Matt Clymo 
Vacheron Constantin has officially opened its new-look Melbourne Boutique and the Watch Advice Team went along to cover all the celebrations.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again – if you’re into watches and live in, or are visiting Melbourne, then Collins Street in the CBD is the place to go for everything from Swatch to Vacheron Constantin, the latter of which has just re-opened their new look boutique on the upper end of Collins Street.
The new look boutique is a fresh re-design on both the ground floor showroom level as well as a private salon on the upper level that gives guests of Vacheron Constantin a beautiful space in which to browse and try on all the timepieces in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. As a person who has been to many watch boutiques in the last few years, I can say that the level of fit-outs now are getting better and better, and the Vacheron Constantin boutique is just the latest example.
On the ground floor, you have a fresh modern look, with all the little decorations and decòr that are symbols of the brand. From the sleek lines and patterns that are inspired by the Maltese Cross, to the stonework, wood, and brass fixtures that give the showroom a warmth, guests can see all of the brand’s major pieces on display.
Upstairs is another level – quite literally and figuratively. The private salon known as the Broun Room is inspired by Australian elements and feels like you’re walking into a living room, comfortable, warm, inviting and cosy. Vacheron has taken care as well to incorporate a range of Australian themes into the boutique. At the centre upon entry is the Boomerang Bar, made from Australian Redwood and Travertine stone where guests can enjoy a coffee or drink. The surrounding walls and fixtures made of a the same matching Redwood symbolising the trees and outback.
Adjacent to this is the Blue Room, named thanks to the blue carpet used to sybolise the oceans that surround Australia. The back wall is a feature with the Redwood and red marble columns in between. This, along with the vaulted ceilings and fireplace all make this feel incredibly inviting and let’s face it, how could you resist your next watch purchase in an area like this?
The salon also features a customisation area, where clients can chose the materials for their strap, colour and stitching options to make their watch as unique as they are. This to me is what luxury should be about, those little touches and services that go beyond simply purchasing a watch.
So, to celebrate the re-opening this week, Vacheron Constantin held a grand opening at the boutique, followed by a black-tie dinner at The Ritz Carlton for selected media and VIP guests. This was a chance for Vacheron to show off the new boutique, starting with a ribbon cutting by Vacheron Constantin’s Managing Director, South-East Asia & Oceania, Gael Porte and Boutique Manager Arpan Kumar.
After the ribbon was cut, guests made their way into the boutique for drinks and canapés on the lower level to enjoy the range of Vacheron Constantin watches before moving upstairs to the upper salon. The Boomerang Bar was fully stocked with drinks and a range of specially designed cocktails inspired by nature and using Australian ingredients.
Guests were then transported from the boutique to the Ritz-Carlton where taking the lift up to Level 80, Vacheron Constantin had transformed Atria Restaurant into a private event space, complete with DJ, the Maltese Cross meandering around the walls and ceiling via a light display and a four-course dinner to follow.
This re-opening of the Vacheron Constantin boutique in Melbourne follows the Sydney boutique last year and signals that Vacheron is here to play seriously in the Australian market. Judging by the turn out and talking to many of the guests, not to mention some of the stunning pieces on the wrist, it is shaping up to be a great future for the brand here.
Vacheron Constantin Melbourne Boutique
- Address: 88 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
- Phone: +613 9228 7100
Opening Hours
- Monday – Thursday: 10am – 6pm
- Friday: 10am – 7pm
- Saturday: 10am – 6pm
- Sunday: 11am – 5pm
