TIME FOR A CHANGE
Patek, Philippe & Cie, quickly became the standard for fine watchmaking around the world. In 1932, the Stern family, which manufactured the dials for Patek Philippe, purchased the company. Now the last Geneva-based and family owned watch manufacturer, Patek Philippe has a remarkable history that spans more than 180 years. The company’s reputation for providing rare, high-quality, hand-finished timepieces that are known to last for gen- erations continues to drive watch enthusiasts to the brand. The integrated Patek Philippe showroom was a key element in the reno- vation of de Boulle’s flagship store. Denis and Karen Boulle’s first priority has always been to make clients feel comfortable — to feel, quite literally, at home. At the same time, they want to make sure everything they do is associated with exquisite quality, from the fine jewelry and watches they offer to the quality of materials used in the design of their stores. The guid- ing principle for the Dallas renovation was to create an environment that further enhances the customer experience, a top priority for both de Boulle and Patek Philippe. “We wanted the store to remain open and welcoming, but elegant,” says Karen Boulle, “not intimidating, not too cutting-edge or too old fashioned. Classical and timeless.” The Boulles again turned to the Houston office of Gensler, the global archi- tecture, design and planning firm that designed the de Boulle boutique in Houston, which opened in 2016. The new wall colors for the Dallas store are a carefully crafted blend of warm and cool gray tones, combining residential warmth with modern crispness. While the palette is simple and neutral, a variety of texture and patina adds interest. A big change is the reimagining of the spiral staircase and screening area. Designed by a local artisan and fabricated in steel, it is intricately fashioned to reveal the de Boulle Hallmark — the famous “de B” inside a faceted shape. “It’s very subtle, just like on our collection of branded jewelry,” says Karen Boulle. A cozy lounge — with its comfortable furniture, coffee bar and relaxed vibe — remains in place next to the sprawling fireplace. Bright yellow chairs pro- vide energetic splashes of color — and echo the trademark tone of de Boulle’s signature gift bags. Newly minted showcases will be delivered shortly — but new wood floors and newly plastered walls are already in place, providing a matte background for the gleam of beautiful jewelry and watches. Choosing plaster walls over painted gypsum — much like the thought that went into every detail of the remodel — elevates the quality of the entire interior in a subtle way. It quickly wins over guests, who can’t quite put their finger on why exactly the space is ever so warm and welcoming.
de BOULLE NOT ONLY UNVEILS A NEW PATEK PHILIPPE SHOWROOM IN DALLAS — BUT ALSO A WHOLE NEW ENVIRONMENT TO WRAP AROUND IT
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orld-renowned Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe and Dallas retailer de Boulle are celebrating the opening of a luxurious Patek Philippe showroom inside the newly renovated de Boulle flagship store, at 6821 Preston Road. An expansive collection of the world’s most captivating timepieces is available inside the new 600-square-foot space, which features an open, integrated floor plan and a VIP lounge.
Patek Philippe and de Boulle, both dedicated to impeccable quality and style, have a long partnership that dates back the early 1980s, when Denis Boulle, CEO of de Boulle, added the Swiss timepieces to his Dallas salon. Boulle always saw a parallel: “Both companies,” he says, “are independent, family owned companies that combine tradition and strive for innovation and perfection.” Patek Philippe traces its roots to 1839, as Patek, Czapek & Cie, founded by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Francois Czapek. After Philippe was joined in 1845 by French watchmaker Jean Adrien Philippe, the inventor of the keyless winding mechanism, their new company, Patek & Cie, eventually renamed
THE INTEGRATED PATEK PHILIPPE SHOWROOM WAS A KEY ELEMENT IN THE RENOVATION OF de BOULLE’S FLAGSHIP STORE.
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