Wempe inspires with new location at Stubbenhuk 10 in Hamburg

Wempe inspires with new location at Stubbenhuk 10 in Hamburg

Yesterday, Wempe officially opened its new location in Hamburg. The new building at Stubbenhuk 10 represents a milestone for the family-run company, strengthening its watch service and simultaneously creating new jobs.

Left: Wempe's new location in the listed building near the harbor. © Wempe

New highlight of a 100-year history

An all-around positive experience: On May 5, Wempe inaugurated its new location at Stubbenhuk 10 in Hamburg. The new branch, located in the listed building on the eastern edge of the harbor, offers 4,700 square meters and three floors, enough space for an expanded service workshop and a "Harbour Loft" with a view of the Elbe River.

"I was completely in love!" declared Kim-Eva Wempe upon her first tour of the location. Hamburg holds special significance for the family business, as it was here 100 years ago that the company headquarters on Steinstrasse were acquired. This is a clear signal that the company will continue to rely on Hamburg as its headquarters, explains the managing partner. The new Wempe building is a symbol of the future, of growth, and proximity to customers.

The new Wempe House is intended to reflect the identity of the family business and offer employees a high-quality working environment. Kim-Eva Wempe explained:

"It's important to us that, despite mobile work, we offer each employee their own workspace. Personal interaction contributes significantly to the success of our company. Employees from the main building can also access workspaces on the top floor, the Harbour Loft."

The watch service is moving

The building, which will now offer a new, unforgettable jewelry experience, was acquired by Wempe in 2023. It was previously part of the Gruner + Jahr publishing house site. Wempe's watch service department will now relocate from its headquarters on Steinstrasse to the new location on Stubbenhuk, providing significantly more space for this department. Scott Wempe, Limited Partner and Co-Head of Business Development, emphasizes this step: 

 "In doing so, we are signaling to the industry how important this area is to us. On the one hand, we want to be a reliable partner for our customers. On the other hand, we want to provide the best possible support to our brand partners." 

In addition to the watchmaking workshop, Wempe-Chronometerwerke Maritim is also moving into the new building. They were already located in Stubbenhuk from 1960 to 1981, but at number 25. Visual Marketing is also part of the new address. 

In the future, the company also plans to open a second Wempe Museum, dedicated to the history of Wempe-Chronometerwerke Maritim, watch service, and watchmaking. The museum, which will follow an interactive concept, will also be open to the public by appointment. At this location, Wempe aims to provide deeper insights into the watchmaking craft and familiarize visitors with Wempe culture.

Tailored to customer needs

For the family-owned Wempe company, direct exchange and communication with customers is essential – especially in a world where digital sales have increased. The new Harbour Loft offers the ideal space to strengthen and cultivate relationships with customers. Wempe's market research has shown that even younger customers don't want to miss out on the personal experience.

“The luxury customer wants to feel well-informed and heard online, to immerse themselves in brand worlds, but also to interact,” explains Chiara Wempe, limited partner and Co-Head of Business Development, about customer needs.

Tishman Speyer, an international project developer and operator of high-quality real estate, was responsible for the conversion of the Stubbenhuk office building. Originally intended for leasing, Kim-Eva Wempe was able to acquire the striking, listed building directly from Tishman Speyer in 2023. Florian Reiff, Senior Managing Director and Managing Director of Tishman Speyer in Germany, explains:

"We warmly congratulate Wempe on moving into its new Hamburg location. Over the past 15 months, we have redesigned the 100-year-old office building at Stubbenhuk 10, in keeping with the heritage regulations, for a variety of uses and the future needs of Wempe. This was achieved through close and trusting cooperation between two family-owned businesses, for which I would like to thank the Wempe family on behalf of Tishman Speyer. The now restored former "Grain Elevator House" is the first completed subproject in the redevelopment of the Baumwall district, with which we are creating a new Hamburg landmark for work, living, urban production, and lifestyle."

The investments that Wempe has made to give this special location a new shine are in the double-digit million range.