Philippe Malouin designs Dezeen's new wristwatch space in London
![Malouin is pictured in the retail space with owner Rupinder Bhogal](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LUFmRZgpoyueLLjKQ5WZKa-415-80.jpg)
The convenience of internet shopping is often blamed for the demise of the small shopkeeper and the downfall of the high street, but perhaps this charmingly antediluvian premise of this wristwatch boutique, opened recently by design and architecture webzine Dezeen, will start a trend for boutiques originating on the web.
With trade in their keenly edited selection of design-centric wristwatches growing online - Dezeen sells architectural timepieces by the likes of Alessi, Braun, Hygge, Lexon, Lorenz and Mondaine - proprietors Marcus Fairs and Rupinder Bhogal decided that they needed an extended office for specialist horology staff. 'The office space became a display and storage area before mutating into a shop,' says designer Philippe Malouin, director of the London-based architectural and interiors practice Post Office, who was called in to transform the former Stoke Newington doctors' surgery into an interior that would serve as both online admin office and face-to-face sales facility for the Dezeen Watch Store.
Working with studio colleague Will Yates and an industrial supplier that makes wire shopping trolleys and gymnasium changing-room furniture, Malouin commissioned a grid of welded-wire, back-lit lockers in surrounds of his beloved ply material, intended to dual-function as display and security. 'The store and its watches appeal to Dezeen buyers,' he says. 'They are design-conscious but not super-rich residents with flash gold watches. This isn't Mayfair.'
For the Dezeen Watch Store space, formerly the ground-floor reception area and prescription dispensary of the doctor's surgery, Malouin commissioned a grid of welded-wire, back-lit lockers in surrounds of ply material, intended to dual-function as display and security
Inspired by old-fashioned hardware stores, customers approach the counter to then be served by a sales person who will show them the selection of watches displayed on bespoke shelving behind the counter
From left: 203 Series by Uniform Wares and MY03 Hacker by Michael Young, two watches from the Dezeen Watch Store - where a selection of timepieces designed by leading creatives and independent brands are available for purchase
The watch collections are routinely changed to ensure customers are offered a curated pick of the latest models and modern classics. Pictured: Plicate by Benjamin Hubert for NAVA and Celeste by Ziiiro
Part of the Dezeen Watch Store on the ground floor is a packaging area where all the watches get packed up and shipped out to customers
ADDRESS
Dezeen Limited
The Surgery
100a Stoke Newington Church Street
London N16
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
Commune’s sustainable personal care products look ‘quite unlike anything else’
Commune’s Somerset-made products stand out in the sustainable skincare crowd. Madeleine Rothery speaks with the brand’s co-founders Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux
By Madeleine Rothery Published
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
Fashion-driven watch brands chime in on London Collections: Men
By Hannah Silver Last updated
-
Omega's Olympic record of timing inventions
By Caragh McKay Last updated