Collecting timepieces might be seen as a personal journey, but watch collector group Timegrapher is making it about philanthropy as well. The group, which was founded by Sohan Balachandran in 2019 in Kerala, and today has chapters in Bangalore and the GCC, (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar) has been quietly executing its ‘Watches for Success 2025’ program, which felicitates underprivileged children who have an excellent academic record, with a watch, cash prize, and certificate.
Started last year, the initiative is the brainchild of member and Kottayam native Rittu C Joseph, a strategy professional with an automobile manufacturer. Developed as a means of giving back to the society, group members, through word of mouth (personal contacts like friends, relatives, and neighbours, who are working in higher secondary schools across Kerala) identify students and work with the schools to shortlist those who can benefit from the recognition.
Children are selected on the basis of commendable results received in Class 12; their family background; and career aspirations. Members pool in to contribute towards the cash prize of Rs 5000 per child - last year, the group covered the districts of Trivandrum, Kollam, Allepey, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Trissur, Malappuram, Palakkad, Kannur, and Kozhikode, awarding 12 students.
This year, Timegrapher has so far covered Allepey and Thrissur, awarding four children, two in each district. The group is looking to complete the districts of Ernakulam and Trivandrum before the end of August.
“For the initiative, we have received huge commitment and support from the members. Financial support aside, the time dedicated by the members in identifying the children, doing the groundwork, etc are all commendable and selfless,” says Joseph.
It was specifically decided to help those on the cusp of matriculation as this is a critical juncture where children branch out into different streams of studies and get exposure to various opportunities to grow and build their career. This year, the cash award given to one of the students will go towards the payment of her Chartered Accountancy coaching class. In Thrissur, the group rewarded children in member Amar Hassan’s home.
Aligning with the ethos of the community, a watch is also awarded. “We believe that an inevitable part of the existence of a group like ours has to do with society. And when we shared stories about our watch collecting journeys, many mentioned a watch being awarded for a childhood success by one of the relatives and how those memories are etched deep in our minds. That’s when this idea emanated – why not congratulate kids who have done well in the plus two exams despite challenging conditions, with a gift,” says Joseph.
Before gifting the watches, group members provide the awardees a shortlist of the watches they can choose from. “Coincidentally, most of them choose the Casio vintage,” Joseph adds. However, this year Titan watches have also been gifted.
Titan watch gifted to children
So what is the long-term vision of the initiative? “I am sure this initiative will continue irrespective of the individuals handling it now. The cause is great and the feeling is shared with the same intensity by all of us involved,” says Joseph.
Images: Courtesy Rittu C Joseph.
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