AN ORIGINAL HOSPITALITY CONCEPT
Conceived in 2017 in collaboration with some of Audemars Piguet’s most valued clients, the AP House concept reimagines how the brand’s founders – Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet – might tend to their clients if they were living in the 21st century. The result is a sophisticated and welcoming space, where comfort and connection take priority.
Today, the brand operates AP Houses in key cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Munich, Bangkok, Barcelona, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Milan, Mexico City, New York, Singapore, Seoul, Shanghai, St. Barths, Tel Aviv, Tokyo and Zurich.
A FUSION OF CULTURE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
Situated at 35 King Street, AP House Manchester spans 425 square metres across three floors, including a 69-square-metre terrace on the roof. The Grade II Listed property is said to be the earliest surviving property on the street, illustrating the evolution of King Street from a domestic suburb to a commercial centre. The interior design weaves visual references to Audemars Piguet’s birthplace in the Vallée de Joux with nods to Manchester’s rich cultural and industrial heritage. A mutual connection to music is reflected throughout the building. A dedicated music room pays tribute to Factory Records, the pioneering label behind Manchester’s emerging electronic music scene in the 1990s, while handpicked vinyl records line the walls, creating the ambiance of a recording studio. Additionally, a striking PRS Silver Sky guitar, co designed by Paul Reed Smith and long-time friend the brand, John Mayer.
The hexagonal honeycomb design of the watch cellars evokes Manchester’s iconic working bee – symbolic of the city’s industrious spirit. Further to this, contrasts in material and texture, such as brass, metal and rich textiles, reflect both the art of watchmaking and the city’s legacy in cotton production. From the oak floors to the lush rooftop terrace, the natural beauty of AP’s home in the Swiss Jura mountains is echoed throughout. In the entrance reception, the first of the two sculptures exhibited uses metal mesh to mimic the leaf shapes of Manchester Poplars, bringing a touch of nature to a space defined by craftsmanship and heritage.
A PLACE FOR DISCOVERY AND CONNECTION
More than a retail space, AP House Manchester is designed as a place of encounter, discovery, and connection. It offers clients and newcomers alike the opportunity to explore the world of Audemars Piguet in a warm and engaging environment that celebrates the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship.
In keeping with Audemars Piguet’s support for contemporary art and creative communities, AP House Manchester will host a rotating display of curated artworks, starting with a partnership with London-based contemporary art gallery, Sadie Coles and the brand’s own art commissioning programme, Audemars Piguet Contemporary.
In a playful nod to the local pub culture, AP House Manchester even serves its own draft beer on tap, brewed exclusively for the brand. Guests can also unwind and socialise in the top-floor the games room, where darts and shuffleboard provide moments of light-hearted moments with a view over the rooftop terrace.
"We are thrilled to announce the opening of AP House Manchester. It feels particularly special to be bringing the concept to such a dynamic and culturally rich city – renowned for its distinct musical influence and spirit of hospitality."
"As a leading cultural hub outside of London, Manchester is home to a growing community of watch collectors and enthusiasts. Through the AP House, we’re excited to work with our long-standing partner to bring like-minded people together through shared passion, immersive storytelling, and bespoke experiences. "
“The Beat Goes On.”
