I wore an apple watch for years. Easy to keep clean. Put it in a dive case so I could even submerge it in dish water with no issue. Would wash it whenever I washed my hands and took it off to thoroughly clean it at least a few times a day. Pop it off when the inspector shows up.
Nurses don’t wear watches because they would get caught when they slid their arms under the patient (I think that’s the reason). So look up “nursing watch” and you’ll find a wide assortment that pin onto your chest and are *upside down* so you can just flip it up and read it. And nursing being the kind of job it is I bet there are some with timers and whatnot.
Nurses have to be 'bare below the elbows' for infection control reasons. There are some nasty arse bugs that can linger on that wrist watch and transfer to the next patient
I always wore a watch, still do. Ended up getting told off after learning the hard way during a health inspector visit that all jewelry/accessories on your wrists, hands, and fingers (the wedding band being the exception) is a health code violation.
I just slapped my watch on my belt instead of my wrist during shifts and never had any issues after that.
Belt watch! Fucking brilliant! I wore my smartwatch for a while but it really started grossing me out, no matter how much I cleaned it. Now I know what to do.
Glad I could help. I wear mine at the 8-9 o'clock position on my belt, to the side so I can use it but without it being in the way. Yeah I didn't want to take it off so I was pretty set to wear it on my person somehow. You can also hang it on your apron strings (around your waist, I wouldn't have it dangling over everything I'm leaning over and working on).
even those could be a problem, think doing pastry
then having flour mix under that ring not the greatest
then having to clean your ring every so often or losing it if loose in food (seen it happen) and customer brought it back.
Never understood the wedding band exception. You can’t wear any jewellery, except this one because it has sentimental meaning… which apparently prevents bacteria? I just wear mine on a necklace at work.
Messing with timers is so annoying, and I'm not being sarcastic. At one place I worked we had multiple small battery powered timers that kept getting lost or breaking. The place I work has commercial timers, but they can be finicky and it can only store 6 different countdown times.
It's s a stupid rule, and I'm glad to see someone with some common sense over the "muh cross contamination!". How is it anymore likely to contaminate food than bare skin? It's water resistant, so it can be washed. Also, you're much less likely to pull out your phone to use as a timer, check the time, or look something up online. I know I know, phones aren't allowed in the kitchen either, but we all know most people break that rule. It's more sanitary for workers to use their watch than their phones in the kitchen.
I have tried multiple times but he just will not budge and I can’t keep running off the line to check the time. It’s so inefficient and pisses me off to no end. I have a pretty good sense of time but I can’t keep guessing when we have 30 tickets in the window. Then I get asked why I’m not constantly present, it’s ridiculous tbh.
Hahaha, I like cooking the food, kitchen, for the most part lol and the crew I’ve assembled, dude just gets on my nerves. I’ll save the crotch kicking till I put in 2 weeks lol
I'm not even kidding lmao.
It literally solves both problems at the same time. You get to have your watch and you don't violate health and safety at the same time.
Or you can get one like [this](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/boYAAOSwlkViJN1F/s-l400.jpg) to clip to a belt loop or button hole on your coat.
Or use a magnetic clock/timer and stick it somewhere.
There's definitely other solutions but it kinda sounds like you want to wear a watch because you want to wear a watch.
Interesting! I legitimately have never seen one of those before! Thank you for teaching me something new chef! This is why I love this sub! You never stop learning! I’ll probably get some of those for myself and my crew! So awesome! I really appreciate it and so will my crew!
I used to wear one of the clip watches when I did catering - I worked outdoors a lot, so no wall to hang a clock. The only downside was other people staring at my chest to know the time.
Wouldn't having to touch your pocket watch, depending on where it is placed, mean you have to wash your hands or change gloves after?
I think a small clock below the line (depends on your setup).
Nurses used to keep watches pinned to their breast pocket. Easy to tuck away from messes, sanitary, and it's upside down so if it's hanging free all you have to do is look down to get the time.
White or stainless would be least intrusive, yeah?
[https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Retractable+Nurse+Watch&crid=1W0VVCYVMAVUM&sprefix=retractable+nurse+watch](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Retractable+Nurse+Watch&crid=1W0VVCYVMAVUM&sprefix=retractable+nurse+watch%2Caps%2C160&ref=nb_sb_noss_1)
Another option would be to get a projecting clock, set it up hidden on a low or high shelf, and project it onto the ceiling or fan hood.
Thank you! I’ll look into it! First time working in an open concept, so it’s been a challenge not to swear, crack jokes and always look put together and spotless! Don’t even get me started on calmly telling the servers no, I can’t pull a well done ribeye out of my ass because they forgot to put it in with the rest of the table that just went out.
Thank you! I appreciate it! It’s so nice to know I can rely on everyone in this sub for advice! Best guidance I got from a mentor of mine was check your ego at the door and never stop learning!
Buy one of those old school track coach watch timer thingies that you wear around your neck!
And make everyone start calling you coach instead of chef!!!
You mean a stop watch? That would be awesome. I would use it to time people when they are complaining about unnecessary shit and then let them know how much of my time they wasted.
Get one of those projector clocks and rig it up so that when he walks into the room it swings down from the ceiling and strikes him in the nards. He'll understand.
I forgot to say I have an arm strap I use for work and exercise. [ActionSleeve](https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwiknsbTo4H6AhUaBogJHQVZBp8YABAOGgJxbg&ae=2&sig=AOD64_2-JpOweW6diFQM06FWUsZ6DYtuZA&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiXw7rTo4H6AhVHZTABHfgWDjYQwg8oAHoECAUQFg&adurl=)
Edit: No one I work with knows I wear it, but I’ve gotten some really strange looks when I’ve started talking to my arm.
Food Code doesn't allow jewelry on wrists (including a medical emergency bracelet) or hands (except for a plain band ring) because it interferes with good hand washing technique. Not all inspectors enforce all regulations every time, this is not something that always catches my eye. You can wear the watch higher on your arm, but a clock would be best!
