The watch scene in India is evolving in a way that is both refreshing and deeply exciting. While big names have long dominated the shelves, a new wave of microbrands is quietly shaping a more personal, story-driven side to watchmaking here. These are not faceless companies churning out mass-market pieces; they are passion projects, often started by individuals who are simply obsessed with watches and want to bring their interpretation to the wrist.

Today, I’m taking you through some of the most noteworthy microbrands from India, what drives them, the thought behind their designs, and the kind of craftsmanship they put into their timepieces. We’ll also talk about the quality of their movements and parts, because at the end of the day, a watch is as much about what’s inside as it is about how it looks.

Having had the pleasure of wearing and reviewing several timepieces from these microbrands, I can share my thoughts not just as a reviewer, but as a fellow watch enthusiast.

Bangalore Watch Company

Bangalore Watch Company, or BWC, has become almost synonymous with the phrase “modern Indian watchmaking”. They don’t just design watches, they weave in narratives, whether it’s the Mach 1 series inspired by the Indian Air Force or the Cover Drive that celebrates cricket.

BWC’s watches are targeted at premium buyers. This is not where you’ll find entry-level, gateway watches; their pricing sits at the higher end of the Indian microbrand spectrum. That’s intentional: BWC aims for the very best in quality, finishing, and after-sales service, all of which naturally add to the cost. They cater to customers who value long-term ownership and exceptional build.

In terms of build, BWC uses premium materials like sapphire crystals, surgical-grade stainless steel, and Swiss or Japanese automatic movements depending on the model. The finishing is clean and deliberate, with a clear focus on wearability and durability. Their quality control is consistent, and the attention to dial detailing shows in the crisp printing and lume application.

The Mach 1 Automatic is a perfect example, running on a reliable Swiss Sellita movement, known for its smooth sweep, stable accuracy, and ease of servicing. It is a watch that balances daily usability with the feeling of owning something with a deeper story.

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Jaipur Watch Company

Jaipur Watch Company blends fine watchmaking with India’s deep heritage in design and craftsmanship. Their pieces often feature hand-engraved dials, miniature paintings, or antique Indian coins embedded in the dial, turning every watch into a small work of art.

Mechanically, they rely on robust movements, usually Japanese Miyota automatics for mechanical offerings or Swiss quartz for slim, decorative models. While their cases and crystals lean toward the traditional side in design, the finishing is polished and refined, and the watches are surprisingly durable despite their ornate nature.

Their Coin Watch remains a signature creation, not just for its unique visual appeal, but for how it turns history into something you can wear on your wrist without feeling overly formal.

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Delhi Watch Company

Delhi Watch Company may be new, but they already have the confidence and design maturity to compete with international microbrands. Their style leans towards clean, balanced dials with subtle vintage cues, giving them versatility for everyday wear.

Most of their automatic models are powered by the Seiko NH35, a tried-and-tested workhorse known for its reliability, shock resistance, and accessible servicing. Build quality is solid, from the case brushing to the tactile feel of the crown. Even their straps show careful selection of materials, ensuring comfort without cutting corners.

In just a short time, they have successfully built a strong community around their watches, and stocks sell out quickly each time!

The Everest III is a rugged all-terrain automatic watch with a 316L steel case, 10 ATM water resistance, and sapphire crystal. Its unique two-layer floating dial combines BGW9 lume on a glass layer with a diamond-pattern sunburst base for striking light play.

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Argos

Argos takes a more refined and elegant approach to watchmaking. Their collections lean towards clean, minimalist dials with a wide variety of colour options, paired with either leather or stainless steel straps.

The brand has carved its niche, focusing on dressier designs that are versatile enough for both office and casual wear. Argos is also the only Indian microbrand offering a lifetime warranty policy (available at an additional cost), which adds to its appeal. Pricing is competitive, making them a hard brand to overlook if you’re looking for style and value in one package.

Beneath the surface, Argos relies on robust Seagull automatic movement, a choice that may surprise enthusiasts accustomed to Japanese calibres, but one that speaks to the brand’s commitment to refined craftsmanship over convention. Each movement is carefully selected and regulated to deliver accuracy, reliability, and longevity, proving that quality transcends origin.

Attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the meticulous finishing of their dials to the engraved casebacks and decorated rotors that whisper of mechanical artistry. Their generous lume ensures night-time readability, while thoughtfully engineered water resistance makes each watch a true companion in the field.

The Argos Olympus is a 40mm automatic watch powered by the ST 2530 movement, offering dual functionality with both timekeeping and a power reserve indicator, a rare feature in Indian watches. Built from 316L stainless steel with 5ATM water resistance, it combines a refined textured dial with practical features, standing out as an elegant yet functional option.

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Ajwain Watches

Ajwain Watches taps into a softer, more nostalgic side of watch collecting. Their designs echo mid-century style cues but are executed with modern materials and proportions.

Movements vary from quartz for everyday convenience to Japanese automatics for mechanical enthusiasts. Cases are generally slim, domed crystals add a touch of vintage charm, and dial colours are warm and inviting. You won’t find aggressive tool-watch styling here; instead, you get watches with character and comfort.

The Kakori 8 Down is a 38.5mm timepiece that features a Miyota 82S7 Japanese automatic movement, 20mm lug width, 46.8mm lug-to-lug, and 13.5mm thickness. Weighing just 63g without a strap, it offers a lightweight yet robust build

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Shaw Watches

Shaw Watches began in 2023 as ShawStraps, a small venture with a passion for timekeeping and a clear mission: to create high-quality watch straps that elevated both the style and functionality of any timepiece.

The Manta is a 38mm, 316L stainless steel dive watch with a slim 9.5mm profile, weighing just 66g. Powered by a Swiss Ronda 713 quartz movement with 5 jewels, it offers 200m water resistance, sapphire crystal, shock resistance, and a 120-click unidirectional bezel.

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Olavu

Olavu is more of an evolving project than a finished brand, but the early signs are promising. The design language is modern, with attention to sustainability and material choice. Prototypes suggest the use of sapphire crystals, robust case construction, and automatic calibres.

Prithwiraj Chaudhuri, a final-year student of Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories at NIFT, has crafted a wristwatch that blends sustainability with artistry. Using recycled aluminium sourced from automobile waste and pairing it with wooden dials inspired by Karnataka’s traditional Channapatna craft, he has created a timepiece that is both eco-conscious and culturally rooted. His innovative design has now earned an international design patent, marking a proud moment for Indian watchmaking creativity.

If they carry this vision through to production, Olavu could become a strong contender in the Indian microbrand space, offering something genuinely fresh.

📖 Read TOI Article

Final Words

Indian microbrands are no longer just side projects; they are producing watches that can hold their own globally. From my perspective, microbrands bring a lot of freshness to the watch world, often offering impressive specifications at competitive prices and designs that give enthusiasts exactly what they’ve always wanted.

That said, there are some realities to keep in mind. Limited-edition models tend to sell out quickly, and resale value can take a hit when a new version of the same watch is released just months later.

We filmed a dedicated YouTube video several months ago. Check it out!