The new opening marks the Longines’s fourth boutique in Malaysia and its first in Penang, attended by HK superstar Aaron Kwok.
Swiss watch maker Longines, which wields expertise reflecting a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of its new boutique in Gurney Plaza Penang in the presence of Its Ambassador of Elegance Aaron Kwok.
The new opening marks the brand’s fourth boutique in Malaysia and its first in Penang, and was the opportunity to shine the spotlight on the brand’s new Longines HydroConquest collection, a line drawing its inspiration from the world of aquatic sports.
Located on the Ground Floor of the premier shopping mall Gurney Plaza, the new Longines boutique is designed and furnished with trademark colors and ambience seen in Longines boutiques around the world, embodying the brand’s motto “Elegance is an Attitude”.
Measuring 542sqft, the boutique perfectly combines the impressive heritage of the brand with a timeless design where refinement and elegance are conveyed in every detail. The opening of Longines’ fourth boutique in Malaysia and first boutique in Penang reflects the brand’s commitment to watch enthusiasts and collectors in the northern region.
By offering an intimate and elegant atmosphere, the boutique allows customers to enjoy the full Longines experience that encompasses products in an elegant setting that is both contemporary and warm.
Watch aficionados can easily navigate their way around the boutique to browse Longines extensive selection of collections, including the most iconic watches of the brand as well as its latest models such as the Longines HyroConquest, Longines DolceVita, The Longines Master Collection, the Conquest Classic as well as Heritage models.
With its diverse selection of exquisite timepieces, the new Longines Gurney Plaza boutique is already an essential destination for discerning customers. But a special visit from Hong Kong superstar Kwok has elevated the elegance of the boutique even further.
Kwok shone in the spotlight with a Longines watch from the HydroConquest collection, the brand’s iconic sports line which features a colored ceramic insert on the bezel.
“It was an honour to be here today to celebrate this amazing milestone with Longines. I congratulate Longines on this achievement and I am excited that the brand is now available in Penang. As a Longines Ambassador of Elegance since 2005, I am delighted to see how the brand continues to grow and expand worldwide and across the Malaysian market. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Longines every success,” said Kwok.
Sharing his tips on selecting watches, Kwok said: “Apart from telling time, I think watches are accessories that show our individuality and taste. The Longines HydroConquest collection watches are currently my favourites. These watches feature a bezel enhanced with a coloured ceramic insert adding a touch of brilliance and modern styling. It is elegant yet sporty, making them suitable for daily wear and appropriate for all occasions”.
During the event, the latest HydroConquest Ceramic models were showcased for customers to admire. Drawing its inspiration from the fascinating world of water sports, the HydroConquest collection combines technical excellence and traditional elegance, both distinguishing hallmarks of Longines.
The emblematic sports line’s new models, which preserve the traditional style of diving watches features a coloured ceramic insert which has been added to the bezel of the new HydroConquest models. These models carry a modernized design and sporty silhouette.
For Kwok, the HydroConquest carries special meaning as it was the first Longines model presented to him. “Now the material has been refined but it remains sporty yet elegant. I like its flexibility as it can match any of my outfits, so I can wear it for work or other occasions,” said Kwok, 54, in an interview with selected editors.
After the product presentation, Kwok, Arnaud Carnal, Longines Asia Pacific Regional Sales Manager, Selina Ng, General Manager of Mall Management, CapitaLand, Peter Chan, Gurney Plaza Centre Manager and Ooi Say Yew, Longines Malaysia Brand Manager were invited for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at entrance of the boutique.
Kwok then toured the boutique and spent some time at the exclusive space featuring Longines’ historical museum pieces. In addition, he had his autograph signed at the boutique floor-to-ceiling light box poster.
Attending guests at the event included celebrities such as pop duo Fuying & Sam, Tong Bing Yu and Christinna Kuan. Truly the first of its kind in Penang, this new boutique aims to provide watch enthusiasts and collectors with a glimpse into the rich history of the brand.
Some of the greatest pieces from the Longines historical collection usually kept in the Longines Museum at the company’s headquarters in Saint-Imier, Switzerland – including a rare collection of pocket watches all dating from the 19th century – are exceptionally on display in the boutique. Together with a feature wall illustrating the evolution of the Longines’ logo over the years, this special corner transports customers into Longines’ heritage.
Asked about the highlights of being a Longines ambassador, Kwok replied: “We have a very special relationship, it’s one that keeps growing. Every year on my birthday, Longines will always send me a new watch, so now I have over 30 watches in my closet and I value each one off them.”
On how he juggles his time between his family and work, Kwok explained: “I am still learning how to be a good father and husband. When I was just 15, I already had a vision to create a perfect family, so this is a dream come true.
“I want to support my wife and children, and be there for them whenever they need me. Even though I have a busy workload, I always make time for them,” added the father of two.
What are Kwok’s resolutions for 2020? “I hope for good luck, good health and fulfilling work … I wish that for everyone too.” Not surprisingly, he has a busy year in store. “I have two to three movies coming up in 2020, and after Chinese New Year, I will be touring Las Vegas.
“My work is very important to me and I cannot stop; my dream is to do things I have never done before,” enthused Kwok.
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The Longines boutique is located at Lot 170-G-07, Ground Floor, Gurney Plaza, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang. The boutique’s opening hours are from 10.00am to 10.00pm daily.