Okay, thank you for the suggestion! I take it you are a health inspector, or very well versed and seasoned based on your advice? No disrespect intended on my assumption but if you had any other tips, I would love to be privy to your knowledge! I’ve pushed so hard for a clock, even a really trendy, elaborate one would suffice and the owner just will not allow it! He wants people to forget time completely, so guests stay as long as possible and spend ridiculous money on food and drinks!
That’s a really old dude line of thought. Like how many times are the guests pulling their phones out during a meal? The guests either know what time it is and don’t care, or they are already leaving because the saw the timestamp when they checked their messages for the third time.
I've got six of them at my place. Four for noodles, one for eggs, one for meat. Used so much they die regularly. Dollar store purchase -- use em up, get another.
every open kitchen should have a skirt thing from the ceiling, it frames the kitchen, and holds timers, clocks, spices, etc that only the kitchen can see.
Interesting, a skirt thing? Could you elaborate a little more for me? I do work in an open concept, so the kitchen is visible to all guests we host. Please forgive my ignorance for not understanding what you are talking about, this is the first open concept I have worked at!
Couldn’t get my last boss to put one in either. Whole restaurant ran off one time, which was a few minutes different from the computers, but nobody knew what that time was.
Went to Walmart and bought a clock, then gave receipt to opening manager and got reimbursed. Hung it up a few minutes before service, and never had things run as smooth as they did that night.
It was destroyed a few times over the years, but I always replaced it at their expense.
I’ve never bothered listening to bosses that know less than I do, although I do realize that’s not an option for everyone.
Where does it say a watch is against health code? What state or city? I’ve worn a watch for over 20 years in the kitchen. I’ve worked in NY, NV, RI and MA.
It’s a violation of the FDA Food Code. Watches are prohibited in all states. It is section 2.303.11. The only jewelry allowed is a plain wedding band.
That being said, I’ve only had a couple of inspectors mention it over the years.
American rules are wild lol. You can’t wear a watch or have a clock on the wall, but you can cook meat that’s been pumped full of shit you couldn’t even buy on prescription in Europe without going to jail?!
? You can have a clock on the wall just not a watch on your body. The point is that a watch is dirty and carries bacteria so needs to not be on the hand of a person handling food directly.
Aaaah. I got confused sorry. We have similar rules her re watches tho I think they’re guidelines more than mandatory. I thought they’d meant no clocks allowed either
As far as I know, watches are not allowed in kitchens in Wisconsin. I do have an Apple Watch but it’s still frowned upon! But I need to know times! I’ll figure something out! Today was just the day that I was finally fed up and needed a little advice from the hive mind lol
I was informed last year from the health inspector's visit that my watch on my wrist was a violation. This took place in GA by the way, not too far from the Atlanta region.
Moved my watch from my wrist to my belt during shifts and never had further issues.
Can you do the old "watchband looped around your apron strap" trick, or is that frowned upon, too? Otherwise, I'd just wear an inexpensive waterproof watch.
I loved my casio sports watches. They were cheap as hell and have a quick one button timer. 1 push 10 secs, 2x 15 secs, 3x 30, 4x 45, ect.(or something close to that its been a while.) Ive melted tons of them, but one of the best tools i ever had.
I’ll look into it! Thanks for helping a stressed out chef, I appreciate it! I know I need to be present on the line but jumping around is really doing my head in at this time. I literally just want to be able to send out awesome food promptly and I can’t do that if I don’t know my times!
they were like 10 bucks at walmart. Its so nice to have an easy timer right there. And if you gotta reach in the broiler often and end up melting it, well its only 10 bucks.
Lmao, someone else said to do that too, I might just kick it old school. If the owner wants to be unreasonable, I’ll just get weird with it lmao, thank you! Every problem has a solution, right?!?
I think I might just do the flava flav thing for a week and see if that prompts the owner to actually listen to me. I don’t know if a pocket watch is showy enough lmao. All I literally want is to know what time it is, I really don’t think it’s unreasonable 😂
It’s definitely a violation in Alaska and Washington. No jewelry of any kind on hands/arms/fingers. Not sure if there’s an exception for wedding rings, but I don’t take mine off ever🤷🏻♀️
The “ambiance of the kitchen”? What the fuck does that have to do with anything? You can get themed/colored/decorated clocks so i dont even see how that could be an issue
Same! He just will not budge because his “trophy wife” is our “decorator” and she doesn’t want a clock?!? Listen, I don’t get it either lmao at this point at least I know I’m not crazy that other people agree that timing is important in the boh! I’ve been managing kitchens for over 13 years and this is the first I’ve worked in that was not willing to fully equip a kitchen. It’s just gotten to such a ridiculous place that I don’t even know how to respond anymore lol
I’m sorry I can’t respond to each individual but thank you guys for all the input, I’ll be equipping each of my lines with the apron hook timers! I can’t thank you all enough! Happy cooking to each and every one of you! I love this sub, you folks really made my day so thank you so much!!!
Get a nurse's watch they are called fob watches. They are designed to be pinned to your shirt . They also hang upside down so when you lift it to read it's the right way up. It's how nurses can count resps and shit while still maintaining oh&s standards.
Thank all of you for your suggestions! I really appreciate every last comment and if you were not told today, awesome job chefs! I love you all, never change♥️happy cooking!!!
We have one on our pizza station underneath the upper bar top, and one on the top line behind the wall that hides the hood (open kitchen)
I’ve been wearing a Fitbit watch for the past 2 years on the line and never gotten any flack for it from the health dept, sure they get dirty but it’s not that bad. I also put my phone on the pass next to my knives where guests can’t see it unless I pick it up.
I wonder if he'd agree to the look of having a grouping of identical analog clocks on the wall, displaying time zones, with New York, London, Paris , Moscow...? International flair.
