Jaipur Watch Company, renowned for its unique blend of precision and historical charm, introduces a new collection that captures the essence of India’s rich numismatic heritage. This collection features timepieces adorned with historical coins, such as the 1937 stamps bearing King George VI’s portrait, early 1900s one anna coins, and the iconic quarter rupee baagh coins from 1947. Each watch serves as a miniature museum, showcasing the evolution of Indian coinage through various shapes and sizes.
The Eternal Watch Collection
The latest addition to their lineup, the Eternal Watch collection, prominently features the one pice coin on its dial. Gaurav Mehta, the founder of Jaipur Watch Company, highlights the significance of this coin, noting its representation of India’s independence. “This was the first coin to feature the Ashok Stambh on one side and a galloping horse on the other,” he explains. Although India gained independence in 1947, it wasn’t until January 26, 1950, that the country began minting its own coins. This collection comprises 300 watches, split between stainless steel and gold-plated versions, with dials crafted from blue or white mother of pearl. The entire process, from design to production, spans five months.
A Passion for Coins
Coins have been a recurring theme in Gaurav’s collections, reflecting his passion as a coin collector. Over the past decade, he has amassed a collection of over 1,000 one pice coins. “I’ve been in the watch business for 11 years, specializing in coin watches. My inventory is sufficient to last seven to eight years,” he shares. Gaurav’s network includes auction houses and numismatists who inform him of new coin acquisitions, fostering a vibrant community of coin enthusiasts.
Gaurav’s fascination with watches began in childhood, driven by curiosity. “I used to dismantle toys and watches to see their inner workings. One day, I found a one pice coin with a hole in the center. I decided to incorporate it into a Maxima watch using Fevikwik and wore it,” he recalls with a smile. His personal collection now exceeds 400 watches from various brands, with his first being a Swatch gifted by his grandfather.
Celebrating Indian Craftsmanship
India’s cultural heritage is a central theme in Gaurav’s creations, evident in collections like the Pichwai Art watches and the Raja Ravi Varma series. “Our focus is on celebrating Indian craftsmanship. Our design philosophy is deeply rooted in India. You won’t find us making sports chronographs or divers watches,” he asserts. “We are committed to old-school watchmaking, drawing inspiration from vintage and Art Deco styles, and infusing Indianness through elements within the watch.”
Global Recognition
While the watches are crafted in India, the machinery is sourced from Japan or Switzerland. Despite the global competition from iconic watchmakers, Gaurav notes a growing acceptance of Indian-made watches. “In the past four years, the market has embraced Indian watch brands. When I started in 2013, it was challenging with no clients, suppliers, or market acceptance. Now, we ship seven to eight orders weekly to destinations like Dubai, Singapore, Australia, and the US,” he says.
The Eternal Watch collection is priced starting at ₹45,000 and is available on the Jaipur Watch Company’s website, as well as in stores located in Delhi, Pune, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad, and at Taj Khazana and Oberoi Tijori.
