The Challenge

The project started from zero — no existing codebase, no established patterns. The goal was to deliver a production-ready React Native app for one of the most recognised names in luxury retail, on time, with no compromises on quality.

All frontend architecture decisions were mine to make: how to structure the app, which libraries to include, how to handle state, navigation, offline behaviour, authentication, and performance. The design came from a dedicated design team — my job was to translate pixel-perfect Figma screens into a native-feeling app, while actively collaborating with designers on animation proposals and interaction details.

One of the core requirements was full alignment with Bucherer's brand positioning — luxury, understated, precise. No excessive animations, no visual noise, no shortcuts. Every interaction had to feel intentional and polished. Expectations were at the highest level from day one.

The hardest technical challenges were performance optimisation on collection screens — pages with large numbers of high-resolution watch images — and building a horizontal scroll gallery that combined smooth swiping between watches with a vertical scroll for watch details and a full image slider, all while keeping frame rates stable.

What I Did

Architecture & Setup

Designed the complete frontend architecture from scratch using React Native with Expo, TypeScript, and Redux Toolkit. All UI components were built custom and reused consistently across the app. No off-the-shelf component libraries — everything was crafted to match Bucherer's luxury brand standards.

Authentication & Security

Implemented a dual-user system supporting guest access with limited features and full authenticated access. Token management handled via React Context — including silent refresh on API calls, local expiry checks without hitting the backend, and a retry mechanism before signing the user out. All tokens encrypted at rest. Local authentication via biometrics (Face ID / fingerprint) supported.

Performance & Offline Support

Optimised heavy collection screens with image caching strategies. Collections and product information remain browsable without an internet connection — only actions requiring backend interaction need connectivity.

Animations & Interactions

All animations and transitions built with React Native Reanimated — including the horizontal watch gallery with synchronised vertical scroll and image slider, crafted to feel native and premium without overstepping the brand's restraint.

Localisation

Implemented localisation for four languages — German, English, Danish, and French — with region-based language combinations, meaning the language served depends on both the user's country and their language preference.

Integrations

  • Google Analytics
  • OneTrust Cookie Consent
  • Push Notifications
  • Facebook SDK
  • WebSockets
  • Content Sharing
  • Salesforce Marketing Cloud SDK
  • Biometric Authentication

CI/CD & Release Pipeline

Configured a full CI/CD pipeline via Azure — automated builds triggered on merge, distributed through Expo to both Google Play and App Store. Expo OTA updates were also used where applicable. Reduced manual release overhead and ensured consistent, reproducible builds throughout the project lifecycle.

Independent Audit

The codebase underwent an independent security audit and code review conducted by a third-party firm — standard practice for enterprise-grade applications handling sensitive user and financial data. All findings were addressed before and after public launch.

Team & Mentoring

Delivered the MVP solo over 9.5 months before the App Store and Google Play launch. Subsequently worked with two junior engineers over a 3-month period — onboarding, code reviews, and day-to-day mentoring. For the past year, collaboration has continued with a mid-level engineer. Maintained close collaboration with the design team throughout, contributing animation proposals and interaction decisions alongside pixel-perfect implementation.

Awards

Recognition

The Bucherer Watch Wallet app received two Bronze awards at Best of Swiss Apps 2025 — one of Switzerland's most prestigious awards for mobile and web applications, judged by an independent expert jury. The awards recognised both the User Experience and Design of the app.

Best of Swiss Apps 2025 — Bronze Award User Experience
Best of Swiss Apps 2025 — Bronze Award Design

Results

  • Live on App Store & Google Play since November 2023
  • Best of Swiss Apps 2025 — Bronze Award (User Experience)
  • Best of Swiss Apps 2025 — Bronze Award (Design)
  • Ongoing development — still the lead frontend engineer
  • Independent security audit passed before and after launch