Ong Chin Huat heads into the heart of Kuala Lumpur to explore the new Patek Philippe boutique in the JW Marriot hotel, and while there, took the opportunity to experience some of the world’s finest timepieces including the new Aquanaut models for men and women.
Long considered the holy grail for watch connoisseurs and collectors, Patek Philippe is the last family-owned and independent Genevan watch manufacturer to exist in an industry where most well-known brands have been bought up and owned by large conglomerates.
With a storied history going back to 1839, this coveted luxury Swiss watch brand has remained in the hands of the Stern family since 1932, with Thierry Stern as the President, Philippe Stern as the Honorary President and Claude Peny as the CEO today.
With a vertically integrated production structure, Patek Philippe has its own research and development department as well as a factory that manufactures all its movements and external components. With its in-house capabilities, every single Patek Philippe watch – from the simplest model to the grandest complications – is produced, assembled and finished under one roof.
Proud of the fact that everything from the case and dial to its ticking mechanism has been finished by hand, a Patek Philippe timepiece is often seen as a precious heirloom that is passed down through the generations.
And it is with this time-honoured tradition and immaculate legacy, a new Patek Philippe boutique opens in the JW Marriott Hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, its second standalone boutique, the first being in Suria KLCC.
In partnership with Cortina Watch Malaysia, this new boutique in Malaysia’s capital city is proof that the region is fast becoming a horological destination for watch lovers from around the globe.
Occupying approximately 106 square metres on the ground level of the JW Marriott Hotel, the façade of this new boutique is both eye-catching and breath-taking at the same time. A 9.6-metre-high backlit glass wall showcases the brand’s Calatrava cross pattern and is the first of its kind in the world. Another milestone that this new boutique marks is the Patek Philippe clock on the street front, the first one in Southeast Asia.
Once inside the sumptuous boutique, the customer is cocooned within a sanctuary of luxury and indulgence. A high table greets any enthusiastic watch collector who is able to admire and examine the treasure trove which the store holds. To the left side of the boutique is a wall with the rich history of this watch brand framed and hung. Utilizing materials such as Birdseye Maple, Indian Rosewood, and burnished brass, the entire boutique reeks of class and sophistication.
A private lounge area is separated from the rest of the boutique by a pair of see-through wood panels incorporating the iconic Calatrava Cross motif. Glimmering with shades of iridescent champagne gold and beige, a bespoke chandelier with Baccarat crystals hung above completes the entire design scheme.
As a final touch, a specially curated scent inspired by the brand’s Honorary President, Philippe Stern’s love for sailing; the scent is called the ‘Grand Quai’ and was previously exclusive to the Patek Philippe salons in Geneva, London and Paris.
“Patek Philippe, together with our trusted partner Cortina Watch is proud to be unveiling this boutique in presenting not only timepieces that showcase our unique skills and craftsmanship but also our unparalleled level of service,” says Deepa Chatrath, the General Manager of Geneva Master Time Marketing.
Tay Liam Khoon, the Managing Director of Cortina Watch Malaysia, is proud and honoured that Cortina Watch is part of the legacy of the oldest independent family-owned watch manufacture in the world. He said, “The opening of the boutique in JW Marriott Hotel further strengthens the generation of bond and trust between Patek Philippe and Cortina Watch since 1986.”
To mark the opening of this new boutique, Patek Philippe debuted the new Aquanaut Luce for ladies and Aquanaut for men. A refreshed version of the original Aquanaut known for its modern and sporty images. The new Aquanaut for men and Aquanaut Luce for women features multiple design and material tweaks from the original.
For the men’s Aquanaut, Patek Philippe introduced the first white-gold version in Chronograph in a handsome 42.2 mm diameter case and paired with a midnight blue or khaki green strap in a composite material.
For the ladies, the Aquanaut Luce has been redesigned with a larger case measuring 38.8 mm in diameter and encircled with diamonds. Available in steel and rose gold, there is also a choice of dial colours, namely black, white and khaki green, with a matching strap.
An automatic version of the Aquanaut Luce comes in a larger case with an integrated strap in rose gold and 48 Top Wesselton Pure diamonds.
For further information on the new Patek Philippe Store in Kuala Lumpur, please visit www.cortinawatch.com or www.patek.com.
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