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 (opens in new tab), opened recently by design and architecture webzine Dezeen (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab), Braun (opens in new tab), Hygge (opens in new tab), Lexon (opens in new tab), Lorenz and Mondaine - proprietors Marcus Fairs (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab), director of the London-based architectural and interiors practice Post Office (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab).
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
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