Bringing in 2016 in a big way, Glasgow-based watch brand INSTRMNT opened their flagship store this week. Located on Parnie Street in the Trongate district, the retail space is a natural fit for the vibrant neighbourhood of independent shops, galleries and design centres. Along with the watch collection and bikes they’re renowned for, INSTRMNT also carries selections from standout brands like Ajoto, Alice Made This, Campbell Cole, Folk, Edition Scotland, Hancock and Iona Brown. Bi-annual zines curated in alliance with Invisible Bookshop are available as well. INSTRMNT emerged as a design studio in 2014 with the goal of creating considered, user-led products for everyday use. The brand’s first launch was the minimalist steel watch kit, known as INSTRMNT 01. Now the centerpiece of its shop, INSTRMNT 01 was inspired by mid-20th century industrial design, providing the customer with the unassembled parts – including a Swiss Ronda 385H movement and German-made leather strap – along with the necessary tools for constructing the watch. Which makes it a touch more personal than your standard off-the-rack timepiece. Another focal point of the flagship is INSTRMNT 02, the two-speed city bike featuring an SRAM Automatix hub and coaster brake, and bespoke leather top tube protector. The bike, which debuted last year, is handmade in London, ensuring the highest quality craftsmanship. Probably more reliable than knocking that one up yourself. Of the new shop, co-Director Ross Baynham says, “Creating a physical space for Instrmnt has been a really rewarding process – as a designer, it’s enjoyable to work on a new scale while applying the same values in our approach to interiors and architecture that we do to products.” His co-Director Pete Sunderland remarks, “We have always seen Instrmnt about more than just building products, instead it is about creating an ethos and a lifestyle. We’ve curated a small selection of products from brands that we feel align well with our own vision, and the scope of those brands and products will grow and evolve organically over time.” Address: 39 Parnie St, Glasgow, City of Glasgow, G1 5RJ Opening Hours: 10.30am-6pm Wednesday-Sunday Tel: 0141 548 8707
