Top 11 Best Watches for Chefs [Practical Watches for the Kitchen]
When it comes to most professions, timing is usually an important aspect. Whether you’re timing a strike as a military, planning a scheduled website update, or cooking in the kitchen.
Being a chef is quite a different profession that requires skills, knowledge, experience, precision, and timing. Most people can cook food, but not everyone can dominate in the kitchen and make incredible and delicious food that give a true experience for the diner.
As mentioned, every profession is dependent on timing in one way or another, and the same goes for chefs. If you are a chef, you may have thought about which the best watch that suits your profession is.
Not only is a watch always a stylish accessory, but most importantly for chefs, it can be an important tool.
In this article, we are taking a look at some of the best watches for chefs that can take the heat, knocks, and bangs, in the kitchen. Further on, we’ll also look closer at what you need to consider when buying a watch as a chef and what you need to consider when choosing one.
Without further ado, let’s look closer at the best and most popular (affordable) watches for chefs that ticks all of the mentioned boxes.
Best watches for chefs [Affordable]
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Casio Classic Quartz MW-240-1EVCF
First up, we have a simple, affordable, and practical watch that ticks all the boxes of what a chef’s watch needs.
With a price tag of around 25 dollars, it’s one of the cheapest watches out there. This could be a good thing in the kitchen as you won’t have to worry about knocking it around. To make it more durable, it has a black resin case with a diameter of 44.85mm and is fitted on a black rubber strap which is also a good thing. The water resistance is 50m so it will be able to withstand all of the usual kitchen-related water splashes.
Most importantly, in my opinion, it has great legibility with white hands and white hour markers which makes it easy to quickly tell the time. It is powered by a quartz movement.
This watch will be able to take a beating and withstand water, but shall anything happen, it’s so affordable that it is easy to replace as well. If you want a watch that is simple and affordable but still has the necessary traits of a chef’s watch, it is a watch worth considering.
Specifications
- Water-resistance: 50m
- Movement: quartz
Luminox Leatherback Sea Turtle
Luminox watches are known for being tough, robust military watches built to handle extreme conditions so naturally, they are able to withstand everything a chef may subject it to.
First and foremost, it has a 44 mm Carbon Compound case that looks both sporty and masculine. It has a mineral crystal on top and offers a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. The fact that it is presented on a black silicone strap is also good so you can rinse and wash it when you need it. Another benefit of this watch for chefs is that it features a unidirectional rotating bezel. As mentioned, you can use this bezel to measure elapsed time for when you need to time different things in the kitchen.
The legibility of this watch is, like on all Luminox watches, really great. This I partly due to the large white Arabic numerals and large hands which contrast well against the background. But it is also thanks to the illuminating tubes that are applied on the dial and hands. Instead of applying the lume, Luminox uses lume tubes instead to make the lume glow brighter and more powerful. The result is exceptional legibility, even in low-lit conditions, which is good to have for chefs.
The watch is powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement which offers good accuracy and at 3 o’clock, it has a date window which can also be useful in the kitchen.
Overall, this is a tough watch that emphasizes durability and practicality, which are also aspects that are crucial for a watch for chefs. This is why, whilst it is primarily an outdoor tool watch, it makes for a suitable watch for the kitchen. In addition, it’s also a watch that works just as great in the kitchen as outside it.
Specifications
- Diameter: 44mm
- Movement: Swiss quartz
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Clip-on Carabiner Chef watch
Not all kitchens allow chefs to wear watches when working, and in that case, you need to find a solution. A good solution is to use a doctor’s watch on your jacket instead. That way, you can still keep the time and have access to it in a simple and convenient way.
Really, it doesn’t need much introduction. Just clip it to your jacket and have a glance at it whenever you need to tell the time. To make reading the time easier, it has large black Arabic numerals on the dial and luminescence on the hands. Not only are the hands luminous but also the whole dial. It is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and has a case that measures 50mm in diameter and 9mm in thickness. Also, this watch is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel which is convenient as it allows you to time different things in the kitchen.
Whilst it is a shame if you are not able to wear wristwatches, especially if you are a watch enthusiast, it is a good and convenient solution.
Specifications
- Thickness: 9mm
- Movement: quartz
Gotham Silver-Tone Open Face Pendant Watch GWC14138SA
Another solution, if you’re not allowed to wear a watch in the kitchen, is to use a watch pendant instead. Whilst it is not the most convenient alternative, and certainly not as convenient as a wristwatch, it could be an appropriate solution for some.
The watch is designed as a small picket watch and comes with a chain so you can wear it around your neck. The watch also has large numerals to make it easy to quickly tell the time. It is powered by a Japanese quartz movement.
