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Photoessay: A Visit to L'Atelier in Singapore
Photoessay - L'Atelier at ION Orchard
(c) Decksurgeon 2009
(c) Decksurgeon 2009
=========================================
Managed to sneak a couple of shots of L'Atelier before the opening of Singapore's latest primer shopping location ION Orchard.
(*official opening of ION Orchard is 21 July 2009)
"Atelier" is a word from French origin and translates to 'Studio' or 'Artist's Workroom'. This new boutique is the brainchild of Mr Michael Tay (Executive Director of The Hour Glass) and is probably a World's first for this concept of watch retail. I've been to quite a few boutiques all over the world and there is none similar like this.
L'Atelier concept is simple, elegant, nostalgic, classy, warm, inviting and stress free! This is where the latest high technology modern haute horology meets old world charm and creates a retail experience that strikes a nice balance between the two worlds.
Art deco meets bespoked works and is very unique in rpesentation: not only does it become a pleace where watch enthusisasts and collectors can meet in supreme comfort to exchange views and ideas but to also explore the rich heritage and items from the past. My best guess is that most of the museum grade items on show used to decorate the shop likely come from Mr Tay's personal collection.
The point of L'Atelier is not just as a point of sale (b'cos anyone can set a shop up!). The beauty of it all is the cumulation of historical items, art, fine decor and everything else that provides an interesting place where the mind can be enriched with horological inspiration. From the seasoned collector to the new budding enthusiast - L'Atelier presents a new way of interacting with the intricasies of the horological world.
There is no amount of superlatives that can possibly describe this new boutique so will stop rambling here and leave you with a photoeassy showcasing some highlights of this superb Hour Glass Boutique.............you will discover its many interesting items in detail if you take the time to visit it and browse.
L'Atelier by The Hour Glass is on the 3rd Floor of ION Orchard in Singapore
Pure elegance and warmth, where haute horology may be presented in a different setting from other shops
The curtains can be closed to section off the boutique - where a patron can then indulge in a viewing with privacy.
A far cry from the concepts of old where you have a barrier of showcases between yourself and the shop staff.
In the aft section of the shop, the lower showcases that look like 'ovens' seem to be baking something....more on this later....
Precise, crisp and sharp detailing is a hallmark that make this Boutique stand out
The "lounge area" where you can look out towards the atrium of ION Orchard
Now begins the journey into the Artistery of L'Atelier...............
Marc Newson Atmos Clock by Jaeger LeCoutre as part of the decor (*L'Atelier itelf is not a retail point for JLC)
A 'deconstructed' bust by Thai artists Pornpilai and Jiradej Meemalai
These are traditional turning machines from the 1900s on display.
A Rolltop watchmaker's bench from the 1890s and forms part of the front facade of the Boutique.
This bench is in mahagony and has a flat top with 2 columns of drawers and other useful alcoves to hold the numerous toolsand parts that are used to make a watch.
A close up of some old pocketwatch movements and various plates and spares that are displayed on the Rolltop bench
Where modern meets traditional: This musicbox features a curved slice of modern Carbon Fiber
In the depths of the Boutique there is a section bookshelves with books on horology
(its partially filled cos the shop is technically not opened yet at time of picture)
What really caught my eye on shelf was there 3 clocks - simply stunning !
Some of the brands showcased in L'Atelier
A set of Fine Automaton watches from Ulysess Nardin.
Ulysess Nardin The Freak II!
The house of Henrich Moser
Unmistakable AP - "Volcano".
No introduction required - This is the Big Bang
Fine independents are also present: Vianney Halter has a section in the shop
The most stunning and adventurous independent watch brands today that don't do products in your traditional case presentations
L'Atelier (The Hour Glass) is now a retailer of one of my favourite brands from Saxony, Germany.
Roland Iten hails from Geneva and presents Luxury mechnical items that extend beyond watches, Shown here is a belt--buckle with fine adjustment possible (if you had a big meal for example)
The interesting display of Gerald Genta cases can be found in the lower display cases in the Boutique.