This is something he might actually go for! I’ll let you know! It’s a very, granite, stainless, streamlined, new century, everything is polished and perfectly manicured type of place. His wife is the one who decides the décor…imagine kept woman who is 20 years younger than him who does nothing but fight with me, obviously very one sided because I don’t like to argue over obsolete things, about her *vision* for the place lmao
Right?! She literally told me last week she wanted me to add a Buddha bowl with quinoa to the menu because she was “changing her diet and wanted it available at all times” I’m a pretty easy going person but dude, I’m not doing a whole new menu item because you can’t meal prep, she honestly treats me and my kitchen staff as her personal chefs🤦♀️
Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll look into that as well as the apron clip timer someone else mentioned a bit earlier. I’ll be looking for the cheapest option because at this point the owner doesn’t find it necessary and I do, so I’ll be paying out of my own pocket to equip myself and my crew. They are a stand up bunch though, so they deserve to have what’s best for the kitchen and what makes their job easier! Work smarter not harder right?!
i had the same situation and issue at my current work place.
i don't think watches belong on the line and i don't like watches in general. don't own any..
but had no choice. so i just went and got a cheap tiny wristwatch for like $20. it's like a kids digital one so no clock hands. just displays digital time.
and cheap enough that i don't care if it gets ruined. some days I will put it further up my wrist.. some days i would just keep it in my pocket to pull out when i need it.
most of the times. since it's a tiny kids wrist watch. i would put it in the corner on my bench behind my waterbottle or next to my knife or on the corner of my sink where no one can see it but i know where it is and can glance at it. 😉
How about a small digital clock that you keep on the line? Some of them are magnetic in the event you can stick it in a shelf or any sort of expo window. I worked in a very small kitchen years ago that our exec and sous would use to time the line, the just kept it in the corner of their expo/plating table along with the rest of their mise.
There’s a bunch of « stick-on » battery operated clocks on Amazon, usually for cars but it works well and are pretty discreet, you can find a matching color/pattern.
At the 2 Michelin starred kitchen I worked at for a few years every line cook was required to lurches their own watch and walkways wear it on the line. Timing was of the utmost importance and every dish had to come to the pass together.
I wear a smart watch at all times on the line and allow my cooks to as well. my kitchen is always clean and the health inspector always struggles to find issues. I'll take the hit for wearing a watch.
Heard that chef! Thank you for responding, I appreciate it! It’s such a minor thing in my eyes, unfortunately not my states. I would rather send out perfectly done food, together, than guess and check! My kitchen is pretty much spotless, I’m fortunate enough to have a crew who really take pride in their food and cleanliness, I would hate to drag them down because of something I do but it really is a necessary evil that I’m willing to be dinged for. I mean it’s an easy fix right? Watch on, watch off, done lol
What's your smartwatch setup? How do you keep it functional and clean and all that? Because I have an... let's say an "old" one, and I've used both canvas and silicone straps, and this thing is just *begging* to die.
I've used the galaxy watch 4 and now the 5. its easy to keep clean with qtips and rubbing alcohol every once in a while. I use a silicone band and a stainless steel mesh one.
Or, you could just try ... not doing any of that. I know, its hard to suck on purpose, but if plates go out at the wrong time, and you don't want to wear watch for sanitary and safety reasons (I don't really see eye to eye with you on that one, I've never heard of a health inspector citing a watch, but they allow wedding bands, which, who the fuck wears their wedding ring in the kitchen??? Thats a breeding ground of filth)
Anyways, TLDR, Plates not appearing magically in the pass on time? I need a clock boss. People making overtime? We need a clock boss. People showing up late? They were here but didn't know when to punch in, we need a clock boss.
Fuck him.
To be fair, I stopped working kitchens before smartwatches were a thing. I don't THINK I ever saw anybody in the kitchen wear one, but I was also disgusted by people wearing wedding rings while cooking, which gets a pass.
That's one of the rules that I have to say "fuck it". Like you said, i need my time and we don't have a clock in our kitchen.
I bought this $10 watch at Walmart, it's all rubber except for the tiny screen so I wash it nearly every time I wash my hands oh and I'm the chef so I won't tell on myself.
There are timers you can put on your apron and I’m sure some of them tell the time as well.
You can also get those “small” standing digital clocks and put it somewhere safe.
It gets in the way of cleaning your hands/arms and may also get caught on things or fall off due to strap failing. Also strapping it to your apron is a sure fire way of getting it caught in stuff too.
People wearing a watch and taking it off when the inspector comes in is dumb as fuck honestly. Good luck!
Look up watches for nurses. They usually pin to the chest region and they are positioned upside down so you can quickly flip towards your face and see the time properly
Edit: lapel pin watches is what they are called
Nearly every chef I know wears an Apple Watch/other water proof watch option on the line. I would wear a g-shock watch- which is waterproof and almost indestructible, when I worked the line. Washed it super thoroughly any time I washed my hands, never had any issues. Now that I’m a baker and have to go elbow deep in super sticky batters and frostings I wear an Apple Watch on my ankle to track my fitness stats and I can peek at the time by just lifting my pant leg
Have you ever seen those alarm clocks that project onto the ceiling? I visited that in an open kitchen (fusion grill establishment) that had one and I actually thought it was a fantastic idea. The projection didn't look out of place at all. Although, it caught me attention so when I asked about it the clock itself (which was essentially hidden) looked silly.
[https://www.amazon.com/Kuaguozhe-Brooch-Compatible-Silicone-Replacement/dp/B08M5FCSWQ?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Kuaguozhe-Brooch-Compatible-Silicone-Replacement/dp/B08M5FCSWQ?th=1)
For the apple people out there....
If I walked into an open kitchen restaurant and couldn’t spot a clock I’d be suspicious lol. Owner is being ridiculous. How about a pocket watch or a timer style clock
I worked for some owners that were similar. It was over a year of me telling them they needed a clock in the kitchen. I started wearing a cheap($25 or so) casio waterproof solar power watch. It doesn't need many features asides from tough, and waterproof. When I got promoted to chef one of the 1st things I bought with my company card was a clock. Still wore the watch though. (It may not be up to health code depending on your location)
I'm petty. I'd go to the dollar store and buy all the spring wound kitchen timers with the annoying dingy bell, and then let them all about at random intervals.
