At the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, the legendary chef subtly hit the cowboy memo. Here's how

Over the weekend, the F1 circus hit Austin, Texas good and proper. Stars like Gordon Ramsay and Damson Idris watched on as Kimi Antonelli almost became the sport’s youngest ever world champion. The young Italian gun won the race but Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth delayed the 20-year-old from securing the title mathematically. In reality though, it is only a matter of time now.

Amid all the cowboy hats in the crowd, chef Ramsay clearly thought he’d add his own bit of cowboy to the weekend as he rocked up on race day in his own version of Texan tuxedo – dark blue jeans and a light zipped jacket. Anyone who clocked Ramsay’s F1 fit would agree that double denim was in the works here. Look closer though, specifically around the wrist area, and you’ll realise everyone’s favourite shouty TV chef had actually gone triple denim.

That’s right, because the big watch lover chose the perfect cowboy-coded piece from his collection to rock to race day. The Patek Philippe Nautilus Flyback Chronograph Ref. 5980/60G-001 is particularly recognisable for its denim strap and denim-coloured dial.

Given that this model had been discontinued, when Patek causally launched this white gold version in 2024, it was very well received. Ramsay is someone who definitely has a good AD – his son in law Adam Ramsay-Peaty once told me as much at GQ MOTY – it’s nice to see that Ramsay had this Nautilus on his radar, as I can’t imagine all Patek lovers would be so into a denim strap. The version makes one of the most sought after sports watches even more sporty; as an ex-footballer and keen triathlete, sports watches are obviously Ramsay’s thing.

Triple denim threat aside, I’m most drawn to this watch for its unique-looking shape – we have Gérald Genta to thank for that – and the subdial. Surely to be a chronograph though, you need at least two subdials? That is correct; this piece has a 60-minute and 12-hour subdial in one – that’s what is going on at 6 o’clock.

Earlier in the year, Patek dropped another denim-themed piece – the Denim-Blue Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 4946G-001 – so the appetite for these historically must have been high if the Swiss watchmakers decided to go again with another of its grails.

Seeing as Gordon Ramsay’s US F1 fit went down so well – at least with us – perhaps we’ll see him wearing that Annual Calendar next year. Here’s hoping we do.