Project Overview

Experience the grand unveiling of the world's first De Bethune Lounge and the prestigious 1916 Company Watch Collectors Salon at the heart of Central, Hong Kong. This extraordinary establishment welcomed its esteemed guests in December, just in time for the New Year. Upon entering the lift lobby, prepare to be transported on an enchanting journey, immersed in a modern and mystical deco design that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience within these exquisite spaces.

Project Commissioner

The 1916 Company

Project Creator

Clifton Leung Design Workshop

Project Brief

The showroom features a striking stone bar as its centerpiece, adorned with elegant gold details, elevating the guest's experience to new heights of sophistication and style. A bespoke antique mirror serves as the backdrop for the meticulously curated wine collection, creating a visually captivating impact within the showroom.

The lounge area is furnished with designer loungers and coffee tables, thoughtfully arranged into different groupings to accommodate various gatherings and events. Complementing the designer seating are two custom-designed desks, strategically placed with a captivating center display, showcasing the finest watch selections from the collection.

The open ceiling, adorned with captivating round feature lights, creates a sublime ambiance that seamlessly brings together the designer furniture. Meticulously chosen general spotlights with a high color rendering index (CRI) ensure the watches' true colors are accurately displayed, vital for a watch trading showroom.

Adding to the allure of the space, a striking feature cabinet at the center of the Salon seating area highlights meticulously curated watch pieces that embody the unparalleled craftsmanship and artistry of De Bethune.

Project Innovation/Need

Behind pairs of elegant black mullioned sliding doors lie two exclusive De Bethune rooms. Echoing the exquisite design of the De Bethune DB25 watch, the walls are adorned with captivating wallpaper depicting a starry sky, creating a celestial beauty that resonates with the product. Hand-added showers of stars guarantee the unique character of this panoramic display, reminiscent of the watch's handmade craftsmanship. Complemented by a posh black carpet floor, midnight dark blue draperies, and stage-like spot lighting, a mysterious atmosphere envelops the space, providing the perfect environment for watch specialists to offer personalized service to their discerning clientele.
Seamlessly integrated into the design is a dynamic watch trading room, cleverly concealed behind a sliding partition. This ensures functionality harmoniously coexists with aesthetics in the overall layout of the 1916 Salon.

Together, the De Bethune Lounge and the 1916 Salon create an enchanting environment where patrons can indulge in a truly unique and stylish salon shopping experience. Clients can comfortably peruse, deliberate, and enjoy the meticulously curated watch collections while engaging in intimate and educational discussions with the watch specialists. Step into a world where luxury, elegance, and exceptional service converge in a space meticulously designed to captivate and delight.

Design Challenge

As part of an extensive rebranding and repositioning initiative, our team was entrusted with the task of redesigning, repurposing, and reorganizing the long-established Watchbox showroom space, which has been in operation since 2002. During two-thirds of the construction phase, we received a directive to incorporate a new brand, De Bethune, into the showroom design without any additional time allocated. Undeterred, we swiftly developed a new design concept for the De Bethune brand, seamlessly integrating it into the VIP rooms.

The outcome was a resounding triumph, leaving the principals of De Bethune from Switzerland deeply impressed by the world's first De Bethune lounge we had created. Their enthusiasm was such that they expressed intentions to replicate the design in other countries.

In our redesign, we transformed the Watchbox Showroom into two distinct spaces: The 1916 Salon and De Bethune Lounge. Each space maintains its individual identity while coexisting harmoniously within the overall design. This approach ensures that the unique qualities and character of both brands are preserved and celebrated in the new showroom.

Our ability to adapt and deliver exceptional results under stringent time constraints truly showcases our expertise in managing complex projects and creating innovative designs that captivate both clients and industry leaders.

Sustainability

With a strong commitment to sustainability, we made conscious choices to source environmentally friendly materials for this project. Each specified material underwent thorough scrutiny, considering their eco labels and certifications. Notably, the vinyl flooring we selected has been honored with the prestigious Global Green Tag ecolabels in South Africa and Australia, recognizing its exemplary environmental performance as assessed through lifecycle analysis. Furthermore, this flooring meets the stringent standards of Indoor Air Comfort Gold version 6.0, ensuring low emissions and promoting a healthy indoor environment.

The adoption of an open ceiling design in this project not only offers aesthetic appeal but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable practices. It allows us to maximize space efficiency while minimizing material consumption, supporting a more environmentally conscious approach to interior design and construction.

To further extend the lifespan of the project's furnishings, we incorporated a design approach that prioritizes adaptability and reusability. The majority of the furniture and bespoke joinery were thoughtfully designed to be removable, offering the client the opportunity to repurpose and reuse them in the future. By enhancing their life cycles, we contribute to a more sustainable and responsible approach to interior design.