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Over the last year or two, I’ve been traveling more and more for work. More often than not, I’ve found the experience impersonal at best. Thanks to the new invention of “contactless check-in”, I am usually greeted by a row of iPads, making it feel more like I’ve made a 4-day reservation at a Genius Bar versus a holiday in Malibu.
You see, like glass-blowing or macrame, hospitality is a dying art. The ability to make one feel welcomed isn’t as simple as having a few brochures at the front desk; but, instead, it’s an immeasurable talent that turns a two-night stay into an experience.
Luckily, there are a few good men fighting the good fight. An entire network of them, actually, called Les Clefs d’Or. Since 1952, this international organization has dedicated itself to the art of hospitality through its 4,000 members, making it one of the largest organizations of its kind. While many hotels now have a new-hire sit at a podium labeled CONCIERGE to hand out brochures of local attractions, the members of Les Clefs d’Or understands that a concierge is an untapped resource, giving you tips on where to eat, what to do, and he may pull a few strings to get you that hard-to-come-by table at the local Michelin-starred joint down the block.
Now, of course for me, the imagination starts running when I think of a private organization of hotel professionals who are maintaining the old guard of hospitality. One might even be reminded of The Society of the Crossed Keys from Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. And it seems the designers at Maurice de Mauriac thought so, too, with the release of their L3 Les Clefs d’Or.
This limited-edition model is based on the L3 Spheric Blue tricompax chronograph, with a few personalized updates to make it feel truly unique to the partnership. Coming in either stainless steel or with a gold PVD coating, customers will have the choice of which reference best suits their individual tastes–or their uniform. Most notable about this new edition of the L3 are the golden keys at 6 o’clock, a subtle enough design choice that doesn’t overpower the simplicity of the watch, while still honoring the fraternity’s own branding.
Each reference measures in at 40.5mm and is powered by a Concepto C8100-A movement, which has been custom-refined for Maurice de Mauriac with a rotor featuring the Les Clefs d’Or logo and personalized with the owner’s name and membership number (a nice touch, if I do say so myself). Customers have three strap color options to choose from: cognac, chocolate, and black. A sapphire crystal and caseback complete the watch.
The L3 Les Clefs d’Or watch by Maurice de Mauriac is available now–but, unfortunately, not to the general public. Only members of the organization can purchase this watch, making its exclusivity that much more envy-making (the retail price is not provided, but other L3 chronographs start at around CHF 4,600). If you’re dying to get one, you can always apply for membership – you just might need to make a career change to be accepted. Maurice de Mauriac
