When Ion Orchard first opened in 2009, it disrupted the way conventional shopping malls are run and introduced new-to-market brands to the tenant mix. Another novel concept it unveiled then was façade-facing duplex stores with Cartier (above, left) being one of the few big-name marques that fronted the mall then; today, it still occupies the same unit but has grown into a three-storey boutique, with an exclusive VIP area, modelled like a luxury apartment that sits above two storeys of shopping galore.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Ion Orchard has collaborated with several key watch tenant brands to produce limited-edition creations as well as Ion-exclusive timepieces. For instance, Tag Heuer has created 10 pieces of a special-edition Carrera Heuer-02T (above, right) to mark the milestone.

(Related: Jewels & Time Week 2018 Launch Cocktail Party)

In the past, malls baulked at the thought of having pop-up stores in the mall. But over the years, Ion Orchard has successfully turned that on its head, co‑organising exhibitions and concept stores with brands such as Omega, Tag Heuer and Van Cleef & Arpels. Also, it is open to novel ideas. Take the current Breitling (pictured) store—designed to look like a bachelor’s pad, it eschews the typical aesthetics and elements of a watch store and allows customers to appreciate timepieces in a more relaxed environment.

Many of the horological and jewellery marques are flagship stores in Singapore. But the A Lange & Söhne (above), Buben&Zorweg, Graff, Harry Winston and Officine Panerai boutiques are the only one of their kind on the island. 

On why Ion Orchard is constantly pushing the envelope to upgrade the shopping experience, Yeo Mui Hong, CEO of Orchard Turn Developments, which manages Ion Orchard, once said in an interview: “Shopping is no longer a passive pastime—we believe that the future of retail is in seeking to entertain shoppers. Today’s retailers have to think beyond offering products and services, and provide a differentiated experience.”

(Related: What Does The Future Of Retail Look Like For Ion Orchard?)

Every August, Ion Orchard also dedicates the month to the world of watches and jewellery, organising events with various brands. Last August, the mall partnered Singapore Tatler to produce exclusive watch- and jewellery‑related content and events. The collaborative campaign met with such overwhelming success that the partnership will be reprised once again this year with a slew of events lined up, culminating in a cocktail party to be held at Ion Sky on 29 Aug.

(Related: Jewels & Time Week A Resounding Success)

This is the first of eight stories done in collaboration with Ion Orchard. For the next seven days, look out for stories detailing the latest happenings and newest releases from the 20 watch and jewellery tenants at Ion Orchard.