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DISCOVER THE CITY ON THE RHINE LIKE A LOCAL: WATCHES AND HIDDEN GEMS LOVED BY SWISS FASHION LABEL LAMAREL
Lamarel is all about cool basics. A Swiss brand with a wink. When was the last time you rocked sweatpants with a tweed jacket and baseball cap and looked effortlessly good doing it? This label is speeding ahead, winning fans left and right, and has just opened its second boutique in the heart of Zurich after Basel.
Founded by Sandra Rodrigues Pinto in 2018, fresh from her economics degree at the University of Basel, Lamarel was born from her desire to bring ethical, fair fashion to the Swiss scene. Her collections offer premium, casual essentials with a focus on impeccable quality. When designing the pieces, the 32-year-old draws inspiration from ‘90s vintage pieces and embraces the concept of a “capsule wardrobe”: a curated mix of versatile, high-end pieces that make dressing effortless - freeing up time for the important things in life, like a spirited game of backgammon.
Together with her husband, Miguel Viana Lujan, a mechanical engineer from Valencia, Pinto shares a passion for mechanical watches and culinary delights. In a recent collab-interview for IWC Schaffhausen and GaultMillau, The Journal and “Züri isst” blogger Pascal Grob caught up with the couple to explore how they spend their time and savor life’s finer moments in their adopted city of Basel.
Read the interview while listening to Lamarel’s playlist and try on Sandra and Miguel’s watches in AR.
SAVOR EVERY MOMENT TO THE FULLEST
The Journal: What role does time play for you?
Time is one of the most valuable things we have in life. As business partners at Lamarel, we understand the importance of managing it wisely. We deeply value the time we have, striving to fill it with purpose, creativity, and joy in ways that feel meaningful. By setting clear priorities and focusing on what truly matters, we can consciously create and enjoy special moments, even in today’s fast-paced world.
Pascal Grob: Tell us more about these special moments from a culinary perspective. Let’s start in the morning, what’s your favorite bakery in Basel?
Confiserie Bachmann without a question of a doubt. Our favorite treats, which are sure to win anyone over, are the Swiss egg rolls and the most delicious chocolate bread rolls. There are multiple Confiserie Bachmann bakeries across Basel, but we love stopping by the one at Schifflände and then taking a stroll along the Rhine. What makes it even better is the traditional service and the loyal, long-time regulars who fill the bakery at all hours. The atmosphere reminds us of our time in Spain, and with its retro interior, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time into a ‘90s film.
— Sandra Pinto wearing the Portofino Chronograph 39 Ref. IW391502 with a beige calfskin strap and quick-change system
— Sandra Pinto and her poodle Pancho at Confiserie Bachmann
— Miguel Viana wearing a beige textile strap with the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Ceratanium® IW388106
— The two Lamarel founders with “Züri isst” blogger Pascal Grob at the bar of Hotel Les Trois Rois
THAT LITTLE SOMETHING
The Journal: What does Basel have that other cities don’t?
For us, Basel is the perfect blend of art, architecture, culture, and a high quality of life, with a unique charm that’s effortlessly cool. The city’s creative energy makes it a great place to live, with a culinary scene that’s second to none. We also love the city’s close connection to nature, with the Rhine promenade and all the green spaces in and around Basel. And, of course, being close to family and friends is also very important to us.
Pascal Grob: What’s your favorite restaurant in Basel to eat with family and friends?
The Brasserie at Hotel Les Trois Rois is our favorite spot in Basel for celebrating any special occasion. With its stylish yet classic interior, incredible art, delicious food, and impeccable service, the place has an atmosphere like no other - and the view of the Rhine from the terrace is just fantastic. The beef tartare with chips and toast is a must-try, and the rib-eye with Café de Paris sauce and matchstick potatoes comes highly recommended. You also have to try a drink at the bar beforehand, where the setting feels as though you’ve stepped into another world! Our top picks are the Amaretto Sour and the Negroni Sbagliato.
TIMELESS FASHION ESSENTIALS
The Journal: What do Lamarel and IWC have in common?
Every IWC watch tells its own story. We admire how the brand continuously reinterprets iconic designs while staying true to its DNA. That’s exactly how we approach fashion: timeless but never boring, high-end yet effortlessly casual. It’s a perfect match with our philosophy. At Lamarel, we focus on selecting premium fabrics that, through classic designs and quality craftsmanship, turn into timeless piece - essentials you’ll want to wear for a lifetime.
Pascal Grob: Where's your favorite place in Basel for an aperitif after a day in your boutique?
We love a bar called Flore in Kleinbasel as it has a real Parisian feel to it, not in a cringy, cliché way, but in a way that embraces a relaxed, old-school charm. It’s the only place in town where you can casually enjoy oysters, charcuterie, or a cheese platter without any pretension. It’s the perfect place for an aperitif, a snack or two, and, of course, a glass of wine in a friendly setting. The spacious terrace along the Klybeckstrasse and the blackboard showing the wine selection add even more of a Parisian touch, while the French waiters are always on hand with the perfect recommendation.
— Sandra Pinto, Miguel Viana and poodle Pancho in front of the Lamarel Boutique on Basel’s Oetlingerstrasse
— It’s never too early for an aperitif and that Paris feeling: Sandra and Miguel at Flore
SPIRIT OF FREEDOM AND ADVENTURE
The Journal: Tell us about your watches!
For Miguel, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Ceratanium® (Ref. IW388106) holds a special significance. It reflects his deep passion for aviation - something that has always been a part of his life. As a former mechanical engineer, he relates to the precision and durability of the watch, and it reminds him of his time at Airbus, where he was constantly pushing himself toward the next big challenge.
As for me, I see myself in the Portofino Chronograph 39 (Ref. IW391502). It strikes the right balance between elegance and simplicity - sporty but refined, much like the way I navigate between different aspects of life. Both watches feel like an extension of who we are and the journeys we’ve been on.
Pascal Grob: My last question before we wrap up this interview: What’s your go-to hidden gem in Basel?
We absolutely love Lu, a family-run restaurant serving a fantastic mix of Lebanese and Turkish cuisine. The food is authentic and well-prepared, and the service is always friendly. We love to order a platter with a variety of mezze dishes — our favorites are the beetroot hummus and the “Kereviz & Elma”, a mix of celery, green apple, yogurt, mint, walnuts, and raisins. The quinoa and almond salad, pide, and chicken wrap are also must-tries. Aside from the delicious food, Lu holds a special place in our hearts — seeing a family sitting next to us with their adorable poodle puppy inspired us to get a dog, and that was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
— The 41-mm Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Ceratanium® Ref. IW388106 can be combined with a variety of watch straps
— Sandra and Miguel end the day with mezzes at the Turkish-Lebanese restaurant Lu
— Happy poodle: Pancho usually keeps his owner Sandra company in the boutique
— Sandra Rodrigues Pinto during her visit to the IWC Manufakturzentrum in Schaffhausen
Photography by Adrian Bretscher
