Jaipur Watch Company: Blending Tradition With Timeless Elegance
A Timeless Beginning
Jaipur Watch Company stands as India’s pioneer bespoke watchmaker, offering an exclusive collection that marries tradition with contemporary design. Established in 2013, the brand is on a mission to provide elegant timepieces for discerning individuals worldwide. Each watch is not merely a timekeeping device; it’s a meticulously handcrafted piece that embodies tradition and is designed to be cherished across generations.
Crafting History: The Core Philosophy
The foundation of Jaipur Watch Company rests on the belief that a timepiece should be a custodian of history. This philosophy is reflected in the brand’s two distinct lines: Ready-To-Wear and Bespoke. The former draws artistic inspiration from historical elements, while the latter involves deeply personal creations based on the client’s insights. Regardless of the approach, Jaipur Watch Company upholds faultless mechanical watchmaking craftsmanship, ensuring that each timepiece becomes a signature statement.
Beyond Boundaries: The Unique Offerings
In a world where customization reigns supreme, Jaipur Watch Company breaks new ground. Founded by Gaurav Mehta, the brand allows patrons to create custom-built watches, adding a personal touch to timekeeping. From eclectic designs using antique coins and postage stamps to hand-painted images and pictures of deities, the options are as diverse as one’s imagination.
Gaurav Mehta’s Vision
The inception of Jaipur Watch Company was not without its challenges. Gaurav Mehta, the founder and director, dared to challenge the dominance of big international brands in an industry saturated with marketing giants. Starting with a modest investment of Rs 30 lakh in 2013, Mehta’s vision was to prove that Indian watches could be both exquisite and bespoke.
From BMW to Bespoke: The Entrepreneurial Journey
In 2013, Gaurav Mehta kickstarted Jaipur Watch Company with an investment of Rs 30 lakh. He managed this by selling his BMW car and borrowing money from friends. Fast forward to today, the company is in good financial health. Today, with an annual turnover of Rs 3 crore and a debt-free status, Jaipur Watch Company stands as a testament to Mehta’s determination and passion for crafting unique timepieces.
The Manufacturing Odyssey
Setting up a manufacturing unit in Bengaluru in 2015 marked a pivotal moment for Jaipur Watch Company. With an initial investment of Rs 1.2 crore, the company achieved financial stability in 2017. Currently, producing 1800-2000 watches annually, the brand has found its niche online and through retail outlets at prestigious hotels.
The Raja Ravi Varma Collection: A Tribute to Legacy
As Jaipur Watch Company celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023, the brand introduces the limited-edition Raja Ravi Varma collection. Timed with the 175th birth anniversary of the iconic painter, this collection, consisting of only 112 watches, pays homage to India’s first modernist artist. The meticulous process of recreating Ravi Varma’s paintings on the watch dial involved an MOU with Kilimanoor Palace Art Trust and a special printer imported from Japan.
Arty Facts and Limited Edition
The watches, made on coins, are limited editions due to the scarcity of these unique collector’s items. Gaurav Mehta shares his dedication to building a collection, often spending months collaborating with numismatic societies and auction houses. Each watch in this collection comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Rama Varma Thampuran, adding an extra layer of exclusivity.
Jaipur Watch Company Dives into the Shark Tank: A Global Debut
In a significant turn of events, Jaipur Watch Company and its founder, Gaurav Mehta, found themselves in the spotlight earlier this year as participants in Shark Tank India (Season 2). Mehta shared his transformative experience on the global show, emphasizing the unparalleled marketing opportunity it provided. Although Jaipur Watch Company didn’t secure a deal from the Sharks, the exposure proved invaluable. Learning from the sharks’ insights, Mehta swiftly translated their emphasis on physical retail presence into action. Post-episode, the brand promptly opened two stores in Delhi and Jaipur, a strategic move to bridge the gap in an era dominated by virtual commerce. The episode’s impact was not only seen in the increased foot traffic to Jaipur Watch Company’s website, with over 50,000 visitors overnight but also in the surge of their Instagram followers, gaining a remarkable 1000+ new enthusiasts.
A Starry Affair: Jaipur Watch Company’s Gift to Amitabh Bachchan
Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, Jaipur Watch Company continued to make waves. Gaurav Mehta revealed a fascinating chapter in the brand’s journey, with Anupam Mittal, one of the Sharks, becoming a client. Mittal not only ordered two watches from Jaipur Watch Company but also commissioned a special timepiece for the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. The watch, a bespoke creation, was presented to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan on the sets of KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati). This notable endorsement not only added a star-studded chapter to Jaipur Watch Company’s portfolio but also underscored the brand’s growing recognition in the world of horology.