UNLIKE MANY LUXURY BOUTIQUES that can feel formulaic, Vacheron’s Melbourne home stands apart. The 110 square-metre space is a blend of clean lines, warm lighting and carefully considered negative space. Display cases float in pools of light, each watch given room to breathe. The acoustics – designed by a firm known for symphony halls – allow for private, comfortable conversations.
Boutique director Sarah Devereaux, a Melbournian with Geneva experience, notes: “Melbourne clients are curious. They want to understand the story and the craft.” This is reflected in the boutique’s approach: it’s a place for learning and appreciation, not just for showing off.
Upstairs, the experience deepens. The private salon, now known as the Broun Room, is inspired by Australia’s natural beauty, with earthy tones, locally sourced materials and a vibrant ocean-blue carpet reflecting the country’s coastline. A 3D Maltese cross pattern crafted from Australian materials connects Vacheron Constantin’s tradition with contemporary local style. The Boomerang Bar – a nod to Indigenous craftsmanship – anchors the space.
Adjacent to the Boomerang Bar, the Blue Room offers a serene retreat, with a library featuring Australian red marble and a recycled wall lamp above the fireplace. The space is designed to be both international and unmistakably Australian, inviting visitors to linger, learn and connect.
A striking mural by Melbourne artist Rone presides over the salon, and rare horological books, including a first edition of George Daniels’ Watchmaking, line the shelves. Even the hospitality is thoughtfully curated, blending international luxury with local comfort.
Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to watchmaking excellence shines through the boutique’s curated selection of timepieces. Visitors can discover the full range, from the Patrimony, Traditionnelle, Overseas, Fiftysix and Historiques collections, to boutique exclusive models like the Traditionnelle Chronograph Tourbillon Collection Excellence Platine and the newly launched Historiques 222 in steel. Highlights also include the Égérie Moon Phase limited edition, created in collaboration with French designer Yiqing Yin.
A new customisation area allows clients to personalise their watches with a wide array of strap colours, materials and stitching options – a testament to the Maison’s commitment to bespoke service.
Amy Jackson Lai, brand director for Australia and New Zealand, sums it up: “The newly renovated Vacheron Constantin boutique at 88 Collins Street, Melbourne, is more than an haute horlogerie showroom – it is a home for watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs, designed to offer a unique experience that blends the maison’s 270-year heritage with Australia’s rich culture.”
As I left the boutique and stepped back onto Collins Street, I checked the time on my phone – a curious gesture after an evening spent with objects designed to far outlast a smartphone. It reminded me of the boutique’s desired effect: to stick in your mind and keep you thinking about the power of a watch long after you leave the premises.
Vacheron Constantin’s renewed presence in Melbourne is more than a retail event; it’s a sign that the city has become a destination for collectors who value heritage, craft and thoughtful luxury.
This story appears in the Winter 2025 issue of Esquire Australia, on sale now. Find out where to buy the issue here.
