Matthias Marc: When French Watchmaking Meets Gastronomy

The Rising Star of French Gastronomy

Originally from Appenans in the Doubs region, Matthias Marc skillfully cultivates a love for his terroir — his native Jura — which he holds close to his heart. The son and grandson of foresters, he discovered cooking during a middle school internship, then trained at the Hyacinthe-Friant hospitality school in Poligny.

This young chef, now in his thirties, passionately envisions a modern cuisine that is both refined and full of creativity. After working in several prestigious establishments in Monaco and Paris (Lasserre, Le Meurice, etc.), he opened his first restaurant, Substance, in 2018 in Paris’s 16th arrondissement.

He left a lasting impression during his participation in the semi-finals of the TV show Top Chef. In 2022, he earned his first Michelin star. In 2023, he published In Situ: Recipes from a Jura Mountains Chef, a book that blends his gourmet cuisine with traditional recipes from his region. Today, Matthias Marc is at the helm of three Parisian restaurants: Substance, Liquide, and Braise.

It is a great honor for me to collaborate with the most prestigious French watchmaking house, especially one from Franche-Comté.

The values of precision and a strong connection to one’s terroir are especially close to my heart.

Matthias Marc

Pequignet Ambassador: Master of Time and Flavors

The collaboration was born from a convergence of values and regional roots — "as if it were obvious." Both the Manufacture and the chef come from the Doubs region and proudly claim their connection to this territory.

The partnership emerged during the celebration dinner for Pequignet’s 50th anniversary in 2024, where Matthias Marc created a meal with subtly Franc-Comtois flavors, including a dessert featuring the fleur-de-lys, the emblem of the Manufacture.

Pequignet is proud to be represented by this talent of French gastronomy. Creativity, boldness, and simplicity characterize its new ambassador. Beyond the values they share, Pequignet and Chef Matthias Marc aim to strengthen this bond through many upcoming initiatives.

This collaboration perfectly reflects our pursuit of both technical and aesthetic excellence. His cuisine and our timepieces share the same commitment to authenticity and the same high standards.

Hugues Souparis