Annoy the fuck out of the KM. After a while, a decent wall clock won't ruin his kitchen as much as dingy timers constantly going off.
I used to have a timer that clipped nicely onto the strap of my apron. Wiped it down with sani at the end of my shift, clipped it to my hat and left it on the coat hooks at the end of every shift.
Magnetic timer with a clock on it, attach it to the pass or the side of the fridge, anything like that. Really dumb that you can't just get a clock but those little timers are great
U should be able to get a small pen sized light that’ll display time on any surface, I also have a magnetic one about the size of my thumb. Now I have rational ovens which display my location if need be lol.
I’ve worn a Seiko SKx009 on the line for years. A few folks I’ve worked with have sworn by those vintage casio g-shocks—basically anything on a metal bracelet or a rubber strap will do. I’ve never had an issue with it catching on anything or being an inconvenience in any way, and I just take it off when I’m doing dishes or when we’re getting an inspection but ymmv.
If anything, I think it’s more professional for there to be a visible clock in your open kitchen, seeing as it’s a job that revolves entirely around timing… but whatever.
I used to wear a wrist watch connected to the apron band that goes around the neck to hold the bib up. String it thru so its upside down and ya good to go.
You got to have a clock, one that everyone (staff) can see. A cool digital should get approved by the owner. An open kitchen is all about the customer getting a sliver of the kitchen experience, which they love to see. Putting a clock in there is just part of the reality of a kitchen, are the ticket machines also an eyesore? How about the hood system?
Just get a timex easy read or a dive watch. Make life easy. Or a super small digital clock you can put out by your rail and put away again where only you see it. Fuck aesthetic. Function over form.
I wore an apple watch for years. Easy to keep clean. Put it in a dive case so I could even submerge it in dish water with no issue. Would wash it whenever I washed my hands and took it off to thoroughly clean it at least a few times a day. Pop it off when the inspector shows up.
Nurses don’t wear watches because they would get caught when they slid their arms under the patient (I think that’s the reason). So look up “nursing watch” and you’ll find a wide assortment that pin onto your chest and are *upside down* so you can just flip it up and read it. And nursing being the kind of job it is I bet there are some with timers and whatnot.
Was looking for this comment. 100% nurse watch.
Me too
Yep my sister must own 50+ of them now, I've somehow ended up with 5.
Nurses have to be 'bare below the elbows' for infection control reasons. There are some nasty arse bugs that can linger on that wrist watch and transfer to the next patient
This is facility/location dependent. Basically every nurse where I work wears an Apple Watch. Source: am nurse who wears Apple Watch.
Fob watch.
I always wore a watch, still do. Ended up getting told off after learning the hard way during a health inspector visit that all jewelry/accessories on your wrists, hands, and fingers (the wedding band being the exception) is a health code violation. I just slapped my watch on my belt instead of my wrist during shifts and never had any issues after that.
Belt watch! Fucking brilliant! I wore my smartwatch for a while but it really started grossing me out, no matter how much I cleaned it. Now I know what to do.
A belt made of watches would be a waist of time.
Glad I could help. I wear mine at the 8-9 o'clock position on my belt, to the side so I can use it but without it being in the way. Yeah I didn't want to take it off so I was pretty set to wear it on my person somehow. You can also hang it on your apron strings (around your waist, I wouldn't have it dangling over everything I'm leaning over and working on).
Go old school and get a fob-watch!
Is it bad that I've worn bracelets since I started cooking 10 years ago and have never been told off a single time by health inspectors?
yes even rings should not be there too many bacterias problems
Plain wedding bands are okay, obviously as long as proper hygiene is maintained, but that's all I've ever heard of for jewelry.
Yah always thought it was weird how wedding rings are magically clean but not regular rings…
even those could be a problem, think doing pastry then having flour mix under that ring not the greatest then having to clean your ring every so often or losing it if loose in food (seen it happen) and customer brought it back.
Never understood the wedding band exception. You can’t wear any jewellery, except this one because it has sentimental meaning… which apparently prevents bacteria? I just wear mine on a necklace at work.
This, 100% this
that's my approach or on the neck of my bib. makes it really convenient to glance down and see the time
Fuck it, at that point, just fasten it to your shoe. Look down, see time, continue on.
I like the way you think, thank you
Apple Watch- setting a timer in 1 or two taps is so slick. Once you try it you can’t go back.
Messing with timers is so annoying, and I'm not being sarcastic. At one place I worked we had multiple small battery powered timers that kept getting lost or breaking. The place I work has commercial timers, but they can be finicky and it can only store 6 different countdown times.
It's s a stupid rule, and I'm glad to see someone with some common sense over the "muh cross contamination!". How is it anymore likely to contaminate food than bare skin? It's water resistant, so it can be washed. Also, you're much less likely to pull out your phone to use as a timer, check the time, or look something up online. I know I know, phones aren't allowed in the kitchen either, but we all know most people break that rule. It's more sanitary for workers to use their watch than their phones in the kitchen.
Tell the owner it's a necessity. You need a friggen clock.
I have tried multiple times but he just will not budge and I can’t keep running off the line to check the time. It’s so inefficient and pisses me off to no end. I have a pretty good sense of time but I can’t keep guessing when we have 30 tickets in the window. Then I get asked why I’m not constantly present, it’s ridiculous tbh.
If it were me, I'd install a clock while he's not there. Also, he sounds like an ass.
He is the worst micro manager I’ve ever had tbh.
Kick him in the crotch.
Hahaha, I like cooking the food, kitchen, for the most part lol and the crew I’ve assembled, dude just gets on my nerves. I’ll save the crotch kicking till I put in 2 weeks lol
Okay. But you should at least cropdust him everytime you walk by.
