Fourteen years ago, when WatchTime India was launched in the country, it was India's first international watch title. The year 2012 was a time when the watch market was burgeoning here, and a dedicated watch publication hoped to cater to an audience that was not merely curious about timepieces, but genuinely passionate about them. Today, as we mark our 14th anniversary, we're proud that we've had a role to play in building this community.
The Indian watch scene has transformed beyond recognition in the past decade, and nowhere is that more visible than right now. From Mumbai to Bengaluru, Delhi to Hyderabad, a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts has emerged—one that is informed, discerning, and deeply engaged. Independent watchmakers are finding a receptive audience here—just in this past quarter, we had two showcases, one in Jaipur and one in Delhi, for independent brands and people showed up with enthusiasm and curiosity. There is a surge in interest in not just entry-level pieces, but in high complications and limited editions. We partnered with Omega in May to showcase their space at Ethos Watch Boutiques's Kochi space, and in June collaborated with Citizen and Bulova to highlight the first outpost, also their flagship boutique, in north India. Vintage hunting has taken off as well—countless India-based groups on social media trade watches furiously and with knowledge. The country is no longer a peripheral market. It is, by every measure, one of the most exciting watch communities in the world.
Much of this growth has been shaped by the connections forged within the community itself, and we are proud to have played a part in that. Over the past five years, WatchTime India has gone beyond the magazine to actively build spaces where enthusiasts can meet, discuss, and share their passion for horology. Our events—held in cities across the country—have brought together first-time buyers and veteran collectors, and the team takes great pride in inclusivity. We have championed local voices: The independent watchmakers working quietly out of Indian studios, the young collectors whose knowledge about the watch world can rival that of most seasoned journalists, and the women redefining this space. Community, for us, is not a marketing word, it is a constant endeavour.
As we step into our 15th year, we carry with us an enormous sense of gratitude—to the brands that trusted us, the advertisers that supported us, and the readers who have kept us honest. Stick around, we're only getting started.