The Indian influence on the world of luxury watchmaking

India is no longer just a market global luxury houses are eyeing; it’s becoming a muse. International brands are giving the country more than a passing nod, and our love affair with luxury watches is very much part of the story. 

From Franck Muller’s Ram Lalla-inspired Vanguard to Jacob & Co.’s latest tribute to Lord Ram, Indian collectors are having a field day and witnessing a welcome moment for our craft, our cultural stories and, of course, anyone who considers a watch more than just a way to tell the time. So, if horology is your love language, here are some India-inspired picks that are hard to resist.

Jacob & Co. Shri Ramchandra Watch

Jacob & Co. ‘s Shri Ramchandra Limited Edition is a three-piece creation inspired by the Ramayana and built on the brand’s Astronomia Solar platform. Housed in a 45.5mm 18-karat rose gold case, the timepiece features miniature representations of Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman and the Ayodhya Ram Temple, set against a blue mandala-patterned base. Adding to its celestial theatrics, a blue lacquered Earth rotates once every 60 seconds, while a one-minute flying tourbillon takes centre stage at 12 o’clock. An off-centred orange fire opal dial displays the hours and minutes, complemented by a Jacob-cut orange cubic zirconia representing the Sun. Powering the elaborate display is the hand-wound JCAM42 calibre, comprising 295 components and offering a 48-hour power reserve. A blue alligator leather strap and a custom ‘Jai Shri Ram’ engraving on the caseback add to the charm of it.

Franck Muller Vanguard “Ram Lalla” Limited Edition 

Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller has given its signature Vanguard silhouette an Indian narrative with the launch of the Vanguard ‘Ram Lalla’ Limited Edition, created in collaboration with Kapoor Watch Co. and designed exclusively for the Indian market. Paying tribute to Lord Ram in his childhood form, the timepiece features an intricate dial appliqué depicting Ram Lalla, brought to life through detailed laser work and relief engraving that takes approximately 30 hours per dial. The sculptural, dual-curved case is available in 18-carat rose gold and stainless steel, measuring 41 mm in width and 49.95 mm in length, while its Swiss automatic MVT 2536-SC movement offers a 42-hour power reserve. Even the strap is made combining rubber with grape-based vegan leather.

TAG Heuer Carrera Day Date India Edition

Bringing India’s linguistic diversity to the dial, TAG Heuer has unveiled the Carrera Day-Date India Limited Edition at Hours & Icons by Kapoor Watch Co., a timepiece that celebrates the philosophy of ‘One India’ through its design. Limited to just 250 pieces, the watch features 21 Indian languages represented across 13 scripts as hour markers, turning the dial into a tribute to the country’s cultural plurality. Its tricolour-inspired palette sees a sunray-brushed green dial paired with a crisp white day-and-date display at three o’clock and a striking saffron-orange seconds hand sweeping across its face. A minute track frames the outer edge, while the automatic Calibre TH31-02 movement powers the watch, delivering an impressive 80-hour power reserve and making a compelling case for wearing a little piece of India on your wrist.

Breitling x  Kapoor Watch Co. Limited-Edition Superocean Heritage Watch 

Marking 59 years of Kapoor Watch Co., Breitling has unveiled an exclusive limited-edition Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic 42, restricted to just 59 pieces. A contemporary take on the Swiss watchmaker’s 1957 dive-watch legacy, the timepiece features a 42mm stainless-steel case with a striking blue dial, a black scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and 18k gold accents across the hands, indexes and crown. The signature arrow-shaped hour hand, spear-shaped minute hand and date window at six o’clock retain the collection’s distinctive vintage-inspired aesthetic, while the black mesh-rubber strap adds a sporty finish. Powering the watch is Breitling’s Manufacture Caliber B31, an automatic movement offering approximately 78 hours of power reserve, with chronometer-grade precision. Water-resistant to 200 metres, it is as suited to underwater pursuits as it is to everyday wear. Each piece is engraved ‘One of 59’ and available exclusively through Kapoor Watch Co.

Jacob & Co. Epic X Ram Janmabhoomi Rose Gold Special

Crafted in a 44mm rose-gold case, the watch features an intricately engraved openworked dial depicting Lord Ram with his bow and arrow, Lord Hanuman and the Ram Mandir, alongside the sacred inscription Jai Shri Ram on its orange minute ring. A vibrant saffron-orange rubber strap adds a striking contrast to the precious-metal case. Underneath the detailed dial sits Jacob & Co.’s in-house JCAM02 manual-winding skeleton movement, offering a 48-hour power reserve.

Jaipur Watch Company Premium Baagh – Gaurav Mehta Signature Series

Handcrafted in Jaipur, this one is a timepiece that wears its Indian heritage on its sleeve, quite literally. The Premium Baagh – Gaurav Mehta Signature Series reimagines the tiger, a longstanding symbol of strength and royalty, through an intricately layered dial. A sculpted golden tiger takes centre stage against a turquoise natural-stone mosaic, offset by a time display wrapped in authentic pink Muslin Khadi. A miniature Rajput-inspired chhatri, set with a ruby, and delicate filigree detailing complete the ornate composition. Housed in a 40mm 904L stainless-steel case with a glossy gold finish and sapphire crystal, the watch is powered by a Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic movement with 26 jewels and a 48-hour power reserve.

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