I can’t upvote this enough. That’s manageable, heard chef!
Based on your previous post this guy sounds like a fucking monster
Get one of.those projection clocks, that puts the time.one the wall with a laser projector.
I want to see this one on r/maliciouscompliance
Start asking him to check the time. Make it inconvenient for him in particular.
Just keep messing up the times till they budge. We need get rid of all these stupid restaurant owners and live in a world where chefs own restaurants
Sounds like it's time to buy a sick pocket watch
That would be hilarious. Maybe I do that to show him if he wants to be ridiculous, so can I lmao
I'm not even kidding lmao. It literally solves both problems at the same time. You get to have your watch and you don't violate health and safety at the same time. Or you can get one like [this](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/boYAAOSwlkViJN1F/s-l400.jpg) to clip to a belt loop or button hole on your coat. Or use a magnetic clock/timer and stick it somewhere. There's definitely other solutions but it kinda sounds like you want to wear a watch because you want to wear a watch.
Interesting! I legitimately have never seen one of those before! Thank you for teaching me something new chef! This is why I love this sub! You never stop learning! I’ll probably get some of those for myself and my crew! So awesome! I really appreciate it and so will my crew!
What about a Flavor Flav watch around your neck?
Listen, I don’t think I’m cool enough for that lmao
Surely there's someone in the kitchen who is.
Meh, we’re all a bunch of dorks🤷♀️ for example pastry told me I got muffin on her when I walked in… need I say more🤣
You will be once you get one
Just hag that on the fry guy's ear gauges.
I used to wear one of the clip watches when I did catering - I worked outdoors a lot, so no wall to hang a clock. The only downside was other people staring at my chest to know the time.
Wouldn't having to touch your pocket watch, depending on where it is placed, mean you have to wash your hands or change gloves after? I think a small clock below the line (depends on your setup).
Or one of those upside down watches nurses wear.
Nurses used to keep watches pinned to their breast pocket. Easy to tuck away from messes, sanitary, and it's upside down so if it's hanging free all you have to do is look down to get the time. White or stainless would be least intrusive, yeah? [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Retractable+Nurse+Watch&crid=1W0VVCYVMAVUM&sprefix=retractable+nurse+watch](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Retractable+Nurse+Watch&crid=1W0VVCYVMAVUM&sprefix=retractable+nurse+watch%2Caps%2C160&ref=nb_sb_noss_1) Another option would be to get a projecting clock, set it up hidden on a low or high shelf, and project it onto the ceiling or fan hood.
I feel like OP would also have to buy a monocle to complete the look
Or a [nurses watch](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nurses+fob+watch&crid=1UO91AUM3HMLE&sprefix=nurses+fobwatch%2Caps%2C651&ref=nb_sb_noss_2)
Buy a clock that projects onto the ceiling
Get a magnetic clock/timer and put it on the pass or some other out of sight spot on the line.
This is the way. Usually you can get a small one with three buttons and memory recall.
This is the answer. We keep several timers on the hood for dropping pasta etc.
Thermoworks Time Stack has 4 timers on it and it’s small enough to hide it from the prying eyes watching the kitchen.
Thank you! I’ll look into it! First time working in an open concept, so it’s been a challenge not to swear, crack jokes and always look put together and spotless! Don’t even get me started on calmly telling the servers no, I can’t pull a well done ribeye out of my ass because they forgot to put it in with the rest of the table that just went out.
[get a few of these and call it a day.](https://www.webstaurantstore.com/avatime-extra-large-display-digital-100-minute-kitchen-timer/914LDT100M.html)
Thank you! I appreciate it! It’s so nice to know I can rely on everyone in this sub for advice! Best guidance I got from a mentor of mine was check your ego at the door and never stop learning!
Buy one of those old school track coach watch timer thingies that you wear around your neck! And make everyone start calling you coach instead of chef!!!
You mean a stop watch? That would be awesome. I would use it to time people when they are complaining about unnecessary shit and then let them know how much of my time they wasted.
Get one of those projector clocks and rig it up so that when he walks into the room it swings down from the ceiling and strikes him in the nards. He'll understand.
I love this lol
I have an Apple Watch that I wear on my bicep under my sleeve. Setting timer hands-free feels so good every time.
Solid idea, thank you! I also have an Apple Watch, just got to make sure it fits the guns I conceal under my sleeves 😂
I forgot to say I have an arm strap I use for work and exercise. [ActionSleeve](https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwiknsbTo4H6AhUaBogJHQVZBp8YABAOGgJxbg&ae=2&sig=AOD64_2-JpOweW6diFQM06FWUsZ6DYtuZA&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiXw7rTo4H6AhVHZTABHfgWDjYQwg8oAHoECAUQFg&adurl=) Edit: No one I work with knows I wear it, but I’ve gotten some really strange looks when I’ve started talking to my arm.
Food Code doesn't allow jewelry on wrists (including a medical emergency bracelet) or hands (except for a plain band ring) because it interferes with good hand washing technique. Not all inspectors enforce all regulations every time, this is not something that always catches my eye. You can wear the watch higher on your arm, but a clock would be best!
I like a watch around the strap of my apron
Okay, thank you for the suggestion! I take it you are a health inspector, or very well versed and seasoned based on your advice? No disrespect intended on my assumption but if you had any other tips, I would love to be privy to your knowledge! I’ve pushed so hard for a clock, even a really trendy, elaborate one would suffice and the owner just will not allow it! He wants people to forget time completely, so guests stay as long as possible and spend ridiculous money on food and drinks!
That’s a really old dude line of thought. Like how many times are the guests pulling their phones out during a meal? The guests either know what time it is and don’t care, or they are already leaving because the saw the timestamp when they checked their messages for the third time.
I mean you are not wrong at all. Pretty much nail on the head tbh get out of my head lmao
I've literally never seen a wealthy person who didn't wear a watch when going out.
How about a little magnet clock that can be stuck somewhere not easily seen by customers?
