Have you ever wondered where watches come from? Sure, it is difficult to look down at your hand and imagine something other than a watch to tell the time, but how did it begin?
Which jeweller, artisan, or goldsmith saw clocks on the wall and thought, “Huh, that would look great on a wrist”?
Fast forward to the present, and on many people’s wrists, the humble watch has been cast aside for something… smarter.
If you’re a watch aficionado, however, you’ll be familiar with the feeling of one watch simply not being enough.
A watch is a versatile accessory. A collection of watches is no different from a collection of bags.
There are traditional watch brands, such as Fossil, Citizen, Seiko, and Tudor. These, and many luxury brands, are household names for good reason, but if you’re looking to diversify your catalogue, Masala’s got you covered.
Here are five Indian watch brands making their mark in the world of horology.
This Indian watch microbrand sets itself apart with unique designs that never compromise on quality.
Delhi Watch Company’s popularity is undeniable, as watches go out of stock fast with every collection drop.
Some of our favourite collections include the DWC Triple Crown (INR 5,999), a watch inspired by the F1 championships, or the DWC Heritage (INR 8,499) with its classic design and an option between Arabic and Devanagari numerals.
Available at delhiwatchcompany.com
Perhaps most famously seen on the wrists of celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Kapil Dev, and even a member of Jaipur’s royal family, Jaipur Watch Company is known for its bespoke watches that adopt themes of Indian heritage.
This approach makes the watchmaking company one of a kind, at least in India.
The Eternal Watch (INR 50,000) has a unique watch face. It is a minted One Pice coin from newly independent India.
This coin watch face is reflected in several of their watch designs.
For more of a statement, Jaipur Watch Company’s Stamp Watch (INR 40,000) uses an Indian postal stamp from 1935–1945 as its watch face.
Available at jaipur.watch
Another watch microbrand, Ajwain Watches, was founded in 2017 by watch enthusiast Vikram Narula.
The brand’s design doesn’t just exist to tell time but also tell a story.
The Kakori 8 Down (INR 33,025), inspired by the 1925 Kakori train robbery, features an engraving of the train on the case back.
The Sholavaram III Vintage Panda Chronograph (INR 30,950), inspired by heritage motorsport, is perfect for those who wish to combine nostalgia with elegance.
Available at ajwa.in
Women’s watches have come a long way in the past 50 or so years, but sometimes, no matter how hard we try, a watch might clash with an outfit.
Kaashnii understands this dilemma.
Although mainly a jewellery brand, lately Kaashnii has stepped into the world of watchmaking.
Their wristwatches are unique because their straps are not made of leather or fabric but rather from traditional Indian jewellery.
This approach allows the watch face to become a statement itself while blending into your jewellery.
For full-on glam, try the Layla Kundan Wrist Watch (INR 3,799).
If subtle is more your speed, the Rutvi Peachy Pink Kundan Wrist Watch (INR 2,999) may be the perfect fit.
Available at kaashnii.com
A stalwart in Indian watchmaking, Titan has been telling time to generations of Indians, from Gen X to Millennials and Gen Z.
The company’s brand of women’s watches, Titan Raga, can do it all.
From party eleganza to everyday wear, there is something for everyone in their numerous collections.
Looking for a watch that brings the drama?
Want to shift the conversation at a dinner party from the latest scandal to total adoration?
Try the Raga Cocktails collection for watches that double as elegant bracelets.
If you’re searching for a watch that slots perfectly into your classic, 90s Calvin Klein-esque, minimalist wardrobe, the Raga Memoirs line has an array of options to choose from.
Some watches even come with accessories like bangles, necklaces, and rings.
Available at titan.co.in/titan-raga.html