ASKWATCH Store

Description

Interior design for a specialty store that collects rare and luxury watches from around the world.

Instead of covering up the decrepit existing concrete skeleton inside the store, the old concrete was given new value by applying KINTSUGI - Japanese traditional repairing techniques with powdered gold which can be usually found on pottery- to some of the defective parts.

The strong contrast of various materials makes each space stand out independently and through those "space" experiences, you can feel the connection with the concept of "time".

Statement of the jury

The »ASKWATCH Store« in Tokyo deals in rare and luxurious watches from around the world. The narrow shop, which extends over two floors, surprises with an interior design that is rather unusual for jewellers. With its partly brute open demolition edges of old concrete walls and supporting structures, it looks at first glance as if one is still in the middle of construction. But it is precisely the exciting contrast between the rough-hewn existing structure and the minimalist, clear, straight-lined interior made of high-quality materials that makes this design concept so appealing, and has the effect that the precious watches, which are also displayed on rough stone pedestals, are perceived even more intensely. The fact that on closer inspection more and more interesting details stand out, such as the cracks in the concrete filled with brass/gold, shows how consistently the play of contrasts has been implemented here.