New York, NY (June 3, 2021) — Grand Seiko announces the opening of its SoHo Boutique, fully operated by Watches of Switzerland, located near the corner of West Broadway and Spring Street in New York City.

After the highly successful Nature of Time pop-up experience, Grand Seiko and Watches of Switzerland decided to take a major step forward by opening a stand-alone boutique. The SoHo location will be the fullest representation of the Grand Seiko brand in downtown New York and will feature its Masterpiece, Elegance, Heritage, and Sports collections. Located at 154 Spring Street, the new boutique will serve to educate both local and international customers in the neighborhood about the art of Grand Seiko and the uniqueness of Japanese watchmaking, while providing an elevated retail experience.

The Grand Seiko boutique’s exterior is framed by large glass panels with two display cases featuring the newest models from Grand Seiko’s collection of timepieces. Walking inside the 1,100 square foot boutique, visitors will be greeted by an airy space that proudly displays the full range of the Grand Seiko collection, artfully merchandised to highlight the craftsmanship and quality of each watch. Adorning the walls are photographs of Grand Seiko timepieces, shot in detail to showcase their interplay with light and shadow and to reinforce how nature serves as the ultimate inspiration for its designs.

Grand Seiko SoHo Store 2021 looking back

Making your way towards the back of the boutique, the space opens up into a lounge area — with a large center display case flanked by blue lounge chairs and a designated seating area. The backlit, whitewashed brick walls give a nod to the famous Snowflake dial, playing with depth and shadow. The space is intended to invite visitors and customers to learn more about the Grand Seiko brand, engage with its timepieces hands on, and fully experience the spirit of Takumi.

In addition, Watches of Switzerland (and Grand Seiko Boutiques) will be the exclusive retailer of the new SBGJ249. Part of Grand Seiko’s Elegance Collection, the Summer or Shōsho GMT features a light blue textured dial designed to mimic the waves of water. Featuring the high-beat GMT 9S86 movement, the SBGJ249 is a fine example of Grand Seiko’s Nature of Time design philosophy.

Grand Seiko WOS GMT SBGJ249
Grand Seiko x WOS GMT (Ref. SBGJ249)

Brice Le Troadec, President of Grand Seiko Corporation of America said, “Given the track record of our shared success, Grand Seiko is excited to collaborate once again with Watches of Switzerland to create a downtown retail destination that embodies the spirit of the brand and serves as a focal point for Grand Seiko customers and enthusiasts. Our US partnership began with the opening of the Watches of Switzerland flagship in SoHo, so it is only fitting that we are working together again for the opening of our boutique in the same neighborhood.”

Grand Seiko in New York City,” said David Hurley, Executive Vice President of Watches of Switzerland.“From their debut in our SoHo flagship, to our collaboration on The Nature of Time Experience, and now a spectacular stand-alone boutique, our journey with Grand Seiko is a testament to our shared vision and commitment to innovative retail and world-class watchmaking.”

 

Photos by Grand Seiko.

Posted by:Staff