that I think will appeal to many people. Problem is that a lot of people who might like this watch will have a tough time finding out about it. Like many other industries, it pays to be connected so that you can learn about the newest and more interesting things.

The Culinary watch is the first timepiece from Morpheus and is not meant to be a timepiece that helps you cook. Instead, it is a watch that is meant to thematically remind you of a professional kitchen environment. At the same time, the watch is designed in such a manner that it does not scream “kitchen.” This means that the “culinary” components of the watch are present, but subtle. So while you can’t wear your “Kiss the Cook” apron out to a steakhouse, you can do so with a Morpheus Culinary watch just fine – or anywhere else for that matter.

It was important to Morpheus that they use a Swiss movement in the watch. A fact that they display conspicuously on the face. The movement they use however is a highly uncommon one, and something that I have never before seen myself. It is quartz, made by ISA and has a few interesting features. These include the time with subsidiary seconds dial, date, day of the week, GMT hand, alarm, and battery power reserve indicator. To be honest, I think that most people are going use the watch for the time, then maybe the subsidiary seconds, date, and day of the week (each to a lesser degree). Most people aren’t going to use the GMT hand, alarm, or battery power reserve indicator at all. It is cool that they are there, but I think that even Morpheus knew this as they made the hour and minute hands wonderful and large, so that you’d see other things underneath them, but the real focus on the watch was telling the time. This overall situation results in a watch that looks interesting and complex, and does what you want it to do 95% of the time with ease. Looking at it for a second doesn’t tell you that, but living with it for a while does.

Perhaps I would had liked to see some of the culinary theme in the watch dial, as there really isn’t any. What you do have is a concentric circular dial pattern that is meant to remind you the bottom part of certain non-stick pans. Then again, this is a style that has been used for watches before. So that isn’t “culinary” per se.  I further wonder if the hour and minute hands are something out of a kitchen. I tried pretty hard to think about it. All I came up with was ice cream scoop and butter knife. You sorta see that right? For whatever the dial lacks in theme, it makes up for in visual interest. It isn’t perfect, but does a good job given its overall purpose. If you live with it for a bit you’ll see.

Now for the little culinary tidbits. The watch has a few little “delectable” pieces. First you have the sapphire crystal of the watch. It combined with the bezel emulate the look of a glass saute pan lid cover. See it? Clever right. Then you have the crown and pushers that are meant to look like knobs on stove range. The black color also contrasts with the gold (or steel) tone for a nice look. Check out the crown guard over the crown that looks like the handles on a pot (well rendered), and the lugs that look like the connectors of a handle rod on a pan. In my opinion these elements are well integrated into the look. Almost as though they have always been design elements of timepieces. In this regard I feel as though the Culinary and watch themes really meld well together.

The watch is in stainless steel and about 41.5mm wide (50 meters water resistant). The watch is quite tall due to the style of the lugs. The case of the watch is done nicely in terms of detailing and finish. The watch comes in three styles. Stainless steel, IP gold tone plating (as pictured), and a 24k  gold plated model. The overall hefty dimensions of the watch feels generous. Perhaps too large for some, but most of you will appreciate the size. Most of the time I am not the type to pursue a gold colored watch – but I like the look with the culinary watch. Gold watches with black faces and accents are really handsome in my opinion, especially matched with a gold colored bracelet (the watch is also available with a leather strap. The bracelet is satisfying and is comfortable, while it also micro adjustments in the clasp (which is signed). The bracelet could have felt a bit more substantial feeling and tight, but then again I like heavy, solid stuff.

Prices for the Morpheus Culinary watch range from about $350 – $375 for most versions of the watch, with the 24k gold plated version being $595. As a fun and functional timepiece it is enjoyable to have. You’ll get the most out of it if you are an enthusiastic cook or are in a cooking related profession. Plus, the little culinary cues are nice to show off. I might wear the watch now as I am going to make dinner. Plus, even though it is a handsome looking watch, I don’t need to worry to much about it. Think about how you’d fit a culinary timepiece into your life. Or perhaps someone you know. If the idea matriculates into a desire, have no qualms about picking one up.

Learn more about the Morpheus Culinary Watch.