Cover This restaurant by watchmaker François-Paul Journe and chef Dominique Gauthier is one of luxury watch lovers’ favourite destinations in Geneva (Photo: courtesy of FP Journe)
This restaurant by watchmaker François-Paul Journe and chef Dominique Gauthier is one of luxury watch lovers’ favourite destinations in Geneva (Photo: courtesy of FP Journe)
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Be it Omega boutiques in Hong Kong or Breitling Café in Seoul, these luxurious timepiece-focused destinations stoke watch lovers’ passion for horology while offering them the finest hospitality
For the discerning luxury watch enthusiast, the thrill of acquiring a timepiece extends beyond the acquisition itself. It’s an experience that encompasses the world of horology, craftsmanship and exclusivity. In recent years, lifestyle venues tailored specifically to watch connoisseurs have emerged, offering immersive environments where enthusiasts can indulge in their passion for horology while enjoying the finest hospitality through these luxury watch travels. Tatler GMT explores some engaging destinations for luxury watch lovers around the globe.
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1. AP House in Bangkok, Thailand
Above AP House Bangkok (Photo: courtesy of Audemars Piguet)
AP House Bangkok (Photo: courtesy of Audemars Piguet)
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AP House Bangkok is a unique destination offering an immersive experience for lovers of Audemars Piguet timepieces. The venue opened its doors in 2020 and provides watch lovers with a contemporary apartment setting that feels like a home away from home. Designed to meet the changing retail landscape, the venue allows Audemars Piguet to connect with clients in a more intimate and relaxed environment. The concept of the lounge was inspired by imagining how the brand founders, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, would have interacted with clients in the 21st century. The result is a space that prioritises comfort, warmth and friendship. Visitors are invited to relax, reflect and connect in an atmosphere that encourages a sense of belonging.
The 5,300 sq ft venue combines contemporary architecture with local Thai artworks, creating a unique ambience. It serves as a venue for exclusive events where guests can explore Audemars Piguet’s creations, craftsmanship and place in the modern world. Whether guests want to invite friends for lunch, organise a business meeting or simply unwind in a comfortable setting, they are welcomed with open arms. There is no obligation to make a purchase; the focus is on creating an environment where watch enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the world of Audemars Piguet and share their passion for beautiful timepieces. Besides Bangkok, there are also AP Houses across the globe, including Barcelona, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Shanghai, St Barts, Tel Aviv, Tokyo and Zurich.
2. Breitling Cafe in Seoul, South Korea
Above Breitling Cafe in Seoul (Photo: courtesy of Breitling)
Breitling Cafe in Seoul (Photo: courtesy of Breitling)
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In February 2022, Swiss watch brand Breitling unveiled its largest and most impressive boutique to date—the Breitling Townhouse Hannam in Seoul. This flagship store goes beyond traditional watch retail, introducing a range of new offerings and experiences for visitors. Spanning 8,000 sq ft across two floors, the Breitling Townhouse Hannam features a street-level Breitling Cafe and the brand’s first-ever restaurant, Breitling Kitchen. This unique concept allows customers to enjoy a complete Breitling experience under one roof, combining shopping, dining and relaxation. According to Breitling CEO Georges Kern, this flagship store represents a departure from traditional watch retail.
The industrial-loft-inspired atmosphere exudes a relaxed and inclusive vibe, reflecting the watchmaker’s sustainable approach to luxury. The three universes of air, sea and land, which represent Breitling’s watch families, are incorporated throughout the townhouse. Highlights of this extraordinary space include the flagship boutique, a spacious area inspired by aviation lounges, where visitors can explore the latest watch collections. Additionally, the equipment shop-within-a- shop offers a range of tools and accessories inspired by the brand’s universes.
The standout venue is the Breitling Kitchen, a collaboration with chef Kim Hyeong-kyu. Guests can indulge in a unique dining experience with themed seating zones representing air, sea and land, or reserve a private dining room within their preferred Breitling universe. To further enhance the customer experience, the Breitling Cafe offers a cosy environment to enjoy coffees and fresh baked goods. The adjacent terrace serves as an extension of the café, providing outdoor seating and a versatile space for private events. For those interested in Breitling’s rich heritage, a vintage corridor displays an immersive journey through interactive displays, allowing visitors to delve into history. A destination not to miss!
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3. Breguet boutique in Hong Kong
Above The guillochè machine at the first Breguet boutique in Hong Kong (Photo: courtesy of Breguet)
The guillochè machine at the first Breguet boutique in Hong Kong (Photo: courtesy of Breguet)
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Last year, Breguet inaugurated its first boutique in Hong Kong. Strategically positioned in the city’s bustling epicentre, the space aims to intrigue discerning watch enthusiasts. It is divided into several distinct areas, including a VIP lounge. At the entrance, the boutique displays a traditional guilloché machine, paying homage to an art form intricately intertwined with the house since its inception over two centuries ago.
Fine guilloché motifs grace the façades, while the brand’s recognisable caseband fluting inspires the design of the furniture. Throughout the boutique, graceful touches of Breguet blue adorn every corner, seamlessly weaving together the narrative of this venerable house.
