Tipplin’ Time With 5 of Our Favorite Watch and Cocktail Pairings

At Wristcheck, we’re strong believers in the notion that watch collecting is at its best when mixed in with a bigger cultural angle. Enter In Good Company: a new lifestyle column in which we query how best to fold horological culture into other similarly vibey pursuits, ranging from fashion to design objects and everything in between.

For our first edition, we’re mixing things up a bit with a look at several watches that spark even more joy once you’ve imbibed a few cheeky beverages. A timepiece on-wrist and what cocktail goes with it isn’t necessarily a new topic of conversation, but if you’ve ever been curious about whether your chronograph really does seem at home next to a Pisco Sour, well then look no further - In Good Company has you covered.

Bulgari Aluminium Chronograph x The Paloma

When Bulgari revamped its ‘90s cult icon, the Aluminium, two years ago; that release opened up the storied Italian jewelry house to a whole new segment of enthusiasts. Comfortable, robust, and relatively attainable, this modern chronograph is a worthy successor to its forebear.

The Aluminium’s panda-style dial and articulated rubber bracelet make it a blast to wear on weekends off - or when you simply don’t have to take yourself too seriously - and we can think of few beverages that better embody that cheerful energy better than the Paloma.

Built in a tall glass, this storied Mexican take on a “long fruity Margarita” is a refreshing change of pace - much like the throwback-inspired chrono you’ll have on your wrist. 

Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronometre x The Manhattan

Not every watch and cocktail pairing needs to conjure up mixological metaphors, but in the case of Parmigiani Fleurier’s essential Toric model - a straight-up time and date - there’s an obvious kinship between this very traditional incarnation of fine Swiss watchmaking and that most old (or is that gold?) school of cocktails - the Manhattan.

The beverage’s exact historical origins are a matter of dubious record but, for the purposes of In Good Company, let’s just say that the Manhattan is a stirred, spirit-forward cocktail invented late in the 19th century. Like its distant cousin, the Martini, the archetypal Manhattan is made up of just a handful of elements - vermouth, bourbon, bitters.

When meticulously brought together, these blossom into something that tastes much greater than the sum of its parts: the Manhattan’s simplistic, richly colored appearance belying a complexity that only those who really enjoy cocktails will fully comprehend.

That summarizes the Toric to a tee: a dress watch that isn’t necessarily for everyone, yet offering a world of delight to those who do indeed prize high watchmaking in the vein of old Patek or Vacheron. And, yes: we daresay that the sort of collector who appreciates Parmigiani Fleurier probably knows a thing or two about how to order their Manhattan. 

Rolex GMT Master II x The Negroni

If we had a penny for every bar and restaurant in 2022 that offers a ‘signature Negroni’, well…we’d definitely have thousands of pennies. A stalwart of cocktail culture, it has been adapted almost incessantly over the years: the classic 1-1-1 ratio working elegantly to resolve all kinds of gins, dark spirits, and flavored liqueurs. That’s why, despite the ‘Pepsi’ nickname, Rolex’s superlative GMT-Master II is such a kindred spirit.

Like the classic Italian aperitivo we’ve recommended to go along with it, this GMT-II in white gold manages to take a bunch of disparate elements and turn them into something that is a certified crowd pleaser.

The 40mm sizing looks great on a wide array of wrists; the effect of combining bi-color ceramics feels perpetually stylish; and, in the case of this particular expression of the GMT-II lineage, the watch cruises through a variety of settings and social situations extremely well. Y’know, sorta like a Negroni.

Grand Seiko ‘Byōka ‘ x The Whisky Highball

At first, it might appear derivative to partner a Japanese watch with the quintessential Japanese cocktail, but originality be damned - some combinations are just too good to pass up. Popularized by salarymen during the era economists now refer to as the ‘Japanese economic miracle’, the highball consists in its most elementary form of any spirit (often blended whisky) and carbonate, served in a tall glass over ice.

Right from the get-go, this cocktail’s disarming simplicity puts it in the same conceptual camp as the Grand Seiko ‘Byōka’ - a similar slice of artistry that uses the guise of a three-hand dress watch to render lessons about the importance of execution.

Under a loupe, each of the watch’s indexes glimmer with the sharpest of facets, while the signature zaratsu polish gives the case a white-hot radiance akin to the look of ‘diamond’ ice: a must when you’re building a refreshing beverage that is mostly just water and whisky. Whatever the case, a high quality malt will make all the difference: here at Wristcheck HQ, we’re big fans of Sunday’s NAS. 

Hublot Big Bang Integral x The Espresso Martini

Jokingly referred to as a “Vodka & Red Bull for the discerning”, the Espresso Martini is that shot in the arm that inveterate drinkers turn to when priming themselves for a big, boozy evening. Widely misunderstood, yet so invigorating when well-made, they’re the perfect companion to what’s sure to be our most polarizing In Good Company recommendation - the Hublot Big Bang Integral.

In this case fittingly presented in milky white ceramic, with an integrated bracelet to match (hence the name) the Big Bang Integral hits on many of the same emotional touchpoints as bartender Dick Bradsell’s classic Espresso Martini. Make no mistake: this is an immensely fun watch - sometimes to the point of frivolity - but like its mixological bedfellow, there’s a lot going on below the surface which shall be apparent to collectors who are paying attention.

The 42mm case - made with a monocoque construction - frames a skeletonized dial, enabling wearers to peer through to the caseback and fully enjoy the architecture of Hublot’s in-house calibre HUB1280. Eagle-eyed viewers will even notice that the column wheel of the chronograph is visible. Like we said: hidden depths to this one.

Editor’s Note: All of the above watches are available to buy at Wristcheck. Crafted cocktails and all images have been shot at Candour, 65 Peel St., Central, Hong Kong