URBAN GUIDE

A benchmark in Monegasque luxury, Zegg & Cerlati has rethought its retail spaces to fulfil new expectations.

Born when Swiss entrepreneur Tina Zegg met Italian designer Carlo Cerlati, the Zegg & Cerlati brand and stores are integral to the Principality where the pair opened their first boutique back in 1997. A consistent reference in fine jewellery and fine watchmaking, the business proves its modernity once again with new outlets and a first-time concept. Cofounder Tina Zegg tells all.

COTE: You've opened a new Rolex shop on Place du Casino, unusual in one aspect. Can you explain?
Tina Zegg: Yes, this Rolex shop is unique. Normally Rolex retails its watches in stand-alone or multi-brand outlets, but here the first floor displays our own gemstone creations. We wanted to bring the emotional impact of jewellery into the timewear world.

Could you talk us through it?
Stepping through the door you come to a classic sales counter; on the right is a business-style lounge where you can purchase a watch quickly. The equally luxurious first floor is divided in two, one part showcasing our jewellery and creations. The other is the Rolex VIP lounge with a more intimate, inviting ambience and a fabulous view of Place du Casino, where you can peruse a selection of the more exclusive watches.

How do Zegg & Cerlati's creations differ from others?
Carlo Cerlati goes to great lengths to make his designs emotive. And innovation is a point of honour with us; sometimes it's very discreet, in the technique or wearing, for example diamonds and other gemstones that adapt to different settings, an expanding diamond bracelet. We aim to surprise our customers, of both sexes since we're seeing more and more men buying jewellery for themselves. We have a lovely range of pieces, from affordable ceramic items to exceptional gemstone creations featuring diamonds of up to 15 carats.

Tell us about your other stores
We've moved our multi-brand outlet to Avenue des Spélugues, where we present the top watch manufactures – Cartier, Panerai, Breguet, Vacheron Constantin, Breitling, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre – in individually identified spaces that reflect their DNA. Customers can buy a practical stainless-steel watch, a complication timepiece or a jewellery watch with equal ease. For smaller budgets our Rue de la Costa store stocks watches by more affordable brands. Lastly, our Rolex outlet in the Yacht Club is developing its after-sales service by investing in new equipment and taking on three watchmakers to reduce waiting times.

What do you think of Monaco's new look?
Progress is always positive, it brings modernity and dynamism, which spark the curiosity of potential new customers. Yes, the work can make day-to-day life difficult for residents, but it's the end result that counts. What doesn't move forwards regresses.

Par Julie de los Rios - Photo Jean-François Romero