When luxury watches are mentioned, the Swiss and Japanese watchmaking giants come to mind. But in the heart of India, Jaipur Watch Company (JWC) is rewriting the narrative. Founded in 2013 by Gaurav Mehta, JWC is India’s first bespoke watch brand, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern luxury. As a testament to the Make in India initiative, JWC is a brand that encapsulates the country’s rich history and heritage in every timepiece.

A Childhood Passion Turned Legacy

For Gaurav Mehta, the seeds of JWC were sown in his childhood. As a history enthusiast, he was fascinated by rare coins and stamps. “Each coin had its own story,” he recalls. His love for history turned into an obsession when he experimented with his first coin watch, using his father’s tools and a borrowed timepiece.

What started as a simple experiment soon led to a lifelong passion, culminating in the foundation of Jaipur Watch Company. His vision was clear—to create watches that weren’t just timepieces but historical artifacts that connected people to India’s regal past.

The Journey to Building India’s Luxury Watch Brand

Starting a micro-brand in India in 2013 was a daunting task. At the time, luxury watchmaking was dominated by international brands, and the Indian market had little exposure to homegrown luxury. “The first few years were incredibly tough,” says Gaurav. Without major social media platforms or sophisticated marketing tools, he relied on traditional PR and word of mouth.

His focus, however, was never on mass production or quick sales but on exclusivity and craftsmanship. By 2014, Jaipur Watch Company had launched through a shop-in-shop retail model. The real breakthrough came in 2022 when the brand gained nationwide recognition after featuring on Shark Tank India.

“Shark Tank changed the game for us. It gave us traction and visibility,” Gaurav explains. The brand soon opened its flagship store at Select Citywalk, Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious shopping destinations.

Iconic Coin Watches: Merging History with Luxury

JWC is best known for its coin watches, where historic coins are embedded into the watch dial. The One Rupee 1947 series, featuring the iconic walking tiger, has become a collector’s item. “These coins were once minted in millions, and we have preserved enough inventory to continue production for the next three years,” says Gaurav.

Each design is deeply rooted in Indian heritage, making the watches a symbol of cultural pride. With their intricate detailing and vintage charm, these watches often sell out within a month of their release.

Expanding Beyond India: The Franchise Model and Global Plans

Today, Jaipur Watch Company is rapidly expanding. With five standalone stores across India, the brand is set to open ten franchise locations by year-end. What sets JWC apart is its franchise-owned, company-operated model, ensuring consistency in customer experience.

International expansion is also on the horizon, with a planned launch in Dubai. “We’re partnering with a retailer in Dubai to enter the global luxury market,” Gaurav reveals. This move marks a significant milestone for the brand as it prepares to take Indian watchmaking to an international audience.

Luxury for Women: A New Chapter

JWC recently introduced a women’s designer collection, merging jewelry craftsmanship with horology. “Women’s watches are not just about telling time; they are about making a statement,” Gaurav explains. Adorned with precious stones and intricate detailing, these timepieces appeal to women who value both luxury and individuality.

The overwhelming response to this collection reinforces JWC’s ability to innovate while staying true to its heritage.

Reviving Polo with Timekeeping

JWC is also deeply involved in polo, having been the official timekeeper for Put Polo events for the past three years. To celebrate this association, the brand launched a special Polo Edition watch, featuring a signature green design and customizable elements.

“Polo is close to my heart,” says Gaurav. “I see it as a sport with immense potential in India, and supporting it is more of a passion than a business decision.”

The Personal Touch: Gaurav’s Bespoke Creation

Despite designing hundreds of bespoke watches, Gaurav had never created one for himself—until recently. His personal masterpiece, a stunning blue lapis lazuli watch with his name inscribed, quickly caught attention.

“A client saw it and said, ‘I want to buy this, with your name on it.’ That’s when I realized there was a market for highly exclusive pieces,” Gaurav shares. Now, JWC is launching a super-limited edition of 50 watches, featuring rare stones and exquisite craftsmanship.

The Future of Jaipur Watch Company

JWC is more than a brand; it’s a movement. With Indian consumers gradually embracing homegrown luxury, Gaurav envisions a bright future for the Indian watch industry.

“The fact that we now have 10-15 Indian micro-brands shows that things are changing. Luxury is no longer just about international labels—it’s about heritage and storytelling,” he says.

Jaipur Watch Company has carved a niche in an industry dominated by global giants. With its handcrafted, history-infused timepieces, it is redefining Indian luxury and proving that a JWC watch is more than just a watch—it’s a legacy waiting to be passed down.