Fossil Grant Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph
The Fossil is a masculine chronograph that ticks the boxes of a watch for chefs but also works great as an everyday watch as well, in case you want something versatile that you can wear both in and out of the kitchen.
It is presented with a 44mm stainless steel case and a mineral crystal on top. The crown at 3 o’clock is protected by crown guards, and on each side, we also have discreet chronograph push buttons. Despite having a price of only around 70 dollars, the case is actually quite nicely made with brushed and polished elements and beveled lugs, making it appear a lot more exclusive and elegant than what its price suggests.
It is powered by a reliable chronograph quartz movement and offers a water resistance of 50m/165 feet. It is fitted on a stainless steel bracelet, which of course is easy to rinse off, which is a plus for chefs.
The overall dial design is classic and simple with a black background and applied metal Roman numerals. The hands are, however, made large to improve legibility which is a bonus. As mentioned, this is a chronograph, and via the chronograph, chefs can time different things in the kitchen whilst cooking which is convenient for keeping track of what needs to be done and when. A rotating bezel may be easier to use, but once you’ve gotten a hang of using the chronograph in the kitchen, you’ll find it very useful.
Overall, it’s not just a practical watch for the kitchen, but it is a stylish and masculine timepiece that works for all kinds of different occasions. And the fact that it costs less than 100 dollars means you won’t have to be super careful or afraid of scratching or damaging it.
Specifications
- Diameter: 44mm
- Movement: quartz
- Crystal: mineral
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
Rado Diamaster R14076112 45mm Automatic Ceramic
The Rado Diamaster R14076112 is a watch for the serious chef, partly because it costs more than 2000 dollars. When it comes to pricing, everything is relative of course, but whilst it is more affordable, it does have a lot to offer.
First and foremost, it has a 45mm plasma-treated high-tech ceramic case. What does this mean? Well, ceramic watches are really popular amongst chefs due to their temperature-resisting properties. Ceramic doesn’t absorb heat or cold in the same way that steel does, and therefore, they are particularly suitable in the kitchen, as discussed earlier. Thanks to the use of ceramic, the case remains cool which obviously is a huge bonus for chefs. In addition, ceramic remains virtually scratch-proof and continues to look good for a really long time.
In terms of design, it has a simple case shape with a virtually non-existent bezel, leaving a lot of room for the dial, and has small and short lugs, allowing it to sit better on the wrist. Since the ceramic is dark grey, it also gets a masculine and bold look. The ceramic bracelet can also be rinsed without any issues.
This watch is presented with a striking gray sunburst dial with a distinct brushing that reflects the light beautifully. On the dial, we have the chronograph sub-dials (which of course can be used for timing things in the kitchen) as well as a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The three chronograph sub-dials display 60 seconds, 30 minutes, and 12 hours.
Also, the water resistance is quite good at 100m/330 feet, meaning you can even go swimming with it if you want.
All in all, if you’re ready to invest a bit more in your watch, the Rado Diamaster ticks most of the boxes of what a chef’s watch needs to be. At the same time, it works just as well in the kitchen as it does with a suit or nonetheless casual everyday clothes.
Specifications
- Movement: Swiss automatic
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Diameter: 45mm
- Thickness: 13mm
Orient Kamasu Japanese-Automatic
The Orient Kamasu is one of the most popular affordable automatic watches on the market. It also makes for a rather appropriate watch for chefs. It’s stylish of course but also meets the needs of a chef from a watch.
It features a 41.8mm stainless steel case with a classic dive-watch-inspired design, meaning crown guards protecting the crown, a three-link stainless steel bracelet, and a unidirectional bezel on top. As already mentioned, this bezel can be used for timing when cooking. On top of the case sits a sapphire crystal.
The dial is black and doesn’t really offer any surprises. It has large applied markers and large hands filled with luminescence, ensuring good legibility in all environments. Another practical feature is the day and date window at 3 o’clock.
This is an automatic watch that is powered by the in-house Orient caliber F6922 with hacking seconds and a manual-winding function. If you’re a watch enthusiast, you’ll be happy about the use of a mechanical movement, and it is also one of the reasons why this watch is so popular. There aren’t a lot of watches in the price range of about 200 dollars that offer the same quality, and attention to detail, and are automatic as the Orient Kamasu.
Since this is a dive watch at its core, it has a good water resistance of 200m/660 feet. Whilst you won’t need that much in the kitchen, it’s good to know that it can be rinsed and handle water in the kitchen without leaking. But of course, if you’re a chef and looking for a suitable watch, you’ll be just as happy with this watch in the kitchen as when wearing it every day. In other words, it’s not just a tool and something you can only have in the kitchen.
