Cover The Hub is the heart of Richard Mille St Martin (Photo: Richard Mille)
The Hub is the heart of Richard Mille St Martin (Photo: Richard Mille)
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Richard Mille’s St Martin flagship store is representative of today’s definition of luxury, introducing a first‑of‑its‑kind concept that encourages diverse experiences and fosters interactions
A sports bar, a private restaurant and a library are not things that typically come to mind when picturing a luxury watch boutique—unless you are Richard Mille, that is. This October, the Swiss watch manufacturer unveiled its new sprawling 700‑square‑metre St Martin flagship boutique that is not so much a point of sale as a warm invitation into its universe.
Located within Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road district, Richard Mille St Martin boasts 11 bespoke spaces that seamlessly blend hospitality, innovation and storytelling—the first concept of its kind for the brand. It is the manufacturer’s largest store in the world to date and took the brand’s in‑house architecture team three years of meticulous craftsmanship to bring to life—but the result is certainly worth the wait.
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Above Richard Mille’s new St Martin flagship boutique in Singapore
Richard Mille’s new St Martin flagship boutique in Singapore
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“The architectural organisation of St Martin creates a feeling of astonishment at not having guessed [that] such a space could exist behind this door. Discovering it makes you wonder what the next surprise will be. Our intention was to play with visitors’ expectations,” shares Alexandre Mille, Richard Mille’s brand director and the son of its eponymous co‑founder.
St Martin is a testament to the brand’s commitment to horological expertise and immersive experiences—very much in line with how luxury watch brands are investing in crafting holistic experiences for its clients that extend beyond buying and selling timepieces. Much like that of a traditional boutique, its facade is sleek and modern, not giving away anything about the surprises that await within.
Above Crafting Space
Crafting Space
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Stepping inside, visitors are welcomed by an enchanting entryway with wooden arches and walls covered in greenery as well as a water feature. Through the glass doors lies the first room of St Martin, which still looks like a typical boutique—albeit with only five watches on display. Nonetheless, one is drawn by the exceptional timepieces and cannot help but venture further into the airy, open‑plan spaces of St Martin, anticipating the exploration of the Richard Mille universe through the interconnected realms presented.
Flowing seamlessly from the first room is the Crafting Space, where visitors can observe the brand’s watchmakers at work and get hands‑on, exploring how some of the movements work as well as touch and feel the many proprietary materials used in the timepieces.
Above The Hub
The Hub
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Past this point is where St Martin starts to shake things up. Moving into the Hub, the heart of the boutique, one gets transported into what looks and feels like a lush living room, done up in light and natural colour palettes, with sumptuous settees. A highlight of the Hub is a masterpiece by French visual artist William Amor: an olive tree, positioned in the middle of the room and symbolising loyalty, transmission, resistance, friendship, peace and health. It also pays homage to the Mediterranean basin, a region adored by the brand’s eponymous co‑founder.
The Hub then extends to the Library, where curved floor‑to‑ceiling shelves display books, decorative objects and artworks. It is a fitting space for conversations over coffee, hosting fireside chats or just sitting back with a book. From here, visitors can continue to explore several more connected sections: the Restaurant, the Bar, the Sport Bar, the Riad and the Hidden Library.
Above The Bar
The Bar
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The Restaurant is equipped to host private dining events, while the Bar is set up like a darker, intimate alcove that still feels connected to the Hub and the rest of St Martin. Next to the Bar is the large Sport Bar, outfitted with multiple TV screens and large, comfortable sofas for the ultimate sports viewing experience. Memorabilia from the various sports and athletes that the brand is involved with adorn the space as well.
From the Hub, an inconspicuous door leads to the Hidden Library, which during the time of St Martin’s opening displayed the Richard Mille RM S14 Talisman Origine necklace watch, created for the Only Watch 2023 charity auction, among its shelves of paraphernalia.
Above Sport Bar
Sport Bar
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One of the most breathtaking areas of St Martin has to be the indoor‑outdoor lounge space inspired by the gardens and courtyards of traditional Moroccan riads. The furniture and environment embrace more colour here, and it is designed to be the perfect place to enjoy the late afternoon breeze.
All the diverse spaces of St Martin come together to create a holistic experience for anyone who walks through its doors, watch enthusiast or not. It is a place that has been designed to successfully offer what the modern luxury client enjoys: special and exclusive experiences.
Above Inner Riad
Above Outer Riad
Inner Riad
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The design of St Martin is a collaborative masterpiece that involved nearly 30 specialists who contributed their expertise, from pursuing innovative solutions to having a hand in a piece of furniture and creating a specific atmosphere or evoking a certain emotion. The meticulous sourcing process involved the selection of 250 materials, including leather, wood, metal, stone and glass. Each artisan involved surpassed their limits to meet the rigorous requirements for the creation of this unique space in Singapore.
“Every Richard Mille event is an opportunity for wonderful encounters. As well as a chance to meet and share, each one serves to highlight the brand’s strong convictions and commitments,” explains Amanda Mille, brand and partnerships director at Richard Mille. “St Martin was designed in perfect harmony with this philosophy conducive to fostering human relationships. This venue awakens emotions and elevates the art of hospitality so dear to Richard Mille, thanks in particular to an innovative vision.”
Credits
Images: Richard Mille
Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
