Matt Clymo 
Tissot is the latest watch brand to join the growing number of boutiques on Collins Street, Melbourne, in what is fast becoming Australia’s premier watch shopping precinct.
If you take a walk down Collins Street in Melbourne, you’ll quickly notice one thing. Watches. Over two blocks along the main drag, all the big-name brands now have boutiques along with several multi-brand dealers, like Watches Of Switzerland and The Hour Glass. The latest to join in on the action is Tissot, and to celebrate their grand entrance on Collins Street, held a gala opening this week, followed by cocktails and canapés at Maison Batard.
Located at 234 Collins Street, the new boutique adds to the ever-growing number of brands now calling Collins Street home, and now with Tissot’s boutique opening, and a few more to follow, it makes the Collins Street shopping precinct a watch lovers’ dream.
Inside, you find a well-thought-through layout over 114 square meters, in which you can explore the Tissot range of watches, from the popular PRX line to the dressier Chemin des Tourelles, or the fun Sideral S. There is plenty of space, allowing guests to meander around the boutique at their leisure, getting to know each collection with the helpful staff just a quick question away.
Should you (on a very rare occasion) your watch need to come back to the store, the boutique has its own space for its watchmakers to work on the pieces in the L’Atelier. It’s a great idea as it means that your watch doesn’t need to travel very far should it need anything done, like a battery change or a quick tune-up. There is also a Heritage section designed like a safe where you can explore the History and Heritage of Tissot throughout the years.
This week, Tissot Australia held the boutique’s grand opening, which was done with flair and style, and the attendance of a few celebrity guests. The ribbon cutting was done to officially open the boutique, with Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, Australian woman’s basketball legend, Lauren Jackson, Tissot Australia’s General Manager, Daniel Rugman and Megan Parker Managing Director of Swatch Group Australia doing the honours.
After the formalities and all guests having time to explore the boutique, they were transported to Le Club at Maison Bâtard for an intimate evening of cocktails, canapés and entertainment. Performing was Triple J Unearthed 2022 winner, Jacoténe who wowed audiences with her soulful voice as she performed her own songs and several covers of songs from artists she took inspiration from, like Lana Del Rey. Safe to say she was a crowd favourite judging by the amount of phones out filming during her set, including me!
Talking to everyone across the night, the consensus was it was thoroughly enjoyable and it seemed the team from Tissot knocked it out of the park with the opening, choice of venue, entertainment and experience. It was also a great way for the brand to kick off the year, in what will prove to be a big year for the watch industry here and globally.
If you want to check out the new Tissot Boutique, then head along to 234 Collins Street, Melbourne, which is open from 10am, 7 days a week. Head to Tissot.com for all store locations and details.
