By Vanessa Lee
After four months of comprehensive expansion, renovation and remodelling work, the largest Patek Philippe store in South East Asia has re-opened its door for business at ION Orchard in Singapore
Opened and operated by Cortina Watch as the Swiss watch manufacture's first boutique in the country, the distributor has built on the forty-year relationship to now also managing three other Patek Philippe boutiques regionally.
The new store is now more than 4 times bigger than its original retail space seven years ago - a clear testament to the importance and significance of the Singapore market to Patek Philippe.
The architectural concept of the boutique sees a marriage of iconic materials like birdseye maple and Indian rosewood with a new sophisticated material, brass with a vintage burnished finish.
Floors and walls are furnished with precious new materials, with Patek Philippe's distinctive Calatrava cross pattern repeating itself as a design element throughout the interior.
On entering the store, a showcase reveals a collection of current Patek Philippe timepieces, displayed under an impressive 3-tier chandelier composed of Baccarat crystal elements.
The space opens up to larger showrooms with three sales desks as well as a waiting lounge with a Patek Philippe library.
Guests desiring a more discreet shopping experience may also be served at a dedicated VIP area created for them where the sliding doors can be closed. Within the exclusive space, interior design elements include a hand-painted painting about the Patek Philippe ten values in different languages.
The private doors open to an uninterrupted linear interior view of the whole boutique.
Down to the very last detail, this latest concept reflects Patek Philippe's passion of driving creativity, and its philosophy of excellence.