Swisswatches is delighted to present the watch community with the industry’s very first ‘Boutique Travel Guide’. In this new 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.
Munich is a city that famously plays host to the best beer, the finest palaces, the largest parks – and, of course, one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Europe, the Maximilianstrasse. But while for many this conjures up arduous queues and surly bouncers shaking their heads, Vacheron Constantin’s brand-new flagship German boutique, situated at Maximilianstrasse 27, has a rather different attitude: openness is at the heart of this glamourous new retail space. For Vacheron Constantin, whose links to Germany can be traced back to 1847, a boutique is not just a point of purchase, but rather an educational hub in which new and potential clients can actively learn about the brand and its products.
Indeed, visitors are invited to experience various activities, from trying their hand at watch movement decoration to taking a closer look at Vacheron Constantin’s stamping system for straps. One particular point of great pride for the Munich sales team is the ‘Watchmaking Panel’, upon which Vacheron Constantin proudly showcases its savoir-faire in terms of crafts. This includes over 30 areas of expertise, from building movements to meticulous decorations such as polishing, perlage and chamfering. In addition, guests may trace the roots of Vacheron Constantin’s heritage through presentations and books.
With six team members to hand, you can expect a warm welcome upon stepping into the intimate yet inviting space, whether looking to purchase a timepiece or simply learn about the brand. That said, a plush orange velvet sofa also marks out the boutique’s VIP space, where clients looking for a special piece can invest some time to learn about the manufacture and its impressive portfolio, while still enjoying the boutique’s relaxed atmosphere – and hopefully a glass of champagne.
Numerous watches are on hand for viewing, if not purchasing, at all times; even when it comes the most coveted models such as the Historiques 222 or new green Overseas, the team strives to keep as many models on display as possible. Also on offer are Patrimony, Traditionnelle, Historiques, Fiftysix and Égérie timepieces, ranging from Vacheron Constantin’s three-hand pieces to stunning high complication and diamond-set pieces, as well as boutique-exclusive editions.
Visitors to the boutique will also no doubt be allured by the bright, dynamic pieces of art draped and installed across the boutique. These are the work of local Munich artist Ruben Benjamin, whose artwork enjoys an international following across the globe, from Stockholm to Seoul. With his specially commissioned series ‘From Past to Present’, these fluid unique pieces conceived exclusively for the Vacheron Constantin boutique appear to float while focusing upon perspective, natural phenomena, technology, and motion.
Munich – Maximilianstrasse | Vacheron Constantin Boutique
Address:
Maximilianst. 27, 80539 Munich, Germany
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 19:00
Saturday: 10:00 to 18:00
Where better to stay overnight in Munich than the Rosewood Hotel, based on one of Munich’s dreamiest, most beautiful streets? Exquisitely designed from start to finish, the Rosewood Hotel is particularly notable for its jazz bar, which allows guests and locals alike to return to the 1920s and enjoy live music, statement art, and excellent cocktails.
© Davide Lovatti
When visiting Munich, it’s imperative that you also see this quaint Bavarian city from above. Incidentally, one of the best views in the city can be found at Munich’s most glamorous and best-known hotel, the Bayerischer Hof. Primarily known for its prestigious guests, from Woody Allen to Sean Connery, it makes for the perfect location for a vibey sundowner or sparkling glass of champagne. Suddenly in the mood to party? Fear not, because Bayerischer Hof also plays host to its very own nightclub, offering live music, plush velvet sofas and intimate table lamps that will transport you to another time.
© Benjamin Monn | Daniel Schvarcz
Fine watch connoisseurs inevitably tend to coincide with gourmands; and there are few better spots for such discerning individuals than Les Deux Brasserie & Restaurant. With its elegant decor and phenomenal wine list, it’s easy to while away the hours indulging in various culinary delights reflective of modern French cuisine, from Flammkuchen from Alsace to Imperial Caviar specials. What’s more, it’s based in the centre of town, making it the perfect end to an arduous day of shopping.
It’s no secret that many Munich locals like to be seen enjoying la dolce vita, and one of the most beloved spots for doing so is the Dallmayr Delikatessenhaus, situated next to the famous town centre, Marienplatz. The gourmet grocery store plays host to a modern bistro with traditional as well as rather conspicuous outdoor seating where guests can enjoy fine wines, excellent seafood, and, of course, sample a taste of Munich’s traditional high society lifestyle.
For those after a different kind of culture, Munich is also home to one of Europe’s most impressive opera houses, the Bayerische Staatsoper. Each season, revered singers, ballet dancers and choirs from around the world delight its cultivated audiences with everything from modern interpretations of Wagner’s Lohengrin to ravishing performances of Puccini’s Tosca. World-renowned stars such as Jonas Kaufmann take the stage, while various other projects organised by the state opera can also be enjoyed at various locations around the city. In addition, this beautiful building is also home to a stylish bar filled with light, high ceilings, and lush interiors, where guests can indulge in Bavarian appetisers and an array of carefully selected drinks before the performance and during the interval.
© Felix Löchner | Wilfried Hösl
Another classic ‘place to be’ that never fails to impress is Schumann’s Tagesbar, named after the famous bartender who has treated locals and tourists alike to Munich’s best cocktails for several decades. The Tagesbar is a secondary institution stemming from the famous Schumann’s Bar, offering daytime relaxation in true Italian style. Home to a long bar where faithful regulars congregate to converse with smartly dressed baristas in black aprons, the cafe also stretches onto the street, where guests can enjoy an aperol spritz (although this spot specialises in port-focused aperitifs), and watch Munich city life go by.
