time for a new watch
3 popular watch brands keep time with new stores in North Austin shopping center
Swatch, Omega, and Breitling are all moving in.
About a week after Austin's famous mall, The Domain, announced it would be housing two new luxury stores — Versace and Burberry — its next-door neighbor added some stylish stores with a theme.
Domain Northside will be home to three new watch companies starting at the end of 2023: Omega, Swatch, and Breitling.
This will give Austin shoppers a range of choices, from the very luxe to the relatively affordable for a watch aficionado — but in all cases, these statement pieces are more than a casual purchase.
All three brands are Swiss, and date back to the 1800s.
“As a timeless trend, watches will never go out of style,” said SVP of leasing for Northwood Retail, which owns and operates Domain Northside, Jacqueline Fitch. “These three businesses offer some of the best watch options on the market and we’re thrilled to bring this high quality group of tenants to the project.”
Omega is a well-known brand that rivals Rolex in quality and style, if not quite by auction prices. James Bond has worn an Omega Seamaster in every film since 1995. The brand is owned by Swatch, making this a double win for the Swiss watchmaker, which will offer less expensive, more whimsical pieces at its store. (Swatch also owns Balmain, which seems like it would be a great fit at The Domain given last week's news.)
Breitling is also a Swiss brand, but it isn't owned by Swatch. These more rugged pieces are still positioned as a luxury offering, with the price tags to match. Shoppers choosing between Omega and Breitling won't find much difference when it comes to finances.
Swatch will open first, during December of 2023. Omega and Breitling will follow in January of 2024.
Although The Domain and Domain Northside are functionally the same to anyone who is willing to cross Domain Drive, the two are separate entities with separate portfolios. Both contain luxury brands as well as more everyday shopping, and both offer more than just shopping, including dining and residential spaces.
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