In celebrating the launch of their new Sydney store recently, we speak with global luxury watch retailers, The Hour Glass, on what drives their retail philosophy and the value of authenticity in their environments.

“The departure point for all our retail projects begins with one basic truth: true luxury can only exist in authenticity,” says The Hour Glass’s managing director, Michael Tay. “And this quest for authenticity governs the luxury universe and the objects, environments and experiences created within it.”

How this translates into the brand’s approach to retail design is unlike any retail strategy currently operating across the globe. The key differentiation? Anti-replication. Of their 40 international showrooms, not one is the same as the other. Instead, each project is carefully considered and its unique spirit is purposely brought to the forefront.

Nestled within the CBD’s luxury precinct alongside Chanel, Gucci, Tiffany & Co and Bvlgari, the new Hassell-designed Hour Glass Sydney has been purpose-built for their unique clients – the world travellers. Here, Tay explains that: “We are highly sensitive that we are building retail experiences for the global shopper. To that end, we feel that there must always exist moments in the store where they lose themselves in the theatre of our horological retail stage, enjoying a free-flow of coffee, whisky and conversation around the passion of horology. It is more a hub for enthusiasts to gather than a store designed to ensure a commercially focused outcome.”

Take a look at the glamorous grand opening…