Corthay Shoes & Watch Collection Pairing

Bernard Cheong embarks on a fascinating exploration of bespoke luxury, commissioning master shoemaker Pierre Corthay to create a pair of shoes from a 'blank slate' design. This post delves into the parallels between haute horlogerie and artisanal shoemaking, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail and artistic freedom that define both worlds. Cheong pairs his custom Corthay shoes with a curated selection of watches, demonstrating how luxury accessories can complement a collector's unique style and passion for craftsmanship.

Hah..no BIG square watches this time!

I am quite sure that internet sharing has become important in my life. I will feel a bit empty and sort of missing something when I don't share what I have seen or tried or bought...no intent to boast, at least consciously, maybe tons of a complex personality trait.

However, when I got permission to meet master shoe maker Pierre Corthay last year, I did ask if he would make a shoe for me, on a blank piece of paper..so to say. It was to be whatever he felt best for me, that I could wear, often, and to do whatever I do in my job and hobbies.

BLANK SLATE of design...and I would have gladly paid any price. I had by then owned 2 of his shoes, and I was totally smitten by one word...watch level attention to detail. I mean Lange and Patek level. Yes..that high.

I am NOT a knowledgeable shoe person, but I have a friend who is, and a few others...and Corthay was like a Dufour/Patek/Daniels.

I now totally agree.

First to begin...some pictures:

I chose the watches that had the different colors and materials, and were the ones that I personally decided to be a part of my permanent collection, as these were very comfortable, colorful, uncommon, and were not made of "unobtainium".

I picked a few watches that I thought I would like to fit into Corthay's world of color and quality and courage in breaking free of many design parameters, but maintaining very high Swiss or Japanese (Grand Seiko) standards.

Also, I tried my best to choose the watches that I find most suitable from my collection, if I were to say ...buy with a careful budget.

The Vianney's would have been 100% perfect. But so would the IWC on a red croco strap...this strap is a hand stitched croco, not alligator.

Ulysse Nardin's more conservative and Grand Seiko, like wise, would have done well if one wanted "balance".

Now..I am NOT AT ALL a well dressed or even close to fashion whatever...so please forgive me.

But I love the total colors and the fact that he chose asymetry and added rubies to show that I was a watch guy.

And then there is Singapore's vibrant and total colorful nights.

This was the annual "Chingay" festival..you can see american Jim Rogers seated there..yes...that's him.

Not a watch guy...yet. Let me work on him!

That's my wife's wrist with her IWC repeater...I do have mainstream watches.

Most of all...I hope this post adds a dimension of color and other world effect to all I have posted so far.

And to those like me, who don't understand shoes...I highly recomend Pirre Corthay, and the place that sells them..it is a total experience, and at prices that I would quickly add...are pre 1998 wristwatch levels.

I am sure...that as more customers come into the scene...especially from China...that the world of shoe making is about to do the 33% increase each year. Luxury shoe making.

I hate to place these words in times when money is hard to come by.

But...living out our very precious times are just as important to me. I guess having just a pair is good enough.

They are so full of "soul" and humanity....I feel torn between saying that these things are material (which they are) and of soul (like music) which they also are.