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Saloni Dhruv profile imageSaloni DhruvPublished on

Forget that vintage Cartier or the newest Apple smartwatch you’ve been eyeing. Instead, check out these Made-in-India watch labels.

7 under-the-radar homegrown watch brands to know about

These ‘Made in India’ watch brands are worth checking out

Like everything else in our lives that is becoming more technology-driven, watches, too, have evolved from being just timepieces to go-to gadgets that not just tell you the time but also track your health, fitness levels and your emails. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the Indian watch market is projected to register a compound annual growth rate of 20.32 per cent over the period of 2022-2027. While Indian brands like Titan and international labels such as Omega and Swatch are witnessing a higher growth, as per the report, Indian boutique watch brands are trying to hold their ground by offering unique, one-of-a-kind design elements. So even though you’re eyeing that vintage Cartier or the newest Apple smartwatch, make room for these homegrown labels in your collection.

Wode:In the world of bulky chronographs and smartwatches, Reet Sawhney and Yankee Chhabra choose to carve out a niche by providing watches that are very simple and minimal. The duo created Wode in 2018 (the name being an ode to writer P.G. Wodehouse) to replace the idea of the overconsumption of logo-oriented and tech-based wristwatches with mindful and minimalist timepieces. Thin and sleek in designs, their watches are housed in a round dial of 40mm matter metal cases with classic but detachable 20mm tapered leather straps.Where to buy:Wodestudio.com

Wode:

In the world of bulky chronographs and smartwatches, Reet Sawhney and Yankee Chhabra choose to carve out a niche by providing watches that are very simple and minimal. The duo created Wode in 2018 (the name being an ode to writer P.G. Wodehouse) to replace the idea of the overconsumption of logo-oriented and tech-based wristwatches with mindful and minimalist timepieces. Thin and sleek in designs, their watches are housed in a round dial of 40mm matter metal cases with classic but detachable 20mm tapered leather straps.

Where to buy:

Wodestudio.com

Jaipur Watch Company:As India’s first bespoke watch company, it’s unsurprising that these handcrafted timepieces, like exquisite jewellery, are made by the skilled and talented artisans of Rajasthan. As an avid history lover, Gaurav Mehta’s obsession with collecting coins and stamps led him to have an ingenious idea of fashioning his own unique timepiece, which led to the creation of their first ever coin watch. Here, coins from the British era are turned into dials or Pichwai artwork is featured on the dials, all accompanied with leather straps. You can also design your own watch, which would make for a perfect gift to celebrate a special occasion.Where to buy: Jaipur.watch

Jaipur Watch Company:

As India’s first bespoke watch company, it’s unsurprising that these handcrafted timepieces, like exquisite jewellery, are made by the skilled and talented artisans of Rajasthan. As an avid history lover, Gaurav Mehta’s obsession with collecting coins and stamps led him to have an ingenious idea of fashioning his own unique timepiece, which led to the creation of their first ever coin watch. Here, coins from the British era are turned into dials or Pichwai artwork is featured on the dials, all accompanied with leather straps. You can also design your own watch, which would make for a perfect gift to celebrate a special occasion.

Where to buy:Jaipur.watch


Horpa: With a clever play on the words of horology (hor) and passion (pa), Rajeev Asrani started a watch label in India in 2017 after working in the watch industry in India and Aruba for nearly 15 years, along with Deepak Chaudhary. With the philosophy of “construction of design excellence,” the duo design, develop and deliver creations by mixing great design, fine material and excellent craftsmanship. Their first collection, C1, is a contemporary chronograph watch crafted in a solid stainless steel 45 mm case with dual finish. For something more timeless, there’s their mother-of-pearl collection that exudes understated beauty along with luxury in a 34mm fine polish stainless steel case coated with rose gold PVD.Where to buy: Horpawatches.com

Horpa: 

With a clever play on the words of horology (hor) and passion (pa), Rajeev Asrani started a watch label in India in 2017 after working in the watch industry in India and Aruba for nearly 15 years, along with Deepak Chaudhary. With the philosophy of “construction of design excellence,” the duo design, develop and deliver creations by mixing great design, fine material and excellent craftsmanship. Their first collection, C1, is a contemporary chronograph watch crafted in a solid stainless steel 45 mm case with dual finish. For something more timeless, there’s their mother-of-pearl collection that exudes understated beauty along with luxury in a 34mm fine polish stainless steel case coated with rose gold PVD.

