Time Flies: Bringing together Aviation and Horology.
For decades, aviation has inspired some of the most iconic luxury timepieces, with Swiss luxury brands creating pilot watches that embody precision, functionality, and adventure. Bangalore Watch Company™, founded by Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj in 2018, is bringing this legacy closer to home, crafting modern timepieces that tell Indian stories, including a celebrated collection inspired by India’s aviation milestones.
In this exclusive interview, Nirupesh Joshi discusses the unique journey of building an independent luxury watch brand, how aviation has shaped the brand’s ethos, and what it means to combine a passion for flight with the art of horology.
“We’ve always believe that a watch should tell a story, and for us, MACH 1 is that story.”
What led you to create Bangalore Watch Company™?
Bangalore Watch Company™ started with a simple idea: to create luxury watches that tell the stories of modern India. It was created to fill a gap in the Indian watch industry. We saw that while international brands were producing watches with exceptional quality and captivating stories—like those inspired by space, aviation, and sports—Indian watch brands lacked both world-class craftsmanship and modern storytelling. Most Indian watches focused on traditional themes, like gods or monuments, which didn’t resonate with the current times.
What is the inspiration of the MACH 1 collection, and how does it align with the brand’s vision?
The MACH 1 collection came from a deep desire to honour India’s aviation history and the courageous people who shaped it. We’ve always believed that a watch should tell a story, and for us, MACH 1 is that story. Each watch in the MACH 1 collection represents the achievements of visionaries who have helped shape India’s aviation journey.
This collection is not just about making watches; it’s about telling the story of India’s aviation history and connecting people to it. It aligns with our brand’s goal of creating watches that go beyond telling time – so we take themes from across aviation like the Air Force, Civil Aviation, and Naval Aviation.
How does Indian Aviation influence the MACH 1 collection?
The collection honours the legacy of Indian aviation through unique design elements and materials. For instance, the MACH 1 Admiral features a dial made from steel recovered from the INS Vikrant R11, paying tribute to India’s naval aviation.
The MACH 1X took inspiration from the MiG-21 Type 77, incorporating design from the aircraft, and a special edition uses aluminium from a mission flown decommissioned MiG-21 Type 77 fighter jet.
We’re proud of our women in Indian aviation. Indian women contribute 15% to piloting roles in India, and this number is much higher than some mature aviation markets in the west. So, the MACH 1 Silk Scarf, with its “Aerobloom” dial colour, celebrates the women of Indian aviation.
Each watch in the MACH 1 collection is a story brought to life through its design. They connect people to India’s aviation journey, whether or not they are aviation enthusiasts, making every piece more than just a watch – it’s a piece of history.
What is the story of the MACH 1 Synchro?
Watchmaking is all about timing and precision, so we looked for inspiration in the aviation world for this. The MACH 1 Synchro is a limited-edition watch that celebrates the precision and teamwork of India’s Formation Aerobatics team – Suryakiran.
With its unique design elements inspired by the iconic aerobatic displays, including a 9-aircraft diamond formation at the 9H position and a red-and-white minute hand inspired by cockpit Airspeed indicators, the watch embodies the skill and synchronization of these elite pilots.
Produced in just 125 pieces, it’s a watch that honours 25 years of India’s formation aerobatic skills. This is a very special watch to us
“We hope to inspire a sense of pride and connection in those who wear our watches”
Who are your customers?
I think we can safely agree that we don’t need a watch to tell time anymore. We only wear a watch because there is a sentimental value to it. Our customers are looking for unique watches that tell stories. When they put on a watch, they feel a shared connection with our aviation, space or cricket inspired watches. These could be businessmen, lawyers, doctors, bankers, and senior leaders in the industry.
70% of our business is in India, while 30% of our business is overseas. We have shipped our watches to over 30 countries over the past 7 years. Ultimately, we hope to inspire a sense of pride and connection in those who wear our watches, while setting a benchmark for what an Indian luxury brand can achieve in the cluttered luxury watch market.
( Advertorial)