Specifications
- Diameter: 41.8mm
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water-Resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: Orient automatic caliber F6922
Seiko 5 Automatic SRPD55K1
The Seiko 5 SRPD55K1 is more or less Seiko’s version of the Orient Kamasu that we looked at just above. It has a dive-watch-inspired design, a very similar price tag, and a similar performance.
Which you choose as a chef will to a large extent come down to preference, but one thing is for sure and that is that this Seiko watch is extremely popular and for good reasons. It has a 43mm stainless steel case with the crown positioned at 4 o’clock which is a signature design feature of many Seiko watches, but also comfortable as it keeps the crown from digging into the wrist. It is presented on a sporty and versatile three-link stainless steel bracelet. On top of the case sits a Hardlex crystal.
Of course, it is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel for timing.
Powering this watch is the automatic in-house Seiko caliber 4R36 with both manual winding and hacking seconds – just like the Orient watch above. This movement is known and appreciated for being robust, durable, and long-lasting and they are all properties you’d want in an automatic watch. After all, the movements are one of the factors that make Seiko so popular. The power reserve is 41 hours.
The water resistance is ”only” 100 meters which isn’t dive-watch standard, but as a watch for chefs, you definitely won’t be needing more than that anyways. Not surprisingly, it has large hour markers and large hands, providing good legibility, as well as a day and date window at 3 o’clock.
Overall, it’s just a stylish, durable, and practical timepiece that works for most occasions, and is particularly suitable for chefs in the kitchen.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 13mm
- Movement: Automatic caliber 4R36
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Casio MDV106-1AV 200M Duro
This watch ticks all the boxes of a chef’s watch, and it does so really well. Water resistance? check. Legibility? Check. Durability? Check. Appropriate strap? Check. Affordable? Extremely.
We have talked about this watch a lot in our reviews, and that is because it seriously is so good. I own one myself and it is a watch that has never let me down, and also looks great too.
What is most impressive about this watch is its price, which is around 60 dollars. With that in mind, it punches well above its own weight in terms of quality and finish. In addition, it definitely does not look like a 60-dollar watch.
It is designed as a classic dive watch with a 44mm stainless steel case with thick lugs and a crown protected by crown guards. For chefs, it is practical to have a unidirectional rotating bezel for timing the cooking in the kitchen. Practical for both the kitchen and for swimming, it has a black resin strap which obviously handles water well but is also comfortable on the wrist.
Legibility is the focus of this dial but it still has a nice design to it with a stylish sunburst finish and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock and luminescence for low-lit conditions.
The water resistance is also good at 200m/660 feet, suitable for all kinds of activities in the kitchen, as well as for diving. It is powered by a reliable quartz movement.
In Casio’s own words”
This Casio Sea analog illuminator watch offers all the convenience and durability of a sports watch, with an adaptable style well suited for a work day.” With that said, it is a suitable watch for chefs who want a tough watch in the kitchen and a trusted companion, but also a stylish watch that can be worn outside the kitchen as well.
Specifications
- Movement: Japanese quartz movement
- Water resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)
- Crystal: Mineral crystal
- Diameter: 44mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48mm
- Height: 12mm
- Weight: 92 grams case weight
Tissot Seastar 660/1000 T1204071105100
The Tissot Seastar T1204071105100 is one of Tissot’s most popular watches. It’s also a dive watch, which has proven to be popular amongst chefs, not only because it is a nice design, but also for practical reasons like durability and performance.
This watch has a 43mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 12.7mm and a relatively slim case with crown guards which do not take up a lot of room, nor have too thick lugs. Even if a dive watch is suitable in the kitchen for chefs, you may not want the clumsiest watch around, and this is why this Tissot is a good alternative as it finds a good balance. Naturally, it is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel that can be used for timing various things in the kitchen. Unlike the most affordable watches we have looked at, the bezel insert on this watch is ceramic, which is practical both for durability purposes, but also for a more premium look. But at the same time, this watch is more expensive, at around 700 dollars. At the same time, you really notice a difference in materials and finish.
It is powered by a Swiss automatic movement and offers a good water resistance of 300m/1000 feet. It is fitted on a stainless steel bracelet and has a black dial. The design of the dial is similar to most dive watches out there, meaning large markers and hands, which of course is a good thing for chefs to ensure good legibility. At 6 o’clock, it also has a date window.