Where to buy:Horpawatches.com

Bangalore Watch Company:If you think watches just tell time, Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Alamraj will beg to differ as their watches also tell inspiring stories from across India. The husband-wife duo decided to ditch their tech jobs in Hong Kong to start a watch label in Bengaluru in 2018. While from face value they may seem simple, round-dial watches with a metal casing, it’s the back of the watch that tells a unique story. Their collections are divided into three categories; one—the pilot watches, which tell the story of the Bangladesh liberation movement in East Pakistan, two—inspired by space, recollecting the humble beginnings of India’s space journey; and three—inspired by cricket, paying a tribute to India’s religion-like obsession towards cricket and cricketers alike.Where to buy: Bangalorewatchco.in

Bangalore Watch Company:

If you think watches just tell time, Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Alamraj will beg to differ as their watches also tell inspiring stories from across India. The husband-wife duo decided to ditch their tech jobs in Hong Kong to start a watch label in Bengaluru in 2018. While from face value they may seem simple, round-dial watches with a metal casing, it’s the back of the watch that tells a unique story. Their collections are divided into three categories; one—the pilot watches, which tell the story of the Bangladesh liberation movement in East Pakistan, two—inspired by space, recollecting the humble beginnings of India’s space journey; and three—inspired by cricket, paying a tribute to India’s religion-like obsession towards cricket and cricketers alike.

Where to buy:Bangalorewatchco.in

Aiqon:Chinmay Shah draws inspiration from the maximum city of Mumbai when it comes to designing his watches. The Indo-Gothic architecture of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus serves as the background for Aiqon’s 38mm stainless steel dials in watches that are beautiful, compact and add some nostalgic value. With a limited collection of 11 watches, all powered by Japanese quartz movements, Aiqon timepieces are intricate in design with a solid foundational case of 304 or 316L stainless steel.Where to buy:Aiqonwatches.com

Aiqon:

Chinmay Shah draws inspiration from the maximum city of Mumbai when it comes to designing his watches. The Indo-Gothic architecture of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus serves as the background for Aiqon’s 38mm stainless steel dials in watches that are beautiful, compact and add some nostalgic value. With a limited collection of 11 watches, all powered by Japanese quartz movements, Aiqon timepieces are intricate in design with a solid foundational case of 304 or 316L stainless steel.

Where to buy:

Aiqonwatches.com

Hammer:As an electronic tech brand, Hammer started off by delivering high-quality True Wireless Stereo (TWS) audio gadgets and fitness bands, but slowly moved to expand their product portfolio with the launch of its Pulse smart watch in 2020. It is equipped with a sensor that can measure the user's body temperature and also features a heart and blood pressure monitor, sleep tracker and push notifications for calls, text messages, Facebook and other apps. The smartwatch also has over 10 fitness workout modes, IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating, remote camera control, weather forecasting and a music controller, among other features.Where to buy: Hammeronline.in

Hammer:

As an electronic tech brand, Hammer started off by delivering high-quality True Wireless Stereo (TWS) audio gadgets and fitness bands, but slowly moved to expand their product portfolio with the launch of its Pulse smart watch in 2020. It is equipped with a sensor that can measure the user's body temperature and also features a heart and blood pressure monitor, sleep tracker and push notifications for calls, text messages, Facebook and other apps. The smartwatch also has over 10 fitness workout modes, IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating, remote camera control, weather forecasting and a music controller, among other features.

Where to buy:Hammeronline.in


Crossbeats:Primarily catering to audio, wearable-tech enthusiasts, Archit and Abhinav Agarwal founded Crossbeats in 2015. In August 2020, the duo launched smartwatches—Ace, Trak and Ignite—which feature health trackers such as blood pressure monitors, breath training, heart rate trackers and SpO2 analysers to scientifically monitor the user’s performance and track other details. If you’re in the market for a cheaper alternative to the hefty price tag that usually comes with smartwatches, try this homegrown brand that offers a range of design and functionality options.Where to buy:Crossbeats.com

Crossbeats:

Primarily catering to audio, wearable-tech enthusiasts, Archit and Abhinav Agarwal founded Crossbeats in 2015. In August 2020, the duo launched smartwatches—Ace, Trak and Ignite—which feature health trackers such as blood pressure monitors, breath training, heart rate trackers and SpO2 analysers to scientifically monitor the user’s performance and track other details. If you’re in the market for a cheaper alternative to the hefty price tag that usually comes with smartwatches, try this homegrown brand that offers a range of design and functionality options.

Where to buy:

Crossbeats.com

Also Read: 8 ultra-thin luxury watches that blend technology and aesthetics

Also Read: 10 boutique watch brands you should know about

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