4. FP Journe Le Restaurant in Geneva, Switzerland
Above FP Journe Le Restaurant Hare ravioli with Alba truffle (Photo: courtesy of FP Journe)
FP Journe Le Restaurant Hare ravioli with Alba truffle (Photo: courtesy of FP Journe)
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Step into a time capsule of culinary and horological delights as you enter the historic monument that is now FP Journe Le Restaurant. Originally built between 1852 and 1860, the structure in which it is housed stands alongside Geneva’s famous Hotel Métropole, overlooking the Jardin Anglais and the bustling Rue du Rhône. In 1912, Adolphe Neiger transformed the ground floor into the Bavaria brasserie, renowned for its selection of German beers. This establishment gained international fame as it became the favoured haunt of League of Nations delegates, who sought refreshment after their lengthy assemblies at the nearby Salle de la Réformation. In 1942, the brasserie underwent a remarkable transformation, courtesy of architect Jean Falciola and designer Louis Amiguet. The décor that still enchants today features tall, dark oak panelling, large mirrors and intricate geometric patterns on the ceilings. The rustic touch of discreet incised rosettes adds a charming flair to the ambience.
Now, the former Bavaria has refound its identity as FP Journe Le Restaurant, helmed by Dominique Gauthier, formerly of Michelin-starred Le Chat-Botté and renowned watchmaker François-Paul Journe. Instead of numbers, tables are named after notable watchmakers, and the decor features watch mechanism replicas. The cutlery is also watch-themed, with handles containing watch parts.
Gauthier’s roasted kadaïf scampi with citrus and basil is a highlight, blending textures and flavours for a sophisticated dish. Another standout is the hare ravioli with chestnut cream and white Alba truffle, an indulgent combination that showcases the chef’s culinary skill.
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5. Jaeger-LeCoultre pop-up cafés in New York, Hong Kong, Seoul and Shanghai
Above 1931 Café is a pop-up concept cafe by Jaeger-LeCoultre (Photo: courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre)
1931 Café is a pop-up concept cafe by Jaeger-LeCoultre (Photo: courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre)
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Since 2021, Jaeger-LeCoultre has regularly presents a pop-up café concept known as the 1931 Café, paying homage to the iconic Reverso watch and celebrating its 90 years of timeless design. The café which has appeared in locations including New York, Hong Kong, Seoul and Shanghai, immerses guests in the elegance and ambience of the art deco era, which inspired the creation of the Reverso in 1931. Characterised by streamlined geometry and a rejection of traditional ornamentation, the watch perfectly captured the progressive spirit of the time.
The café’s interior design evokes the atmosphere of a 1930s ocean liner and the allure of a film set. It features a black- and-white palette, warm lighting and materials such as chrome, velvet, glass and lacquered wood, while the marble floor features a geometric pattern typical of the era. Every detail has been custom-designed, including a stunning frosted-glass chandelier and chairs with metal bands mirroring the Reverso case’s gadroons.
Much like the diverse experiences that accompany The 1931 Café, across the globe, Tatler GMT had the opportunity to visit this unique concept in Hong Kong in December of the previous year, during an event hosted by the brand known as The Reverso Stories. It included a discovery workshop, guided by the expert watchmakers who gave us the chance to assemble the Reverso case. At the café, fresh ingredients such as Swiss chocolate and wild honey were directly sourced from the Vallée de Joux, which is known for its lakes, forests and long watchmaking tradition, making the experience especially memorable.
6. Omega’s lifestyle boutiques in Hong Kong
Above The Omega boutique overseeing the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui district (Photo: courtesy of Omega)
The Omega boutique overseeing the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui district (Photo: courtesy of Omega)
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Omega ended 2023 in style, by opening two new boutiques in upmarket Hong Kong neighbourhoods. These destinations go beyond traditional shops, providing a premium experience for Omega enthusiasts. Located on Queen’s Road Central, one of the boutiques spans four floors and features a customer service centre and a luxurious space called The Suite on the fourth floor: a salon designed for invited guests to indulge in the world of Omega, complete with a client lounge, cocktail bar, dining area and screening room. Inspired by the beauty of Lake Bienne in Switzerland, The Suite boasts nature- inspired materials and handmade carpets.
At K11 Musea, the second boutique offers a comfortable, spacious environment for watch browsing. The naturally lit space on the upper floor, accessed by a spiral staircase, provides stunning views of Victoria Harbour. The boutique features various customer amenities, including a welcoming reception area, a bar, dining space and even a watchmaking salon for guests to test their skills.
7. Richard Mille St Martin boutique in Singapore
Above The outer Riad at the Richard Mille St Martin boutique in Singapore (Photo: courtesy of Richard Mille)
The outer Riad at the Richard Mille St Martin boutique in Singapore (Photo: courtesy of Richard Mille)
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St Martin, Richard Mille’s flagship store in Singapore, opened in October 2023, creating a unique, immersive customer experience. The 7,534 sq ft space was transformed into a speakeasy-style venue, inspired by Prohibition bars, with a discreet façade concealing a surprising interior. The interior design features interconnected spaces that reflect Richard Mille the brand, the man behind it and his passions. The venue encompasses areas such as the Hub, Crafting Space, Restaurant, Bar, Sport Bar, Riad and Hidden Library, each with its own identity and vibe. The design incorporates a balance of style, innovation, tradition and emotion, with custom-made furniture and decorative elements. The space also showcases the work of 30 artistic craftsmen and includes as its centrepiece an olive tree symbolising loyalty, transmission, friendship, peace and health.
As the Regional Editor for Watches and Jewellery and Editorial Content Lead for Tatler GMT, Amrita Katara specialises in luxury watch and jewellery coverage across Asia, with expertise in editorial strategy, feature writing and interviews with industry leaders. Her past roles span luxury lifestyle media and client partnerships. Based in Mumbai, Amrita’s work bridges global trends and Asian market insights.