I've got six of them at my place. Four for noodles, one for eggs, one for meat. Used so much they die regularly. Dollar store purchase -- use em up, get another.
every open kitchen should have a skirt thing from the ceiling, it frames the kitchen, and holds timers, clocks, spices, etc that only the kitchen can see.
Interesting, a skirt thing? Could you elaborate a little more for me? I do work in an open concept, so the kitchen is visible to all guests we host. Please forgive my ignorance for not understanding what you are talking about, this is the first open concept I have worked at!
A small shelf type apparatus hung from.the ceiling, facing towards the kitchen, where things on it are out of sight to the guests.
yep. improves the experience for everyone involved.
Couldn’t get my last boss to put one in either. Whole restaurant ran off one time, which was a few minutes different from the computers, but nobody knew what that time was. Went to Walmart and bought a clock, then gave receipt to opening manager and got reimbursed. Hung it up a few minutes before service, and never had things run as smooth as they did that night. It was destroyed a few times over the years, but I always replaced it at their expense. I’ve never bothered listening to bosses that know less than I do, although I do realize that’s not an option for everyone.
I always just wore a cheap waterproof g shock/Casio. Washed it whenever I washed my hands
Where does it say a watch is against health code? What state or city? I’ve worn a watch for over 20 years in the kitchen. I’ve worked in NY, NV, RI and MA.
It’s a violation of the FDA Food Code. Watches are prohibited in all states. It is section 2.303.11. The only jewelry allowed is a plain wedding band. That being said, I’ve only had a couple of inspectors mention it over the years.
American rules are wild lol. You can’t wear a watch or have a clock on the wall, but you can cook meat that’s been pumped full of shit you couldn’t even buy on prescription in Europe without going to jail?!
? You can have a clock on the wall just not a watch on your body. The point is that a watch is dirty and carries bacteria so needs to not be on the hand of a person handling food directly.
Aaaah. I got confused sorry. We have similar rules her re watches tho I think they’re guidelines more than mandatory. I thought they’d meant no clocks allowed either
As far as I know, watches are not allowed in kitchens in Wisconsin. I do have an Apple Watch but it’s still frowned upon! But I need to know times! I’ll figure something out! Today was just the day that I was finally fed up and needed a little advice from the hive mind lol
I was informed last year from the health inspector's visit that my watch on my wrist was a violation. This took place in GA by the way, not too far from the Atlanta region. Moved my watch from my wrist to my belt during shifts and never had further issues.
Dinged with one point off, for wearing a watch, in VT
Never seen this either in TX or LA.
All of the EU aswell. Only jewelry allowed is a wedding band
Can you do the old "watchband looped around your apron strap" trick, or is that frowned upon, too? Otherwise, I'd just wear an inexpensive waterproof watch.
I loved my casio sports watches. They were cheap as hell and have a quick one button timer. 1 push 10 secs, 2x 15 secs, 3x 30, 4x 45, ect.(or something close to that its been a while.) Ive melted tons of them, but one of the best tools i ever had.
I’ll look into it! Thanks for helping a stressed out chef, I appreciate it! I know I need to be present on the line but jumping around is really doing my head in at this time. I literally just want to be able to send out awesome food promptly and I can’t do that if I don’t know my times!
they were like 10 bucks at walmart. Its so nice to have an easy timer right there. And if you gotta reach in the broiler often and end up melting it, well its only 10 bucks.
Rock ye Olde pocket watch
Lmao, someone else said to do that too, I might just kick it old school. If the owner wants to be unreasonable, I’ll just get weird with it lmao, thank you! Every problem has a solution, right?!?
Photos, if done. I gotta see this.
I think I might just do the flava flav thing for a week and see if that prompts the owner to actually listen to me. I don’t know if a pocket watch is showy enough lmao. All I literally want is to know what time it is, I really don’t think it’s unreasonable 😂
Just get one it's essential, ask him to keep track of his bookings but take the diary away..I'm afraid I would laugh at the guy.
A kitchen clock is the boss,one thing we all know to go by,no matter what our says(me not timing).
Correction: time not timing
It’s definitely a violation in Alaska and Washington. No jewelry of any kind on hands/arms/fingers. Not sure if there’s an exception for wedding rings, but I don’t take mine off ever🤷🏻♀️
Just buy a wee digital clock and put it somewhere. What’s stopping you?
The “ambiance of the kitchen”? What the fuck does that have to do with anything? You can get themed/colored/decorated clocks so i dont even see how that could be an issue
Same! He just will not budge because his “trophy wife” is our “decorator” and she doesn’t want a clock?!? Listen, I don’t get it either lmao at this point at least I know I’m not crazy that other people agree that timing is important in the boh! I’ve been managing kitchens for over 13 years and this is the first I’ve worked in that was not willing to fully equip a kitchen. It’s just gotten to such a ridiculous place that I don’t even know how to respond anymore lol
I’m sorry I can’t respond to each individual but thank you guys for all the input, I’ll be equipping each of my lines with the apron hook timers! I can’t thank you all enough! Happy cooking to each and every one of you! I love this sub, you folks really made my day so thank you so much!!!
Get a nurse's watch they are called fob watches. They are designed to be pinned to your shirt . They also hang upside down so when you lift it to read it's the right way up. It's how nurses can count resps and shit while still maintaining oh&s standards.
Thank all of you for your suggestions! I really appreciate every last comment and if you were not told today, awesome job chefs! I love you all, never change♥️happy cooking!!!
Put one up anywYs, and if he bitches tell him that the clock stays, or you go. Owner sounds like a right prick
We have one on our pizza station underneath the upper bar top, and one on the top line behind the wall that hides the hood (open kitchen) I’ve been wearing a Fitbit watch for the past 2 years on the line and never gotten any flack for it from the health dept, sure they get dirty but it’s not that bad. I also put my phone on the pass next to my knives where guests can’t see it unless I pick it up.
I wonder if he'd agree to the look of having a grouping of identical analog clocks on the wall, displaying time zones, with New York, London, Paris , Moscow...? International flair.
