Audemars Piguet has officially opened AP House Singapore: a sanctuary for watch and design lovers sanctuary, housed inside the historic Bar and Billiard Room at Raffles Hotel.
Most excitingly, however, is the addition of the brand’s first ever AP Café — a striking venue with cathedral-like ceilings and an outdoor terrace that gives you access to the rarefied world of Audemars Piguet, all without having to be a client.
RELATED: The 11 Best Audemars Piguet Watches — And Not All Of Them Are Royal Oaks
Set across 1,000 sqm, AP House Singapore is a sophisticated extension of the brand’s legacy. The design draws inspiration from Le Brassus — the historic Swiss home of the ‘Holy Trinity’ watchmaker — while incorporating elements that honour Singapore’s diverse cultural identity.
Expect lush greenery, locally sourced Rain Tree wood, hand-painted wallpapers, handcrafted rugs, cane arm chairs; and a central marble manned, overseen by the award-winning mixologists from Native.
Designed to feel homey, the space isn’t retail focused; although of course, transacting for your next Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ is indeed possible.
There’s a real warmth and incredible aroma to the space: striking the right balance between lush hotel lobby and lounge room; with partitioned areas for audiophiles, pool players, or those who simply want to enjoy spectacular food and cocktails.
A curved wall of individual showcases hero timepieces from the various collections, while themed rooms provide space for clients who wish to go hands on in private.
At AP Café, the food offering is anything but a gimmick. Curated by Burnt Ends, the menu skews classic European , but with individual dishes reimagined through a Singaporean lens.
A number of the resulting flavours are extraordinary. Special mention must go to the gold leaf roesti, spiced beef tartare with Sriracha and fried wonton skins; as well as a pie of beef short rib and raclette, which I’ll be returning for imminently.
Somehow AP House and Café feels both exclusive and inclusionary, and that’s a real step in the right direction for watch retail.
Whether you’re a watch fan or not, this is a immersive retail and dining experience not to be missed.
Opening hours: Daily, 11am — 8pm
Address: Bar & Billiard Room at Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
