Earlier this month, Auguste Reymond, a 127-year-old Swiss independent watch brand, opened its doors in India exclusively with Helios Luxe, country’s premium watch retail chain by Titan Company Ltd. Curated under a starry sky in Mumbai, the launch event was attended by watch collectors, enthusiasts, and celebrities to have a hands-on experience with the brand’s popular timepieces from its Origin, Unity, Heritage 1898, and Magellan collections.
Focused to produce high-quality watches all Auguste Reymond timepieces are all hand crafted and hand assembled in Nidua, Switzerland, and are limited in numbers. The highlight of the evening was the brand’s Origin Unitas Lunar (Ref. AR.OR.15H.301.000.301) featuring a fused carbon bezel that offers mystical green luminescent decor and a lunar texture dial. Encased in a 44 mm stainless steel case, it’s a time-only watch powered by the brand’s hand-wound UNITAS movement boasting a 44-hour power reserve.
I have also tried my hands on the Origin Unitas Skeleton (Ref. AR.OR.14H.001.901.301) showcasing a skeletonised dial with a peripheral minute ring and Roman hour markers on the half side. The watch shares the same silhouettes and movement as the Origin Unitas Lunar.
Auguste Reymond watches will be available across all Helios Luxe stores located in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Goa along with more boutiques, as Helios luxe is planning to open 20 boutiques in the country before the end of this financial year. The brand presented a total of 23 timepieces across its four collections at the launch event, with prices starting at ₹1.3 lakh and going up to ₹7.5 lakh.
Watchtime India caught-up with Rahul Shukla, Vice President Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Watches Division, Titan Company Ltd. and Sundar Klingenberg, CIO and Deputy CEO, Auguste Reymond, for a brief interview on the brand’s partnership with Helios Luxe….
WatchTime India: What motivated Helios Luxe to introduce Auguste Reymond to the Indian market?
Rahul Shukla: Auguste Reymond sits perfectly at the intersection of Helios Luxe’s three aspects - Aesthetics, horology, and value. It offers strong mechanical watchmaking with Unitas movements, deep design stories inspired by the cosmos, and the concept of infinity, and a 127-year legacy of Swiss watchmaking. When all these came together, we knew this was the right brand to introduce to India.
WTI: What aspects of the brand’s 127-year-old history are you emphasising for Indian customers?
Sundar Klingenberg: Our goal is to bring together our 127-year heritage with authenticity and modern design. Over the years, Auguste Reymond has developed many movements, at one point, even introducing 25 Unitas movements in a single year. We are open to exploring India-specific designs in the future like the watches that marry our Swiss heritage with India’s rich culture, landscapes, monuments, and design inspirations. India offers endless creative possibilities.
WTI: What would be the target customer for Auguste Reymond?
RS: Someone who has built affluence through intellectual capital. They are self-made and seek artefacts that reflect their personal journey. Someone who is not driven by celebrity endorsements or overt branding. Someone who asks: Does this watch reflect who I am? A century-old legacy combined with authentic storytelling resonates deeply with such individuals. So the audience is anyone seeking substance, heritage, and quiet confidence—regardless of age.
WTI: With several Swiss brands already present in India, what distinguishes Auguste Reymond?
SK: Our philosophy of time is based on emotion, memory, and experience, not just measurement. Our watches are meant to be worn for life and carry the wearer’s memories. This emotional connection, combined with our heritage and craftsmanship, truly sets us apart.
WTI: How do you see India’s luxury watch ecosystem evolving, especially within Titan’s luxury portfolio?
RS: Several factors are driving growth. Rising incomes, expanding middle and upper-middle classes, and global exposure through smartphones and the internet have transformed consumer expectations. India is now a very attractive market for global watchmakers. The retail experience here is world-class, price parity has improved, and launches are simultaneous with global markets. Consumers no longer need to travel abroad to buy luxury watches. Additionally, the ₹1–5 lakh segment—where Helios Luxe operates—is the fastest-growing part of the market. We also see growth extending beyond metros into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, which we plan to tap into soon.
WTI: How many cities will Helios Luxe carry the brand initially?
RS: We are launching in five cities for now. By the end of this financial year, we will have close to 20 Helios Luxe stores. Over the next four years, we plan to expand to nearly 100 stores across India.
WTI: What are your expectations from the Indian market over the next five years?
SK: India is a growing market, and we are just at the beginning of this journey. We hope to grow steadily alongside the market—but ultimately, let’s see what’s written in the stars.
Images: Courtesy brand and Helios Luxe
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