Cover The bar and lounge area of the new Patek Philippe boutique in The Starhill
The bar and lounge area of the new Patek Philippe boutique in The Starhill
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Located in The Starhill, the new Patek Philippe boutique marks a major milestone for both the Swiss manufacture and retailer Cortina Watch
Cortina Watch marks a major milestone recently with the opening of the largest Patek Philippe boutique, a 312 sq m horological haven nestled within The Starhill along bustling Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur. The architectural tour de force is anchored by a 12.6m facade, where Kirigami-inspired patterns—echoing the Calatrava Cross—orchestrate a daily ballet of light and shadow.
Inside, the narrative unfolds through a tactile symphony of maple, Indian rosewood, and burnished brass, guiding customers from a ground-level gallery chronicling the maison’s heritage to an upper echelon of utter discretion, complete with a dining suite, a library-inspired VIP room, and a convivial bar for private gatherings.
A monumental woodwork installation channels the majestic peaks of Mount Kinabalu, while a breathtaking reinterpretation of the Patek Philippe Dome Clock pays homage to the rare French craft of Longwy enamel.
Read more: New watch and jewellery boutiques for the ultimate indulgence
Above The magnificent facade of the Patek Philippe boutique in The Starhill
The magnificent facade of the Patek Philippe boutique in The Starhill
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Right before the opening ceremony, Tatler GMT’s editor Brian Cheong chatted with Cortina Watch CEO Jeremy Lim to discover more about the double-storey address that was decades in the making.
What unique opportunities does this Bukit Bintang address unlock for Patek Philippe and Cortina Watch?
We have been present in The Starhill since 2003. Over the years, there were some expansions, some movements, different retail formats, but we have steadily built our clients in the last 22 years here. When there is an opportunity to expand, the timing also has to be right. In the last 10 years, the luxury watch market demands that we have a larger footprint in order to provide a better customer experience. When this opportunity came up (to expand in The Starhill,) we thought we should offer it to our partner to elevate the experience for their customers.
Above Jeremy Lim, CEO of Cortina Watch
Jeremy Lim, CEO of Cortina Watch
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It is the biggest Patek Philippe boutique in Southeast Asia. How do you feel about that?
Ten years ago, it was unthinkable to have a huge facade like this for a watch brand. So to be able to do it is very exciting. The facade is impressive but it’s also about the space inside. We have the experience of running a big boutique, but we never had this kind of external presentation. It’s doubly exciting because we also just opened a similar concept in Bangkok.
The ground level of the Patek Phillipe boutique in The Starhill showcases the brand‘s collections and history
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What can you tell us about the design and service that make it worth the trip here?
Our first consideration is to showcase the watches as soon as you step into the boutique. It should be a great space to see and look at the collections. If customers want to try on the watches, we will bring them to a private space for a more intimate viewing. And we have different areas for this—there’s a library, a bar, a lounge. We have designed these spaces to be cosy and homely as we want the customers to feel comfortable enough to take their time viewing the pieces.
It also gives us the opportunity to showcase the exceptional rarity of these timepieces, delve into the intricacies of their movements, and articulate the distinct advantages of owning a Patek Philippe. Today, you can no longer sell a watch over the counter—that’s the old way. It’s not just about buying a watch; we also want our customers to experience Patek Philippe firsthand. And now we have a very good space to do just that.
Cortina Watch is a family-owned retailer. Patek Philippe remains an independent, family-owned brand. Does this shared heritage foster a deeper connection between the two houses?
Our relationship was built on trust over the past 55 years—it started with my dad (Anthony Lim) and Philippe Stern. They worked hand in hand to grow their businesses across the region. While we have evolved over time, that mutual respect remains at the core of our partnership.
Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
