An old watch shop that is still going strong today.
Shop: THE PATEK PHILIPPE SALONS
Brand: Patek Phillipe
Address: 41, rue du Rhône, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland.
In the heart of Geneva, for over 167 years on Rue du Rhône, the long-established watch store, The Patek Philippe Salons, continues to operate on this world-renowned luxury street. In 1891, Swiss architect Jacques-Elisée Goss translated the brand's unique character through a design that transcends mere retail space; it serves as an ingenious interpretation of the word “Luxury.”
In an era when electrical systems were not yet advanced and many places still relied on oil lamps, The Patek Philippe Salons remained bright, featuring a heating system installed beneath the floor to provide warmth the moment guests entered. This created an unforgettable experience for visitors. Beyond high-quality products and exquisite decor, Maison Bagues chandeliers hang proudly, reminiscent of those found in the Palace of Versailles in France.
The first floor showcases the Patek Philippe collection and is decorated with antiques, known as the ‘Salon Napoleon III’ room, which reflects the original design of what is considered the brand's first home. Other floors are adorned with horological tools, accompanied by reception areas furnished with seating and room proportions that evoke the warmth of a residential “Salon,” ensuring guests feel welcomed. The fifth floor is decorated in Art Déco style, reserved for important VIP clients.
Today, The Patek Philippe Salons continues to welcome guests just as it always has, serving as a boutique that beautifully narrates the history of Patek Philippe.
Opening Hours:
Monday-Friday 10:00-18:30
Saturday 10:00 - 18:00
Coordinates: 46.2038497924805,6.14952325820923
Shop: Orologeria Svizzera
Brand: Officine Panerai
Address: FIRENZE SAN GIOVANNI, PIAZZA SAN GIOVANNI 14R - FLORENCE, ITALY
In the heart of Florence lies the watch shop that served as the starting point for the history of the dive watch brand, Officine Panerai. Who would have guessed that an Italian man named Giovanni Panerai, who opened a shop selling Swiss watches, would come such a long way, eventually founding the first watchmaking school in Florence?
(Window display at Orologeria Svizzera)
In 1936, the Orologeria Svizzera window display was filled with superb Swiss watches, including Vacheron Constantin, Longines, and Rolex . Stepping inside, one would see table clocks lined up in cabinets behind the long counter. Pendulum and table clocks were displayed on the first floor, where numerous watchmakers were kept busy checking the condition of timepieces and providing services to customers.
(Interior of the first floor)
(Pendulum and table clock display area on the first floor)
(Watchmaker's workstation)
Dear readers, if you visit the Orologeria Svizzera shop—which now serves as a historical museum for Officine Panerai—you will find it renovated by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. The ceiling is paneled with walnut wood, and the floor is paved with “Striato Olimpico” white and gray marble, reflecting the context of the shop’s location in the center of Piazza San Giovanni (St. John Square). Brass materials were chosen to signify the sea and ships, which were the origins of the brand.
Upon entering, you will find an area prepared for customers seeking watch repairs, alongside a selection of products on display. Additionally, there is a temporary exhibition space narrating the history and background of the Officine Panerai brand, located on the first floor for visitors.
Opening Hours:
Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Coordinates: 43.7731522,11.254480400000034
References
: https://www.patek.com/en/retail-service/patek-philippe-salons/geneva
: https://www.laingsuk.com/blog/2016/02/a-clients-special-trip-to-patek-philippe/
: https://www.europastar.com/news/1003496009-inauguration-of-the-patek-philippe-salon.html
: https://perezcope.com/2018/02/22/orologeria-svizzera-the-watch-shop/
: https://www.panerai.com/en/network/boutiques/firenze-san-giovanni.html
