Situated within Covent Garden’s well-established east Piazza at the Royal Opera House Arcade, the new Girard-Perregaux boutique occupies 50sqm across one floor, with a design that showcases references to the Manufacture’s origins. Reflecting the elegance and sophistication that Girard-Perregaux is known for, visitors are welcomed into a boutique featuring streamlined wood showcases, light grey flooring, and floor-to-ceiling mirrored walls.
With a contemporary and minimalist edge, highlights within the new boutique include the wooden blade design featured in the façade ceiling, and the Girard-Perregaux lounge with light grey seating at the rear of the store. On the black wall of the lounge a brushed gold bridge is displayed, the instantly recognisable brand logo, which highlights their founder’s interpretation of the bridge, revisiting the movement architecture in the 19th century and now considered to be the signature of the Manufacture Girard-Perregaux.
Girard-Perregaux, founded in 1791, has a long tradition of excellence in watchmaking, and the brand’s dedication to innovation and precision has earned it a reputation as one of the world’s finest watchmakers – with over one hundred recorded patents. Visitors will be able to view an exceptional range of the brand’s iconic collections, including the Laureato, Vintage 1945, Cat’s Eye, and 1966, among others including the brand’s highly successful collaborations with Aston Martin.
In 2022, Girard-Perregaux formed an independent collective of high horology Manufactures with sister maison UIysse Nardin, and their debut boutique marks another exciting development for the brand as they establish themselves in London’s popular Covent Garden and continue to develop their relationship with Bucherer.
Tradition and innovation go hand in hand at Bucherer. Thanks to a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a great deal of passion and an outstanding feel for trends, the family company – which opened its doors in 1888 in Lucerne – made its mark on the industry right from the very beginning. Strong business ties to the world’s most renowned luxury watch and jewellery brands have contributed to the continual growth of the company. Girard-Perregaux’s rich brand heritage and vast experience in making luxury watches perfectly complement the carefully curated Bucherer portfolio and shared entrepreneurial values, as well as the Swiss retailer’s desire to work with a truly independent brand with exceptional heritage within the industry.
Speaking on the occasion, Patrick Graf, Chief Commercial Officer of Bucherer 1888, said, “We are thrilled to be opening the UK’s first Girard-Perregaux mono-brand boutique and to be able to offer an unparalleled retail experience to our clients. We already have a strong and longstanding partnership, having in March of this year opened Girard-Perregaux’s first mono- brand boutique in Geneva, and with a history of creating strictly limited high-end timepieces together that are exclusively available at Bucherer boutiques. We are confident that the Covent Garden boutique will be a destination for watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.”
Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, commented, “Being present in the UK for the first time with this new flagship is an opportunity for watch lovers to experience our Manufacture’s spirit, interact with our products as well as with our brand. The passionate teams from Bucherer have done a great job to embody our values, personality and create a real atmosphere for the client. This new chapter in our partnership will bring a superior shopping experience and customer service for Girard-Perregaux right in the heart of London.”
