Vacheron Constantin unveils multi-level boutique in Sydney

Vacheron Constantin is a brand that does things properly. Established in 1755, the prestigious manufacturer only produces about 20,000 watches a year, due to their commitment to uphold their famously high standards. This exacting attitude contributed to the delay in opening a dedicated Sydney boutique until they found the ideal location. But that wait is now over with the unveiling of a new three-storey boutique in King Street Sydney.

It’s suitably impressive, too. From the outside, the white and gold building has a distinct old-world charm in a country not exactly overstocked with historical buildings. It feels in keeping with the heritage of a brand that has been selling watches for 270 years.

Bathed in soft lighting and pale wood, the ground floor is where most of the watches are displayed from simple Patrimony dress watches to high-complication creations. But it’s as you move upstairs that you get a better sense of Vacheron’s true intentions for the boutique. Reserved for VIP clients, the mood on the middle floor feels a bit like a contemporary gentleman’s club with a sofa, video screen and bar. Also on display on the second level are pieces from the Heritage High Complications collection including the Tour de I’lle Grand Complication which was presented as part of the Maison’s 250th anniversary.

Go up another staircase and on the top floor you discover another room that will be dedicated to events and exhibitions. It sums up Vacheron’s desire to create a boutique that centres on customer experience. “It’s a series of agile spaces that respond to the needs of our clientele across Oceania,” said Amy Jackson Lai, director of Vacheron Constantin Oceania. “We are excited to bring a slice of Switzerland to the east coast of Australia.”

The flagship Sydney boutique follows the opening of the Melbourne boutique in 2019 and suggests that Vacheron is now doubling down in Australia. The timing of the move feels right too, on the back of a remarkable year of releases that received wide acclaim. Vacheron often feels like the most overlooked member of the “holy trinity” in Australia, but it now seems that the brand is poised to enjoy more of the limelight their watches deserve