Rolex Oceania’s re-designed headquarters in Australia encompasses a first-of-its-kind watchmaking training facility as the luxury watchmaker poises for growth in the region.
Luxury Swiss watchmaker, Rolex, has announced the inauguration of its new Oceania headquarters following an extensive redevelopment of the historic 6-story Centenary Hall building on Exhibition Street, Melbourne. The extensive refurbishment of the historic 1935 Art Deco building – which brings together all employees of Rolex, from the watchmakers to administration staff – will also incorporate a new watchmaking training program, the first of its kind in Australia.
The state-of-the-art building, which incorporates two floors of custom watchmaking facilities – was designed by Rolex in collaboration with award-winning architects, Woods Bagot. The high-end luxury design includes the revival of the bespoke terrazzo tiled floor and its Orange Order star and the decorative original ceilings.
Rolex Australia MD Benoit Falletti says the newly renovated building is a “new era” for the luxury brand in Australia and signals a “strong expansion of Rolex in the region”.
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“It brings together, for the first time, administrative staff, and watchmakers under one roof,” Falletti says. “The purpose-built environment reflects our commitment to the principles of architecture and design, and respects the history of this culturally important building, positioning our Oceania Headquarters alongside other architecturally significant Rolex buildings worldwide.”
Architect Peter Miglis describes Rolex’s reinvigoration of the historic building as a “gift back to Melbourne”. He says the building “demonstrates Rolex’s unceasing quest for excellence and their focus on precision and quality”.
The new Rolex Oceania headquarters will be incorporated into the brand’s exhibition at the iconic international architecture exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, which will open in Venice on May 20.
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