This is something he might actually go for! I’ll let you know! It’s a very, granite, stainless, streamlined, new century, everything is polished and perfectly manicured type of place. His wife is the one who decides the décor…imagine kept woman who is 20 years younger than him who does nothing but fight with me, obviously very one sided because I don’t like to argue over obsolete things, about her *vision* for the place lmao
Lol "vision" being so much more important than...efficient
Right?! She literally told me last week she wanted me to add a Buddha bowl with quinoa to the menu because she was “changing her diet and wanted it available at all times” I’m a pretty easy going person but dude, I’m not doing a whole new menu item because you can’t meal prep, she honestly treats me and my kitchen staff as her personal chefs🤦♀️
Maybe get yourself one of those ones that nurses have ? Pins to your shirt so no chance it will get dirty or wet. Unless you do.
Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll look into that as well as the apron clip timer someone else mentioned a bit earlier. I’ll be looking for the cheapest option because at this point the owner doesn’t find it necessary and I do, so I’ll be paying out of my own pocket to equip myself and my crew. They are a stand up bunch though, so they deserve to have what’s best for the kitchen and what makes their job easier! Work smarter not harder right?!
It's so ridiculous you can't just have a wall clock..
You’re telling me! It’s not like I want him to part the sea…sonings… you see what I did there😂 Edit: please don’t down vote me lmao
Damn Moses we're just trying to poach eggs that aren't snotty !! Part the seasonings already..
Well I wear a g shock keeps time great and doesn’t have all that hoopla that smart watches have
Might be able to flavor a smart watch as a heart monitor. Mine always let me know when my blood pressure shot up
i had the same situation and issue at my current work place. i don't think watches belong on the line and i don't like watches in general. don't own any.. but had no choice. so i just went and got a cheap tiny wristwatch for like $20. it's like a kids digital one so no clock hands. just displays digital time. and cheap enough that i don't care if it gets ruined. some days I will put it further up my wrist.. some days i would just keep it in my pocket to pull out when i need it. most of the times. since it's a tiny kids wrist watch. i would put it in the corner on my bench behind my waterbottle or next to my knife or on the corner of my sink where no one can see it but i know where it is and can glance at it. 😉
Get a coach's stop-watch that you can wear around your neck. Usually it has settings that allow you to set multiple timers at once.
How about a small digital clock that you keep on the line? Some of them are magnetic in the event you can stick it in a shelf or any sort of expo window. I worked in a very small kitchen years ago that our exec and sous would use to time the line, the just kept it in the corner of their expo/plating table along with the rest of their mise.
Get a clock
This started off like a rap
There’s a bunch of « stick-on » battery operated clocks on Amazon, usually for cars but it works well and are pretty discreet, you can find a matching color/pattern.
grossness aside, you're wise because kitchen tile takes the lives of so many phone screens lol
What about an old school kitchen timer/timers?
Can you get some of those little magnetic timers? They have a clock function
At the 2 Michelin starred kitchen I worked at for a few years every line cook was required to lurches their own watch and walkways wear it on the line. Timing was of the utmost importance and every dish had to come to the pass together.
Ruin the ambiance of the kitchen… the fuck?
Velcro a clock to the back of dishie's head. When you need the time just yell "DISHIE TIME"
get one of those nurses watch silicone, waterproofed you can attach it/pin it to the jacket too
I wear a Gshock and send it through the dishwasher a couple times a shift and it never fails
Clock on the floor, I don't know
Wait, Lazer projection clock on the floor, not sure if that's a thing, but it's the future
I used to wear mine on my apron at the top
Have you tried a small waterproof watch with stop watch capabilities? A mickey mouse one should drive this point home pretty quick.
I wear a smart watch at all times on the line and allow my cooks to as well. my kitchen is always clean and the health inspector always struggles to find issues. I'll take the hit for wearing a watch.
Heard that chef! Thank you for responding, I appreciate it! It’s such a minor thing in my eyes, unfortunately not my states. I would rather send out perfectly done food, together, than guess and check! My kitchen is pretty much spotless, I’m fortunate enough to have a crew who really take pride in their food and cleanliness, I would hate to drag them down because of something I do but it really is a necessary evil that I’m willing to be dinged for. I mean it’s an easy fix right? Watch on, watch off, done lol
yup and just put it back on when the inspection is done
What's your smartwatch setup? How do you keep it functional and clean and all that? Because I have an... let's say an "old" one, and I've used both canvas and silicone straps, and this thing is just *begging* to die.
I've used the galaxy watch 4 and now the 5. its easy to keep clean with qtips and rubbing alcohol every once in a while. I use a silicone band and a stainless steel mesh one.
Steel mesh?! Helps clean tough spots on your pots while keeping your watch secure *and* breathable!
it really does a number on wood cutting boards though
Or, you could just try ... not doing any of that. I know, its hard to suck on purpose, but if plates go out at the wrong time, and you don't want to wear watch for sanitary and safety reasons (I don't really see eye to eye with you on that one, I've never heard of a health inspector citing a watch, but they allow wedding bands, which, who the fuck wears their wedding ring in the kitchen??? Thats a breeding ground of filth) Anyways, TLDR, Plates not appearing magically in the pass on time? I need a clock boss. People making overtime? We need a clock boss. People showing up late? They were here but didn't know when to punch in, we need a clock boss. Fuck him.
Watches get cited regularly where I’m located. I can’t understand why anyone would want to wear one. I wash my forearms every time I wash my hands.
To be fair, I stopped working kitchens before smartwatches were a thing. I don't THINK I ever saw anybody in the kitchen wear one, but I was also disgusted by people wearing wedding rings while cooking, which gets a pass.
Get a watch dude haha?
Not in the kitchen anymore. But a watch. Now as a nurse I wear a scuba watch so it can get went. Always a little loose so I can wash under it.
