Blancpain is proud to extend its circle of Michelin-starred partners with Swiss chefs Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon, who join the Brand’s esteemed list of friends. Awarded their second Michelin star in 2023, the twin chefs exemplify the values shared by both the worlds of gastronomy and Blancpain: excellence, craftsmanship, precision, and passion.
As a global partner of the Michelin Guide, the Bocuse d'Or Switzerland, and Relais & Châteaux hotels, Blancpain has been adorning the wrists of the world's finest chefs for nearly four decades. Both Blancpain and the culinary world are united by their dedication to passion, authenticity, tradition, and savoir-faire—values that celebrate the skill and artistry of their creators. Blancpain's commitment to sustainability is mirrored by its chefs' use of locally sourced ingredients, staying true to the terroir while embracing creativity and innovation.
The intersection of Haute Horlogerie and Haute Gastronomy is a natural one, rooted in shared values such as dedication to craftsmanship, product quality, respect for the terroir, and deep traditions. Both Blancpain and the culinary world pursue excellence with unwavering passion, precision, and mastery—values that unite them in their commitment to the highest forms of artistry. Blancpain has long cultivated relationships with some of the world’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs, with more than 100 stars among its past and present friends. This connection dates back to 1986 when Blancpain presented chef Frédy Girardet with a specially engraved watch after he was named "World’s Best Chef."
In 1989, the Manufacture once again honored culinary excellence when Girardet, Paul Bocuse, and Joël Robuchon were named Chefs of the Century, presenting them with engraved timepieces. Since then, Blancpain’s circle of culinary friends has continued to grow, with new stars in international gastronomy embracing the Brand’s values and proudly wearing Blancpain timepieces.
In 2020, Blancpain cemented its bond with the renowned Michelin Guide by becoming an official global partner. Through this collaboration, the two organizations aim to promote the values of excellence, passion, and expertise that they share. Blancpain is also a long-time partner of prestigious culinary competitions, including the Bocuse d'Or Switzerland since 2005.
Today, Blancpain is thrilled to welcome the double Michelin-starred Swiss chefs Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon. The Brand had the honor of presenting them with the prestigious Young Chef Award at the 2023 Swiss Michelin Guide star ceremony. This award recognizes the most promising chefs under the age of 35, aiming to inspire and encourage the next generation of culinary talent. It complements the Mentor Chef Award, which Blancpain also presents, honoring chefs dedicated to mentoring young talent.
As a symbol of this exciting collaboration, the Sato and Toffolon brothers now wear Blancpain timepieces: the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback and Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet. Crafted from black ceramic, known for its scratch resistance and hypoallergenic properties, these watches are ideal for use in the kitchen, combining durability with style.
About Chefs Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon
Born in 1989, Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon come from Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Throughout their distinguished careers, they have worked both in Switzerland and internationally. In 2023, the brothers took over the kitchens of The Japanese Restaurant and The Japanese by The Chedi at the luxurious Chedi Andermatt Hotel in the Swiss Alps. Their efforts earned The Japanese Restaurant its second Michelin star, while also preserving the Michelin star at The Japanese by The Chedi at an altitude of nearly 2,400 meters above sea level. Their culinary creations blend the finest ingredients with a fusion of Japanese and classic European influences.
The brothers were also named Promoters of the Year by the 2025 GaultMillau Guide, earning 18 points, and now they are setting their sights on a third Michelin star.
Blancpain’s partnership with renowned hotel groups, such as Relais & Châteaux since 2014, highlights the Brand’s alignment with the highest standards of hospitality.
"Both Haute Horlogerie and Haute Hôtellerie are driven by the same quest for perfection, harmony, and aesthetics. The precision required in both crafts—the fine-tuning of mechanisms or the careful selection of ingredients—demonstrates our shared pursuit of quality. Together, we understand the value of patient, passionate learning." —Laurent Gardinier, Chairman of Relais & Châteaux.
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