(Credit: Ali Waxman)
It’s long been a matter of speculation. Just what is going into that massive structure at 309 and Welsh Road? Word is finally out: the much-anticipated opening of Precision, located at 1612 N. Bethlehem Pike, in Lower Gwynedd is set to open on Thursday, July 18.
Watch retailer Roman Murat is opening a third generation of his long-running business with this new luxury timepiece showroom. Retail design firm Alexander Zilberman Architecture (AZA) has designed the three-story location which sits on the southeast corner of Routes 309 and 63, diagonally across from the AMC movie theater.
Spanning 9,000 square feet, this showcase for brand-name watches will include names like Rolex, Tudor, Cartier, Omega, Longines, Hamilton, Bell & Ross, and more. Additionally, this location will house one of the largest pre-owned timepiece sales floors in the region. Upper levels of the building will also include a service center for repairs. There’s even a “fully equipped bar” on the top floor’s customer lounge so “guests may enjoy refreshments while browsing the selection of timepieces.”
“It has been a dream of ours to build a one-of-a-kind showroom that reflects our clients’ lifestyle as well as our own legacy of expertise in high-end timepieces,” said Murat. “We cannot wait to welcome customers into the building later this month. It’s been a long process but seeing everything come together over the past couple of weeks has been incredible for myself and our entire team, and we’re super excited to open.”
Lena Vanier, vice president of Peter Breslow Consulting and Public Relations, said in a press release that this location is multiple generations in the making.
“Ukrainian-born Murat has a long history in the watch business following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who operated watch repair shops in Northeast Philadelphia, Center City and Feasterville,” said Vanier. “Murat began apprenticing for his father at the age of 17, eventually opening his first retail location in 2007 at The Shoppes at the Buck Hotel. In 2011, he expanded the business to The Shops at Valley Square in Warrington, before settling in at the Willow Grove Park Mall in 2014.”
The grand opening 10 years later is a result of the business outgrowing its mall space.
“We decided to make this move and build a freestanding location because we had outgrown the mall space, which was only 2,800 square feet, and we want to continue to elevate the client experience and be able to host more special events,” explained Murat.
Building alone took around three years to complete.
“From the start, Roman and Precision VP Lana Roytenko had a big-picture vision,” said Zilberman of his firm’s work. “They wanted to create an iconic, visual landmark in the suburban Philadelphia landscape, which is why they gravitated to a location where several busy roads intersect. They envisioned making an architectural statement, but also wanted to create their own brand identity based on their history.”
Guests of the grand opening will notice the grand entrance immediately upon walking through the front doors.
“It’s all about first impressions — greeting customers with marble exudes luxury and hospitality,” noted Zilberman.
Murat looks forward to the grand opening.
“This new flagship showroom is representative of my father’s and grandfather’s life work and everything that we stand for — luxury, precision, and elegance,” said Murat. “We are able to provide service for the entire lifetime of a timepiece, as these pieces are typically passed down from generation to generation. Our philosophy is to provide excellent service for the customer whether they’ve purchased a $500 watch or a $50,000 timepiece.”
Precision will be open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit the website at https://precisionwatches.com.
