Desi Heritage

My first ever backpack foreign trip was to the USA in 1999. During my last leg of the trip to New York, I happened to visit my cousin near Philadelphia. Like all tourists, I also saw Philadelphia's Liberty Bell of Independence. I was super impressed with the immersive patriotic experience for 250 odd years old Bell. While returning to India, the same Bell rang in my head regarding our possibilities with Indian Heritage and our culture. My backyard in Nagpur, where I had spent my childhood, had beautiful ruins from Raghoji II Bhosala period(1788–1816).

Being in the watch industry, I was fascinated by how the Swiss Watch Industry celebrated craftsmanship and Heritage. My inspiration was rooted in ancient tradition yet tempered with modern sophistication. Drawing a parallel, I was intrigued by the Indian perspective on the watch industry. And so my following watch collection, the Heritage Collection, was inspired by timelines of various influences on Indian architecture.

I started sketching concepts, and by the end of 2001, I was ready with my designs. Finally, in 2005 team Titan agreed to put the watches into production. Some of the intricate stone carving-styled dials, stone texture on Stambha, and mother-of-pearl dials/ bracelets posed a considerable challenge to the project. While most manufacturers refused to take up unconventional work, team NPD found a very enterprising vendor in China. I carried marble and red stone pieces to show the rough texture I wanted.

In 2007, we were ready to launch. The marketing team planned the launch and merchandise meticulously. Titan ensured the due credit was given to the designer by engraving the name on each timepiece. I can not thank Titan enough for their showered opportunity and support to a young designer. And my sincere and special thanks to Harish Bhat

Harish Bhat had just joined Titan as COO, and when he heard the Heritage collection story, he found a deep connection with the story. To my surprise, he offered to write the collection and watch stories personally. (Imagine how lucky I was!)

Here is a small glimpse of his beautiful poetry-

For centuries have we celebrated marble and stone

In temples and palaces that we live and we own

A confluence of streams that have shaped Indian thought

Of Gods and of Kings, and of battles fought.

Titan pays tribute to this glory of our lands

Each watch a piece of history on our hands.

Titan Heritage was one the most successful Desi in the Design of personal narrative. People loved the collection, and I still receive kind messages and watch images of proud owners.

The collection was designed in 2001 and was launched in 2007. When I personally asked Bhaskar Bhat, MD, about the delay, he said something profound, "Now, India is ready for India".

I See Desi.

I See Design.