Official opening of new boutique in Harbour City
Hong Kong, March 2018
Beginning in December last year and every day since, Glashütte Original has welcomed watch connoisseurs from around the world to its new Boutique in Hong Kong’s Harbour City. On Tuesday March 13, 2018, the German watchmaker celebrated the official inauguration of the Boutique with an exclusive opening ceremony. On hand to greet the guests in person were Glashütte Original CEO Thomas Meier and Kevin Rollenhagen, member of the Swatch Group Extended Executive Management Board and managing director of Swatch Group Hong Kong and Macau. Thomas Meier underscored the significance of the Boutique in his remarks: “In the new Boutique our customers gain first-hand experience not simply of the elegance and sophistication of German timepieces, but of the passion, dedication and technical perfection every one of these watches represents.”
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of new chapter in the more than 170-year history of Glashütte Original, and showed as well how East and West complement each other in harmonious ways: A traditional “Lion’s Dance” followed the classic ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance to the Boutique. The guests were then invited to relax in the sophisticated ambience and enjoy close-up views of exceptional timepieces from the Saxon watchmaker. Only a few hours earlier, press and media had been offered an exclusive preview and a personal, hands-on look at the new Senator Chronograph – The Capital Edition. One of the German manufacture’s own master watchmakers was also on site, happy to let guests look over his shoulder while he focused on his work.
The new Boutique in Hong Kong’s Harbour City extends the brand’s successful run in Asia. Harbour City lies on beautiful Victoria Harbour in the heart of the city, and hosts many of the world’s top brands. Following the unofficial opening December 19, 2017, the brand is now ready to set sail from the seductive port, taking residents and visitors to Hong Kong on a trip into the heart of excellence in the German art of watchmaking.
Right at the door of the Boutique at Ocean Terminal visitors are welcomed by an exquisite “swan neck”: the design of the door handles takes its inspiration from one of the watchmaker’s signature features – the swan neck fine adjustment. Upon entering the Boutique, the modern yet classic decor and harmonious colour concept reflect not just such typical German essentials as simplicity, excellent quality and a practical approach.
They have also been carefully arranged to ensure that visitors are offered a relaxing and stimulating brand experience. The mechanical heart of one of the latest chronographs from Glashütte Original – the Calibre 37 – is the principal theme of the impressive interior decoration, while numerous showcases on the walls present the current collection. The remarkable “Wonder Wall” lives up to its name, offering visitors insights into the microcosm of the art of watchmaking. Here customers may admire the brand’s manufactory-made movements and components in exceptional detail. The opposite side of the Boutique presents guests with an elegant lounge area, a quiet retreat where they can learn more about the fascinating history of the brand and the famous German watchmaking town.