Food, Wine, and Watch Pairings: Appreciate the Finer Things in Life

New York City is known around the world as a premier destination for some of the best fine dining the United States has to offer. For the past 16 years, the city has been honoring this tradition with the annual New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF). This celebration of taste takes place primarily in Brooklyn and features events helmed by big-name chefs like Bobby Flay, Alex Guarnaschelli, Scott Conant, Amanda Freitag, and others.

Attendees can purchase tickets starting at $95 to participate in offerings like cooking classes, wine tastings, intimate dinner, food tours, and so much more – and as an added bonus, the event raises money for local charitable organizations. But you might be wondering… Why are we, a luxury watch seller, writing about the Wine & Food Festival?

Food connoisseurs and watch enthusiasts have at least one thing in common: They both appreciate the finer things in life. After all, what is better than showing off your heirloom Audemars Piguet watch every time you raise your wrist to sip on a glass of Leroy Musigny Grand Cru? What about slicing through a tender filet mignon as your Patek Philippe watch catches the light?

Food, wine, and fine accessories go together like peanut butter and jelly… or for the purposes of this discussion, more like Pinot Noir and a rack of lamb. Discover the perfect watch to complement your next elevated meal.

If you love the classics – like a juicy cut of steak, a smoky glass of whiskey, or a fruity Merlot – you will love the timeless silhouettes of Audemars Piguet watches. In particular, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak line showcases strong, rugged silhouettes while still maintaining an upscale appearance that can easily take you from yacht to steakhouse to concert and more.

This Audemars Piguet watch is a timeless classic that will never go out of style. The octagonal bezel shape and visible screws were inspired by the structure of a diver’s helmet, adding a sporty element to this perennial favorite. The stainless steel construction pays homage to the Royal Oak’s 1972 debut, at which time it was dubbed “the world’s first luxury sport watch.” Combining elements of adventure and taste, the Royal Oak is a masculine favorite.

Nowadays, Audemars Piguet has expanded its Royal Oak collection from the original stainless steel to feature models in 18K rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, titanium, and more. Twenty years after the Royal Oak watch made waves across the horological world, Audemars Piguet introduced an offshoot line called the Royal Oak Offshore, which made updates and modifications to the original watch’s look.

First debuted in 1993, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore line is often considered the rugged younger brother of the classic Royal Oak watch. It features larger faces, sportier straps, and bolder colors, shaking up the traditional mold of what luxury watches can be.

For instance, check out the Royal Oak Offshore “Diver” edition pictured above. The eye-catching blue mega tapisserie dial features bar hour markers, a yellow minute hand, a date aperture in the 3 o’clock position, and additional yellow accents on the seconds counter. As you can see, the watch maintains some classic Royal Oak elements like the octagonal bezel and exposed screws while adding some sportier touches, like the dial elements and rubber strap.

Looking for a more subtle touch? Anyone who loves the light yet upscale experience of local, raw oysters on ice paired with a dry, acidic Sauvignon Blanc knows that luxury does not have to be maximalist in nature. There is something to be said for the “quiet luxury” trend taking over runways and restaurants this year. Sometimes, the finer things in life come in smaller packages… for instance, delicate yet classic watches from heritage brands like Patek Philippe.

There is a certain artistry and delicateness to a Patek Philippe watch, perhaps harkening back to its traditional roots in Geneva in 1839. Even those with a more sturdy silhouette exude intricacy, reminding you of their status as a work of art as well as a well-oiled machine.

For example, consider this Patek Philippe Nautilus watch, which is crafted from premium 18K rose gold and features a delicate diamond bezel surrounding its silver face. The versatile 35 mm size makes it an ideal fit for wearers of any gender. The classic shape of this piece highlights its wearer’s taste and commitment to luxury, while the diamond bezel adds a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates the look up a notch.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus is available in a number of different metals and colors, which you can explore further on the Avi & Co. website or in person at one of our three luxurious boutiques. We have storefronts in New York City, Miami, and Aspen to cater to our discerning clients located all over the country.

Pairing wine with dessert yields a delightful decadence that not everyone considers – but the most dedicated fine dining aficionados would never miss this chance to create yet another perfect flavor combination. One of our favorite luxe pairings? Two classics: chilled Chardonnay and custard-y creme brulee. If you go wild for indulgent treats, you’ll also love a sparkling Rolex watch like the ones we have available at Avi & Co.

Rolex watches are the ultimate symbol of luxury – and for many people, they are one of their first introductions into the luxury watch market. If you are looking for something truly unique and special, consider a priceless Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, the watch of choice of numerous celebrities including Jonah Hill, Paul Newman, John Mayer, Kevin Hart, Ellen DeGeneres, Sofia Vergara, Adam Levine and others.

We can’t stop staring at this Rolex Daytona, which features a striking yellow gold construction paired with a black index dial and a tachymeter bezel. The dial’s hour markers are eye-catching diamonds that will sparkle when light hits this unique watch. There is no doubt that this iconic timepiece is a testament to Rolex's commitment to craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

The world is buzzing about special treats these days… and in our opinion, a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is the ultimate “special treat.” Trust us, you deserve it. Go ahead, buy the Rolex. Get the bottle of wine. And while you’re at it, order that dessert.

While you might think of the classic hamburger/drink pairing as a glass of fizzy Coca Cola or maybe a hoppy IPA, we would urge you to branch out a little bit and consider a hearty red next time you bite into a savory, cheesy, bacon-y, beefy sandwich. It might be unconventional, but there is nothing that does the trick like a juicy, herbaceous Syrah, hailing from France’s Northern Rhone Valley. If you’re game for an unconventional culinary adventure, there is no doubt that you will also love innovative, game-changing timepieces. And for that moniker, there is no other watchmaker than Richard Mille.

Sometimes considered “ugly luxury,” there is no question that Richard Mille watches are changing the face of the horological world as we know it. These timepieces typically feature the brand’s iconic, tonneau-shaped case with skeletonized dials that allow you a glance at the inner workings of these sporty pieces.

Looking to try a Richard Mille watch on for yourself? We are currently loving the RM 65-01, a high-tech piece that features a 60-hour power reserve and the impressive RMAC3 caliber. The intricate design and advanced features of this complex sports watch make a standout piece, even in a diverse collection like Richard Mille’s. Try it on at one of Avi & Co.’s three upscale showrooms today – click here to make an appointment.

Horological enthusiasts and culinary aficionados alike are united by their love for all things upscale, unique, and delectable. The biggest source of overlap? Luxury watches, of course. At Avi & Co., we have the perfect timepiece to suit every sense of style and every unique palate.

But don’t just take our word for it! Stop into one of our three boutiques – you can find us in Manhattan, Miami, and Aspen, Colorado – to experience timeless luxury for yourself. Get your hands on an heirloom watch that you can pass down for generations, and feel like royalty when you deck out your wrist in the finest timepieces we have to offer. Visit us today.