The Ulysse Nardin flagship store in Geneva, designed by BF Retail Design & Architecture, translates the Maison’s historic relationship with the sea into a retail interior shaped by materials, colour, transparency and light.
Located on Quai du Général-Guisan, in Geneva’s luxury watch and jewellery district, the 180 sqm boutique is entirely dedicated to the collections of the Swiss watchmaker.
The sea as the central element of the retail concept
The sea provides the conceptual framework for the interior. The spatial composition follows a simple sequence inspired by a marine landscape: the sea below, the sky above and the horizon separating the two.
Contemporary elements are combined with natural materials and surfaces characterised by raw, patinated or brushed finishes. This material language establishes a deliberate contrast with the façades of the historic building while giving the boutique its own architectural identity.
Stone, Murano glass and blue define the interior
The connection with the marine environment is expressed through a series of architectural and decorative elements. Display counters in raw stone recall submerged rocks, while suspended lights in translucent blown Murano glass evoke drops of water.
Display windows and partitions introduce references to the horizon through transparency and layering. Shades of blue reproduce the characteristic Ulysse Nardin blue and reinforce the association with the sea, while sand-coloured oak introduces a warmer material presence within the space.
Transparency and light shape the customer experience
Light and transparency contribute to the perception of the boutique throughout the customer journey. Translucent and opaque surfaces alternate across the interior, while lighting effects emphasise the different densities and textures of the materials.
The recurring use of blue, together with stone, glass and wood, establishes a coherent material palette that connects the displays and circulation areas with the maritime identity of the Maison.
Location: Quai du Général-Guisan, Geneva, Switzerland
Area: 180 sqm
Retail Design & Architecture: BF Retail Design & Architecture – Bertrand Fairerol