Celebrities, VIPs and Breitling enthusiasts recently toasted the grand opening of luxury Swiss watch brand’s flagship boutique in Manhattan. Brand ambassadors John Travolta and Wayne Gretzky, NFL star and broadcaster Boomer Esiason, New York Islander Mark Streit, were among the approximate 300 Breitling’s special guests who were treated to gourmet cuisine by famed chef and Breitling friend Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger restaurant in Wellesley, Mass.
“Congratulations to Breitling on the opening of your flagship boutique. The store pays homage to aviation, architecture, history and time,” Travolta said as he led guests in a toast to the brand and to Breitling USA President Marie Bodman.
Located near 5th Avenue at 5 East 57th Street, the new boutique’s location was selected for its appeal to both domestic and international consumers who possess an affinity for luxury brands.
The 4,500-square-foot store was created to complement the tastes of Breitling’s enthusiasts as well as to introduce future clients to the watch brand.
“The strategy is to showcase a complete assortment of more than 900 timepieces—including exclusive and limited edition watches—in a manner that thoroughly reveals the brand throughout its history to the present, giving our customers the ultimate brand experience,” Bodman said.
The open front windows of the Breitling boutique are designed to welcome Fifth Avenue shoppers and guests to the store. Bold but edgy iconic pop artwork depicting aviation reflects Breitling’s spirit and brand personality. A history wall highlights significant moments and innovations in Breitling’s past, including celebrated pieces that define the brand’s milestones in watchmaking. The idea, according to the company, is to create a functional, warm and inviting retail space in a modern architectural environment.