Showroom Photography for the Watches of Switzerland Flagship Store, Regent Street, London

Case Study: Architectural and Product Photography for Watches of Switzerland Flagship Store, Regent Street, London

Client: Watches of SwitzerlandLocation: Regent Street, LondonProject Scope: Comprehensive interior and exterior photography of a multi-floor luxury retail environment

Duration: Two-day shoot

Project Overview

Watches of Switzerland’s flagship Regent Street store is one of the largest and most prestigious locations within their portfolio, spanning three floors and featuring a curated selection of the world’s most coveted luxury watch brands. The client required a high-quality photographic representation of the store’s architectural elegance, luxurious retail environment, and product displays to support marketing, branding, and digital content initiatives.

Objectives

• Deliver a comprehensive visual narrative of the flagship store’s interior and exterior that aligns with the brand’s premium positioning.

• Highlight the architectural design and sophisticated ambiance of the retail space.

• Showcase a diverse range of timepieces in their bespoke boutique settings.

• Ensure minimal disruption to store operations by scheduling shoots strategically.

• Adapt to environmental challenges to capture compelling exterior shots on a busy London street.

  
  

Approach

To meet the brief’s breadth and maintain operational continuity, the shoot was divided into two phases:

1. Interior Photography

Conducted during evening hours to avoid foot traffic and ensure full access to all three floors. The focus was on capturing the spatial layout, lighting schemes, material finishes, and curated product placements across multiple brand boutiques within the store. Precision lighting techniques and careful composition were employed to emphasize the luxury atmosphere and craftsmanship inherent in the environment. Over 300 high-resolution images were delivered, covering architectural details, retail design elements, and individual watch presentations.

2. Exterior Photography

Scheduled separately during morning hours to leverage natural light and minimize street congestion. Patience and timing were critical, given the busy urban setting and variable weather conditions. The objective was to produce clean, unobstructed images of the store frontage that reflect the brand’s commanding presence on Regent Street while maintaining compositional balance within the vibrant city context.

Challenges and Solutions

• Operational Constraints:

  Conducting the interior shoot outside trading hours required precise coordination with the store team to maximize efficiency and respect business needs.

• Complex Lighting Conditions:

  The interplay of ambient, artificial, and accent lighting within the store demanded a hybrid approach utilizing both natural and supplementary light sources to preserve the authentic mood without compromising image clarity.

• Urban Environment:

  Managing dynamic street activity and weather fluctuations during exterior photography necessitated flexibility, multiple shooting attempts, and real-time adjustments to framing and exposure.

  
  

Results

The final deliverables exceeded client expectations, successfully encapsulating the flagship store’s luxurious environment and the exceptional range of timepieces on offer. The imagery has since been integrated into Watches of Switzerland’s digital platforms and marketing campaigns, enhancing brand storytelling and customer engagement.

Collaboration with the store’s dedicated team was pivotal in navigating logistical challenges and ensuring a smooth production process. Their professionalism and support contributed significantly to the overall success of the project.