Overall, this watch has a sporty yet versatile design that works on many different occasions but also ticks many boxes of what chefs need from a watch.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 12.7mm
- Movement: Swiss automatic
- Water resistance: 300m/1000 feet
Swatch Classic Quartz SUOB705
Last but not least, we have a classic and affordable timepiece from Swatch. Swatch is known for making affordable and functional timepieces that are suitable for everyday wear.
This Swatch watch focuses on durability, functionality, and practicality. It has a 41mm plastic case with an integrated silicone strap. Just like ceramic, plastic doesn’t keep heat or cold as much as steel does which is a good thing for chefs in the kitchen.
It features a white dial with large Arabic numerals and hands which, against the white dial gives good legibility. At 3 o’clock, it also has a day and date window.
The water resistance of this timepiece is 100 feet which is not the best, but it is enough for chefs in the kitchen, and certainly enough for handling water splashes.
This watch is comfortable, light, and a practical companion in the kitchen is also offered at an affordable price.
Specifications
- Diameter: 41mm
- Water resistance: 100 feet
- Movement: quartz
What to think about when buying a watch for chefs – buyer’s guide
The kitchen can be a hot, active environment where you often come in contact with water and moisture and water. With that said, you will need a robust and durable watch that can withstand water and high temperatures. In addition, you also want it to offer good legibility so you can quickly tell the time by just glancing at your wrist. Not all kitchens do not allow chefs to wear wristwatches, so we’ve also included a few alternatives that you can use to still know the time.
If you look at many celebrity chefs, you can often see them wear luxury and expensive watches like Rolex, Omega, Hublot, or Audemars Piguet, Whilst these are of course nice watches, most people, including chefs, are not willing to spend thousands of dollars on a watch.
With that said, we will focus on watches in the affordable price range, but which still offer great durability, and performance and are suitable for chefs in the kitchen.
Durability
First off, watches for chefs need to be durable. This profession may expose the watch to demanding and harsh conditions, including shocks and bangs when accidentally hitting various objects and tools, or even when performing certain tasks such as chopping. Therefore, you need a robust timepiece that can withstand this.
Good legibility
The pace in the kitchen can be high, and you may be working at full pace to serve the guests food. Your hands are almost always occupied, and therefore, you want a watch that offers great legibility that allows you to tell the time by simply glancing at the wrist. This is why legibility is an important criteria that a good watch for chefs needs.
Heat resistance
On the topic of durability, chef’s watches also need to have good heat resistance. As a chef, you’re always in contact with extreme heat, for example when using frying pans, ovens, grills, pans, and so on. With this in mind, your watch needs to be tough enough to withstand high temperatures, and far from all watches can do this. In the list of watches for chefs below, we have selected timepieces with this in mind that are able to handle extreme temperatures and continue to function properly.
Water resistance
Water resistance is another important criteria that watches for chefs need to meet. As a chef, you’re often in contact with water, not to mention when washing your hands, and your watch needs to be able to withstand this. Whilst you are not swimming or diving, it should be able to handle water splashes, which means a water resistance of at least 30m is required. But an even better water resistance, which many of the watches in this list have, does not hurt either.
Functions
Two very useful but not crucial functions of a watch for chefs are a chronograph and a diving bezel. The reason for this is that these functions can actually be used in the kitchen to help you with your cooking. A dive bezel allows you to measure elapsed time up to 60 minutes, and this is great if you need to time something. Let’s say you are going to cook something for 15 minutes in the oven, you simply rotate the bezel to its position and then look at the time to see when the minutes hand has reached 15. This is a really useful tool that can be advantageous for chefs.
A similar function is a chronograph, which measures time in a similar way. A chronograph can therefore also be useful to have for chefs.
Appropriate strap
Last but not least, the strap of your watch is important as well. Since your watch will be in contact with water and liquids, but also may need to be rinsed and washed occasionally, you want a strap that is both comfortable but also water-resistant. Therefore, look for a watch with a rubber or metal bracelet. At all costs, you want to avoid leather straps as these absorb water, and sweat, and will also get ruined and stained over time.
If your watch gets dirty, you can simply rinse it off to keep it clean. Make sure the strap is both durable and comfortable.
Which is the best watch for chefs?
Summarized, the best watches for chefs are those that offer good legibility, resistance against water and heat, and are durable enough to handle shocks and bangs. In some cases, it may be more favorable to have a watch made in ceramic or titanium to better handle the extreme heat that you may subject your watch to.
Furthermore, it can also be practical to have a timing function, such as a chronograph, in order to keep track of the time when you are cooking.
In this article, we have focused on affordable options, but if you look at the watches that professional chefs wear, you’ll find a lot of luxury watches, such as the Rolex Submariner or Hublot watches.
