Horology: A VISIT TO L'ATELIER (ION Orchard)

[decksurgeon]

Photoessay - L'Atelier at ION Orchard
(c) Decksurgeon 2009

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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 horologicalworld.

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 Hourglass 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.

The color palate of L'Atelier is soothing and the lounge-like area is more personal, more warm.
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

[decksurgeon]

Now begins the journey into the Artistry 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 !

[decksurgeon]

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.

[decksurgeon]

Roland Iten hails from Geneva and presents Luxury mechanical 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

[decksurgeon]

I've saved the best for last.............



A working 1975 Patek Philippe Nixie Time-Code Generator complete with voltmeter in Blue anodized 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*.

[decksurgeon]

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!

[decksurgeon]

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

[Darkangel]

Very nice writeup man! thanks!

[CFC]

fantastic & impressive

thanks for sharing

[jazz_samz]

Bro DS,

DAMN!!!! Yr photo journal is damn interesting as always... And the photos.. OMG!!!!

THANKS FOR sharing it here!!!

If got such opportunity hor... can I tag along??? To take photos?? kekekek

[kenkelvin]

just went there today. not much watches inside but inside is very posh. i think maybe just open that y haha. but check out the whole shopping centre. got iwc, PP, FM boutiques and also got hourglass. best of all got a rolex store that sell only rolex

[rite]

just went there today. not much watches inside but inside is very posh. i think maybe just open that y haha. but check out the whole shopping centre. got iwc, PP, FM boutiques and also got hourglass. best of all got a rolex store that sell only rolex

The Rolex and Tudor store is by THG too.

[exxondus]

wow nice write up!!

are you from the news or something? otherwise I doubt they will alow you to take photos man!

[kenkelvin]

ION got many watch shops haha, those who cant focus have been warned haha

[rotan]

Thank you for sharing so much with us! The photos were so well taken and I would not have known so much about the place if not for the photos. Might make a trip down once that place is open.