In the world of watches, most models are perceived as serious devices.
For many, this is indeed the case. However, this does not exclude the possibility of adding a bit of playfulness and quirkiness. A good example is the numerous collaborations in the seconde/seconde/ format that we have seen with various brands. Obviously, the theme should be close and interesting to the owner to evoke sympathy for such unusual watches. If there is a theme familiar to almost all watch enthusiasts, it is the timing of boiling an egg. Particularly often, chronometers are used to determine the time for boiling eggs. The French brand MAT decided to develop this idea and in September 2020 introduced the Egg Master model. Almost six years later, the brand releases a new and improved version - the Egg Master II, created in collaboration with a renowned chef, an egg expert.
History and Concept of MAT Egg Master II
When the independent French watchmaker MAT (Mer-Air-Terre) launched the Egg Master in 2020, it marked a noticeable departure from the brand's usual travel and military watches. Essentially, it was a quartz yacht timer with a countdown function, adapted for culinary purposes. This approach was logical for the first Egg Master model, as chronographs and egg boiling are a popular combination among collectors. For the new Egg Master II model, MAT's founder, gourmet Fabrice Pougez, decided to make changes. As a basis, he chose the MAT Picobello model - a travel watch with a light retro charm. For the Egg Master II, the appearance was significantly redesigned to match the new theme.
Main Features of MAT Egg Master II
The change in style also affected the functionality of the Picobello, as well as the Egg Master II. The new watch received a stainless steel case with a diameter of 39.5 mm, a length of 46.7 mm, and a thickness of 12 mm. The design uses a bidirectional bezel with an aluminum insert marked with colored indications corresponding to the egg boiling times: poached, soft-boiled, medium, and hard-boiled. The bezel was developed in collaboration with chef Fabien Pairon - the 2023 world champion in the preparation of oeufs en meurette, a classic Burgundy recipe with poached eggs in a rich red wine sauce. In addition, he heads the Auberge Communale du Mont-sur-Lausanne restaurant in Switzerland.
Contribution of Chef Fabien Pairon
Pairon meticulously checked and approved each boiling time to create a truly useful tool for gourmets and watch lovers. The text on the bezel is in French but is easy to read. The exact time intervals are as follows:
- Poché (poached) - 2 minutes 35-45 seconds
- Coque (soft-boiled) - 3 minutes 5-15 seconds
- Mollet (medium) - 5 minutes 55-60 seconds
- Dur (hard-boiled) - 8 minutes 20-30 seconds
The boiling time is calculated for medium-sized eggs (53 g) at sea level (altitude 0 m).
How to Use MAT Egg Master II
Using the Egg Master II is extremely simple:
- Rotate the bezel so that the chosen boiling level aligns with the minute hand.
- Wait until the second hand reaches the "0" mark - from this moment the boiling time countdown begins.
- Once the specified boiling time has elapsed, the process is considered complete.
Since egg boiling is not an exact science, a window of 5-10 seconds is provided for each mode to achieve the perfect result. The scale and colored markers on the ring indicate the number of remaining seconds corresponding to the time and color on the bezel insert.
Dial Design and Legibility
Besides the timer function, the watch shows the time. A clear white outer ring with large markers makes it easy to read. The ring and markers glow bright blue in the dark. The hour and minute hands, filled with a luminescent compound, ensure excellent readability in low light. The central part of the dial, in an eggshell color, contains the brand name at the top and the "Eggmaster II" inscription in yellow at the bottom, as well as the word "Automatique," indicating the type of movement.
Soprod M100 Movement
The novelty is equipped with the automatic caliber Soprod M100 with 25 jewels, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 42 hours. This movement is based on the well-known ETA 2892-A2 and is popular among independent brands, including the French Serica. The movement is visible through the sapphire case back, which is a pleasant addition to the model, especially considering that the first version of the Egg Master was a quartz chronograph. The switch to a mechanical caliber emphasizes the seriousness and quality of the new model.
Straps Included
The set includes three straps:
- A yellow rubber strap in Tropic style, emphasizing the yellow-white color scheme of the watch.
- A sand-colored textile strap, giving the watch a more adventurous look.
- A cream rubber strap with a design similar to the yellow one.
All three options pair well with the watch and allow for easy style changes.
Conclusion: Expert Opinion on MAT Egg Master II
MAT's founder, Fabrice Pougez, skillfully balances between playfulness and seriousness. Despite the fun concept, egg boiling is a serious matter. This is why the collaboration with chef Fabien Pairon to determine the ideal boiling time seems very appropriate and professional. These are not just watches, but a useful tool for those who value precision and quality in cooking. Personally, I plan to test the egg boiling recommendations to find the perfect balance for a delicate poached egg, for example, for serving with ramen.
If you are interested in the Egg Master II model, pre-orders are already open on the official MAT website. Production will be carried out strictly according to the number of orders, and each unit will have an individual number in the limited series. Numbers are assigned in the order of pre-order receipt. The price of the MAT Egg Master II is €990 / $973. The price includes a convenient travel case, a tool for changing straps, and the three straps mentioned above. Considering the functionality and quality, the MAT Egg Master II is an affordable and original watch, significantly cheaper than the standard Picobello models, which deserves special recognition.