Following the trend for ultra-high-end watch brands, revered German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne has opened its long-anticipated, long-awaited mono-brand boutique in that most elegant of shopping precincts: Old Bond Street in London’s Mayfair. As with its boutique in Munich, the manufacture watch brand has opened the new premises in collaboration with its long-standing partner, the global retailer Wempe.
Befitting one of the most coveted watch companies, the premises comprises two storeys, providing 128 square metres for visitors to explore. Its bespoke sales floor incorporates angular, interlocking spaces that offer new perspectives and enhanced spatial experiences. Each area serves specific function, from displaying the watches to accommodating expert consultation and sales. Designed to reflect the philosophy of A. Lange & Söhne, every detail has a special significance, for example, the glass cabinets are fitted with high-gloss metal pilaster strips angled at 45 degrees, recalling the frame parts of the watch movements.
Glashütte watchmaking standards are embodied in the range of materials evident throughout, such as steel to denote modern construction, and natural stone in homage to the manufacture in the Erzgebirge mountains; this region is known for its centuries-old mining tradition. Colours chosen to decorate the boutique include the brand’s signature shade of grey, accented by the German silver hue familiar to those who have examined Lange movements, a colour that fluctuates between gold and silver.
Says Kim-Eva Wempe, owner of the Hamburg family business: “In London, A. Lange & Söhne watches have been available at our New Bond Street branch since 1997. The UK has also played an important role in the history of the manufactory: When Ferdinand Adolph Lange began making pocket watches in Glashütte in 1845, the demand in his home country was limited at first, so he travelled to London to present his watches at an exhibition there – with huge success.”
Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid adds: “A boutique in London has been at the top of our list of priorities for some time now. We are delighted that, together with our long-standing partner Wempe, we can now offer our customers in the UK a comprehensive collection of Lange timepieces in the perfect location.”
