Swisswatches is delighted to present the watch community with the industry’s very first ‘Boutique Travel Guide’. In this segment, we will share not only the very best watch boutiques in town, but also the other most exciting things available in the area. What does the city have to offer? Where are the best drinks? The finest restaurants? The secret haunts known only to locals? Discover the city guide curated exclusively for horology enthusiasts, for those who want to make the absolute most out of their trip to a boutique by uncovering everything there is to experience in town.
Grand Seiko took a significant step in its international expansion in 2020: With the opening of its new boutique on Place Vendôme Number 7 in Paris, the Japanese brand not only celebrated its 60th anniversary, but also its largest retail shop in Europe to date. The prestigious address, which is considered the epicentre of the Parisian luxury world, underlines Grand Seiko’s ambitions to position itself even more strongly in the international high-end segment.
The largest Grand Seiko collection in Europe on 190 square metres
The Paris flagship boutique extends over two floors covering a total area of 190 square metres which reflects Japanese aesthetics in its purest form. Spacious rooms and fine materials create an ambience that emphasises both the traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation of the brand. Visitors not only have the most complete Grand Seiko collection in Europe at their disposal, but also gain an insight into the brand philosophy, which has been characterised by precision, legibility, durability and beauty since its foundation in 1960.
Inside the boutique, customers will find best-selling models such as the SBGA413 from the Heritage collection. This model pays homage to the iconic 62GS design from 1967, which was one of the first to define the “Grand Seiko Style” and was the brand’s first watch with an automatic movement. It is characterised by the signature sharp edges and flawless Zaratsu polish that are typical of Grand Seiko. The dial is inspired by the Japanese season of Hana-Ikada, the time after the spring equinox when cherry blossom petals cover rivers. Inside the watch runs the Calibre 9R65 with the brand’s signature Spring Drive mechanism, crafted by the artisans at Shinshu Watch Studio. This movement offers exceptionally high accuracy and a power reserve of 72 hours.
SBGA413 (left) and SBGM221 (right)
The dial design of many models is striking and typical of Grand Seiko. They often reflect the surrounding nature, which can be found both near the studio in Shizukuishi, where all Grand Seiko mechanical watches are produced, and the snow-covered mountains around the Shinshu watch studio in the town of Shiojiri, where the brand’s revolutionary Spring Drive models are manufactured. In 2005, the view from the Shinshu studio inspired the watchmakers to create the famous ‘Snowflake’ pattern dial, which can be found among other bestseller models with the SBGA407 model from the Elegance collection with a so-called ‘Blue Snowflake’ dial pattern.
SBGA407, SLGH005, SBGE295 and SBGH353 (from top left to down right)
Tradition materials and Japanese architecture by Kengo Kuma
The boutique design was created by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who has succeeded in creating a link between Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary architecture by using traditional materials such as Bamboo, also known as Sumushiko, Shoji walls made from Washi paper and Tatami mats. These materials lend the rooms a warm, natural atmosphere and symbolise the brand’s close connection with Japanese nature and culture.
A special highlight of the boutique is the so-called “Masterpiece Space” – an area dedicated to the most exclusive models. Limited editions and exceptional creations that fulfil the highest standards of watchmaking and design are presented here. The space has been designed to convey Japanese tranquillity and allow visitors to enjoy a special, almost meditative moment of contemplation.
Japanese craftsmanship on Place Vendôme in Paris
With the opening in Paris, Grand Seiko not only aimed to expand its presence in Europe, but also to create a platform for direct dialogue with watch enthusiasts and collectors. In addition to presenting the collections, the boutique is also regularly hosting events and exhibitions that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Grand Seiko.
The choice of Place Vendôme was no coincidence: the traditional square, where the boutiques of the world’s most renowned watch and jewellery brands are located, offers Grand Seiko the ideal setting to present its high level of craftsmanship and the philosophy of “The Nature of Time” to an international clientele.
Grand Seiko Boutique Paris Place Vendôme
Address:
7 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 11:00 to 19:00
Local Tips for the perfect Paris trip
Hotel Hana Paris
Tucked away in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, between the elegant Rue Saint-Marc and the vibrant Opéra district, the Hana hotel rises up like an oasis of calm. The 5-star hotel, with its 26 rooms and suites, whose name means ‘flower’, is part of the CHAPITRE SIX collection and combines French and Japanese culture. What makes the Hotel Hana special is the signature of Laura Gonzalez, who combines architectural rigour and poetic lightness. This cultural dialogue is continued in the hotel’s own restaurant Hanabi: French cuisine with Japanese accents, served in an ambience that is as sensual as it is restrained. A place for those who want to experience Paris – but away from the obvious, with a touch of zen and a lot of style.
Photo (left) © Romain Ricard
Photo (right) © Stephan Julliard
Restaurant Kinugawa
Just a few steps from the elegant Place Vendôme, the Kinugawa Vendôme restaurant combines the tranquillity of Japan with the vibrant pulse of Paris to create a unique experience. In a modern ambience with Japanese design elements and warm, luxurious materials, tradition meets cosmopolitan ease. The menu combines classic Japanese cuisine with contemporary creativity – from the finest sashimi variations and perfectly balanced miso cod dishes to surprising fusion compositions that breathe the spirit of haute cuisine.
Photo © Kinugawa Vendôme
Tea Room Toraya
Just a few steps from the Jardin des Tuileries and therefore very close to the Grand Seiko Boutique, the Toraya in Paris has been bringing Japanese tea tradition and extraordinary craftsmanship to the heart of the French capital for over 40 years. The tradition-rich house, whose roots go back to the 16th century, is much more than a tea house: it is a tribute to the art of Wagashi – fine, poetic sweets that are made with the utmost precision and aesthetics. Here, centuries-old Japanese tradition meets the French sense of pleasure – a refuge for connoisseurs and all those who want to embrace the beauty of the moment.
Photos © Toraya
Whisky Bar Golden Promise
Tucked away in a discreet vaulted cellar near the Place de la Madeleine, the Golden Promise Whisky Bar is a true sanctuary for connoisseurs. With over 1,000 whiskies from around the world, including nearly 300 Japanese whiskies – from iconic Scottish single malts to the rarest Japanese bottlings – it is one of the most exclusive addresses of its kind in Europe. Next to the main bar is the Collector’s Room, where rare specimens are served that amaze even experienced collectors. The dark wood, leather and subdued lighting create an atmosphere reminiscent of a secret gentlemen’s lounge where time stands still.
Photos © Christophe Meireis
Guimet Museum
The Musée Guimet, located near the Trocadéro, is a treasure trove of Asian art in the heart of Paris. With the largest collection of Asian art, it spans a fascinating arc from the mysterious sculptures of Angkor to delicate Japanese lacquerwork and Chinese ceramics. Each exhibit tells of ancient cultures, spiritual worlds and fine craftsmanship, taking visitors on a silent, contemplative journey.
Photo © Vincent Leroux
