Expertise, professionalism and creativity: three words that define the values and ethos of Lionel Meylan. From Vevey to Lausanne, the atmosphere that prevails in each of the four family-owned stores is one of a shared passion for beautifully crafted watches and jewellery, and has been ever since Lionel Meylan opened his first boutique, one fine day in 1990. On August 1st, to be exact, which is also Switzerland’s National Day: a fitting coincidence for the Meylans. Originating in Vallée de Joux, historically the cradle of watchmaking, they are a family of watchmakers for six generations.
Watchmakers first and foremost
A watchmaker and highly regarded restorer of antique clocks – something he continues to do, simply for pleasure – Lionel Meylan opened his first store specialising in high-end Swiss watches in Vevey, close to the lakefront. A second boutique followed, also in Vevey, shortly after. Since then, sons Yannick and Julien have brought their youthful energy to the family firm. In 2020 their expertise and reputation set them in good stead to take over management of the Breitling store in Lausanne. In 2021 father and sons widened their horizons further when they took the reins of Guillard, Lausanne’s oldest watch and jewellery retailer, established in 1858 and, for the present time, renamed Guillard by Meylan.
Over thirty brands
Building on intimate knowledge of watches together with proven expertise in jewellery and gemmology, Lionel Meylan has extended its offering over the years and now carries more than twenty watch brands and fifteen leading names in jewellery. Yet there is more to Lionel Meylan than a list of respected and prestigious brands. such as Breitling, Chanel, Chopard, Corum, Czapek, Frederique Constant, Hermès, Hublot, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, Omega, Parmigiani Fleurier, TAG Heuer, Ulysse Nardin and Zenith. In all four stores, there is a strong sense of expertise as well as pride in a profession that is most of all a passion. Whether in Vevey or Lausanne, the desire to share this passion is expressed through a wide range of services.
At the heart of every Lionel Meylan boutique is an experienced and qualified watchmaker for servicing and repairs. The battery in a quartz watch needs replacing? It’s done on the spot. A part in a mechanical movement needs adjusting, a problem needs to be identified, a strap needs changing? They’ll take care of it. And should a watch have to be returned to the maker for repair, it’s all part of the service. Vintage timepieces also benefit from the expertise of these in-store watchmakers. In fact customers who enjoy vintage pieces will find a curated selection of pre-owned watches and jewellery in the boutiques in Vevey and Lausanne.
Experts in jewellery
Jewellery is, of course, Lionel Meylan’s other area of expertise, with designs from the most classic to the most contemporary displayed in the boutique windows. In Lausanne and Vevey, two experienced gemmologists accompany customers on a fascinating journey, beginning with the choice of precious stones and culminating in a magnificent bespoke creation. Lionel Meylan also proposes its own brand, Lionel Meylan Créations, where magnificent coloured stones – rubies, emeralds, sapphires, tourmalines, tanzanites and spinels – are set alongside the finest diamonds in beautifully classic rings, earrings and necklaces.
Push open the door of any Lionel Meylan store and you’ll be greeted by staff whose professionalism and sense of service is matched by the pleasure they take from conveying their love of beautiful watches and exquisite jewellery. The desire to share this passion and expertise with others is the hallmark of this family business, which we are delighted to welcome as our partner.
