Gordon Ramsay wore a Rolex Air King while teaching Matthew McConaughey how to cook Steak & Eggs

Gordon Ramsay has always been one of my favorite chefs. I  admire his style, attitude, and raw talent. As someone who loves cooking, I often try to incorporate his techniques into my own creations, and they’ve consistently served me well.

I’ve also always been a very visual person, particularly when it comes to watches. One of my favorite pastimes is “watch spotting”—I simply can’t resist! Whether I’m casually observing from a barstool with a drink in hand or catching a glimpse of a standout timepiece on someone in a TV show, it’s all part of the thrill. It’s a passion I pursue purely for the love of the game.

Gordon Ramsay’s wrist game is truly impressive, featuring everything from highly collectible vintage Rolexes to an array of other renowned brands. Whenever I see him in a cooking segment, he’s often sporting a vintage Rolex Submariner on a NATO-style strap. I admire how he prioritizes the practicality of these watches, choosing pieces that allow him to focus fully on creating his extraordinary meals without distraction. It’s yet another detail that speaks to his well-rounded excellence.

I was recently watching  Gordon teaching easy going and charismatic actor, Matthew McConaughey how to make Steak & Eggs the Ramsay way. This was a great exchange between these two legends which I believe was filmed at Matthew  McConaughey’s home in Austin Texas.

The Watch….

Backstory….

Back in the 1990s, my first real watch was a Rolex Air King, It was clean, classic  and timeless  but this one is different—special, even. I had never seen anything quite like it when it was released in 2016. While most people gravitated toward the iconic Submariner, GMT-Master II, or Daytona, I was immediately drawn to the Air King. To me, it was the anti-Rolex made by Rolex: quietly confident, standing on its own without the need for fanfare or validation.

What makes it special?

The Rolex Air King captivates with its distinctive dial configuration. Its black lacquer dial features a bold white minute scale and applied 3, 6, and 9 Arabic numerals in 18k gold for exceptional legibility. Paying homage to its heritage, the “Air-King” logo is styled after the original 1958 model, and it’s the only Rolex with “Rolex” in green, a gold cornet, and a green lollipop-style seconds hand—unique touches that set it apart.

The 40mm case design also stands out. The first-generation Air King (2016) utilized the Milgauss case, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic that many, including myself, still prefer. In 2022, however, Rolex refreshed the model with key upgrades, starting with a new case featuring crown guards—a hallmark of Rolex Professional watches. These lateral shields enhance both durability and aesthetics, offering extra protection for the crown. The updated model also introduced a new bracelet with an Oyster clasp, featuring a folding mechanism and safety catch for secure and comfortable wear.

The most significant improvement is the in-house Calibre 3230 movement. This includes Rolex’s blue Parachrom hairspring, highly resistant to shocks, magnetic fields, and temperature fluctuations. The patented Chronergy escapement, crafted from nickel-phosphorus, further boosts dependability and precision. With a remarkable power reserve of 70 hours and a chronometric accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day, the movement exemplifies Rolex’s commitment to reliability and performance.

These thoughtful updates elevate the Air King to a new level, solidifying its reputation as both a functional tool and a sophisticated timepiece