Black Genfica case collections can be seen also
I've saved the best for last.............
A working 1975 Patek Philippe Nixie Time-Code Generator complete with voltmeter in Blue anadized aluminium fascia
Another Nixie Time Code Generator built by Patek Philippe Electronic Division
This electronic timekeeping instrument consist of a triple stacked Nixie Time Code unit, A digital counter unit together with the master clock device. The Nixie time code generator is distinguished by the vacuum tubed red LED digital display which shows the hours, minutes and 1/10th of a second.
Under a controlled temperature this master clock has an accuracy of one thousandth of a second per day meaning it would only lose 1 second in three years
L'Atelier certainly houses one of the best examples of Patek Philippe digital clocks!
This version has 'multiple time zone' support....perhaps a predecessor of the PP5130 *laugh*.
The boutique also houses another watchmaker's bench:
this one is a bench used by the watchmaker to polish jewels (ca. 1890s)
The actual jewel polishing station on the watchmaker's bench
This is a musical box that has a moving mechnical bird that would appear from the top panel and sing.
The chirping of the bird is produced by a whisteling of air thru minute air bellows within the device.
The round wheel you see here is like a "centrifugal regulator" - the blades move against air resistance to regulate the speed of the chirping when it is activated. Simply a piece of amazing mechincal art that is inspiring to watch.
Balance wheel setting device
The book you seen on the bench is all about A. Lange & Sohne.
The contents are a collector's delight.
My personal favourite piece of art in the shop!
There is no shortage of books to feed the mind of the enquiring enthusiasts
I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I had fun creating it
More posts:
Photoessay: A Visit to L'Atelier in Singapore
Photoessay - L'Atelier at ION Orchard (c) Decksurgeon 2009 ========================================= Managed to sneak a couple of shots of L'Atelier before the opening of Singapore's latest primer shopping location ION Orchard. (*official opening of ION O...
Excellent post, Decksurgeon!
Not only does the store offer great timepieces for sale, but there appears to be a good deal of fascinating material for the watch enthusiast to read, look at, and explore at the same time. This place is as much a retail boutique, as it is a temple to hor...
Every man and his dog....
will be at the ION Orchard mall over the next few weeks because it opens today. Many watch brand boutiques and retailers are moving into the latest Singapore mall on Orchard Road. The place is still a construction site as they still need to finish the con...
WOW, many thanks for such excellent report and nice photos...
ION is opening today, must find time to visit the mall and all these nice watch shops in coming weekend. as heard, there is also a lot of signiture food restaurants, must bring my family along as well. cheers stefan
I think THG Ion has hit the nail square on the head
with the design of this outlet. For the 3rd time on as many sites, VERY VERY TASTEFULLY done without being garrish and pompous. I bumped into Kong there as well and we had a nice time catching up while gawking at some of the very interesting displays whic...
Wow! Would love to work in there.
Beautiful place to enjoy and share some passion. Thanks for posting. Vte
excellent writeup!!
Thanks for sharing, Deck. Nice intro to e PP digital clocks as well.
An over-the-top understatement
Pretty amazing. Great photos and story. Super that they let you take them.
Thorough and very enjoyable - many thanks
Thanks in particular for taking us there virtually - it will be a while I imagine until the crowds have had their fill of the new and the mall is safe for the shy and retiring people like myself to brave ... Dirk
always a pleasure to be able to share........
the only trouble now is that...... one would likely spend all free time in L'Atelier henceforth ;-P
Was there today
Thanks Decksurgeon. Was there today and it was an amazing experience. On display were not just some fine collection of top end pieces but also items that you would not be able to see at ADs. I was intrigued by how Hour Glass was able to get their hands on...
Thanks Doc
Great report and great store as well. I have been there several times since it opened. - SJX
Found this post on Google!
Found this post on Google when I was searching for something else horology related. Great post! Despite having been wanting to visit, I still haven't made a trip to this store over the past few years it's been open.
