June 24, 2013: Watch manufacturer Blancpain has opened a boutique in the Xintiandi district in Shanghai, which is now the brand’s eighth boutique in China. The watch brand is also one of those with the longest historical presence in the land of the Forbidden City. Thus, through this new flagship store, the Manufacture in Le Brassus intends to pay tribute to the loyalty of the Chinese people.
The largest of the brand’s 30 boutiques, for the first time, offers an integrated customer service centre as well as a lounge bar, and this inauguration is being marked by the presentation of a unique version of the Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel. The moon-phase, which serves to determine the months of the Chinese calendar and has been an integral part of Blancpain’s complete calendars for 30 years, symbolises the closely interwoven parallels between Chinese culture and the world’s oldest watch brand.
The new over 600 square-metre Blancpain store welcomes visitors into a decor pervaded by its horological heritage and expertise. The pure, elegant area spread over two floors presents the brand’s finest creations and for the first time offers a range of additional services. After a visit to the ground floor, a circular staircase leads visitors to the upper floor, where they can discover a new Blancpain world through the brand’s first lounge. Heightening the experience, Blancpain also offers a choice of traditional “Swiss Made” products that may be savoured on the splendid terrace overlooking the entrance to the Xintiandi district. The second new feature for Blancpain is a service centre located inside the boutique where customers can have their watches serviced locally, as well as observe the meticulous work of the watchmakers in action through the transparent workshop windows.
The Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel in platinum frames a red champlevé enamel dial and featuring a jewel set crown. Its oscillating weight is also enamelled with the Wu Xing pictogram representing the five elements, thus embodying an inseparable link between this exceptional creation and its symbolism.