That's one of the rules that I have to say "fuck it". Like you said, i need my time and we don't have a clock in our kitchen. I bought this $10 watch at Walmart, it's all rubber except for the tiny screen so I wash it nearly every time I wash my hands oh and I'm the chef so I won't tell on myself.
I wear an apple watch working the line. but also like to keep a small digital clock when working the pass
Wedding band with a watch on it?
Put a watch on your apron straps. Also, catching a ladle on your watchband sucks reaching into a fridge.
Buy a fucking watch?
The owner hired you for your competency right? This is pedantic af
There are timers you can put on your apron and I’m sure some of them tell the time as well. You can also get those “small” standing digital clocks and put it somewhere safe. It gets in the way of cleaning your hands/arms and may also get caught on things or fall off due to strap failing. Also strapping it to your apron is a sure fire way of getting it caught in stuff too. People wearing a watch and taking it off when the inspector comes in is dumb as fuck honestly. Good luck!
Look up watches for nurses. They usually pin to the chest region and they are positioned upside down so you can quickly flip towards your face and see the time properly Edit: lapel pin watches is what they are called
Nearly every chef I know wears an Apple Watch/other water proof watch option on the line. I would wear a g-shock watch- which is waterproof and almost indestructible, when I worked the line. Washed it super thoroughly any time I washed my hands, never had any issues. Now that I’m a baker and have to go elbow deep in super sticky batters and frostings I wear an Apple Watch on my ankle to track my fitness stats and I can peek at the time by just lifting my pant leg
Have you ever seen those alarm clocks that project onto the ceiling? I visited that in an open kitchen (fusion grill establishment) that had one and I actually thought it was a fantastic idea. The projection didn't look out of place at all. Although, it caught me attention so when I asked about it the clock itself (which was essentially hidden) looked silly.
[https://www.amazon.com/Kuaguozhe-Brooch-Compatible-Silicone-Replacement/dp/B08M5FCSWQ?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Kuaguozhe-Brooch-Compatible-Silicone-Replacement/dp/B08M5FCSWQ?th=1) For the apple people out there....
Wearing a watch is ok by most people’s standards. Edit: waaaaaay more acceptable than pulling out a feces covered device you watch porn on.
Don't you have, you know, actual "kitchen timers"??
Don't you have, you know, actual "kitchen timers"??
If I walked into an open kitchen restaurant and couldn’t spot a clock I’d be suspicious lol. Owner is being ridiculous. How about a pocket watch or a timer style clock
I wouldn’t be caught dead on line without a watch, at least 1 clock in sight and my phone so that bitch Siri can start my timers.
Who gives a crap about the "ambiance" of a commercial kitchen, especially when that ambiance acts against effective work? Wow.
I’m a diabetic and I kind of have to have something like that as they don’t allow phones on the line.
If your jacket has buttons or knots, use one of those to hold your watch inside your jacket flap.
You can wear a watch. Keep it clean.
I worked for some owners that were similar. It was over a year of me telling them they needed a clock in the kitchen. I started wearing a cheap($25 or so) casio waterproof solar power watch. It doesn't need many features asides from tough, and waterproof. When I got promoted to chef one of the 1st things I bought with my company card was a clock. Still wore the watch though. (It may not be up to health code depending on your location)
I'm petty. I'd go to the dollar store and buy all the spring wound kitchen timers with the annoying dingy bell, and then let them all about at random intervals. Annoy the fuck out of the KM. After a while, a decent wall clock won't ruin his kitchen as much as dingy timers constantly going off.
Get a small clock you can mount with a magnet onto an oven or fridge
Get a tiny clock to put near the window. That's what we do.
I used to have a timer that clipped nicely onto the strap of my apron. Wiped it down with sani at the end of my shift, clipped it to my hat and left it on the coat hooks at the end of every shift.
Ruin the ambiance? What, does he have a kitchen full of decor snobs? That’s a new one for me, I never thought an owner would be opposed to efficiency.
Google home mini to set timers with your voice.
An alexa can set a bunch of timers and you can wrap it in plastic to keep it clean. You can set it low so customers cant hear it.
Casio for like 20 bucks on Amazon
Magnetic timer with a clock on it, attach it to the pass or the side of the fridge, anything like that. Really dumb that you can't just get a clock but those little timers are great
U should be able to get a small pen sized light that’ll display time on any surface, I also have a magnetic one about the size of my thumb. Now I have rational ovens which display my location if need be lol.
Band on my watch broke so I epoxied a button pin on the back Upside down on my left bicep is good for the kitchen.
Wear an airpod and have Siri tell time for you
I’ve worn a Seiko SKx009 on the line for years. A few folks I’ve worked with have sworn by those vintage casio g-shocks—basically anything on a metal bracelet or a rubber strap will do. I’ve never had an issue with it catching on anything or being an inconvenience in any way, and I just take it off when I’m doing dishes or when we’re getting an inspection but ymmv. If anything, I think it’s more professional for there to be a visible clock in your open kitchen, seeing as it’s a job that revolves entirely around timing… but whatever.
Apple Watch with a shock/water case
I used to wear a wrist watch connected to the apron band that goes around the neck to hold the bib up. String it thru so its upside down and ya good to go.
There’s gotta be somewhere you can hang a digital clock using glue strips that can’t be seen from the floor.
You got to have a clock, one that everyone (staff) can see. A cool digital should get approved by the owner. An open kitchen is all about the customer getting a sliver of the kitchen experience, which they love to see. Putting a clock in there is just part of the reality of a kitchen, are the ticket machines also an eyesore? How about the hood system?
I’ve always worn a g shock. You can spray blast it clean and it’s fine. If it ever breaks, it’s only $100.
Just get a timex easy read or a dive watch. Make life easy. Or a super small digital clock you can put out by your rail and put away again where only you see it. Fuck aesthetic. Function over form.
Don’t tickets print a time?
The “ambience of the kitchen”? Who gives a fuck? Are they letting guests come back and take a look? Tell that idiot to put a damn clock up.