Bangalore Watch Company's Ascent: A Conversation with Co-Founder Nirupesh B. Joshi

Charting a New Course: Bangalore Watch Company's Vision for Global Horology

The Genesis of a Vision: From Corporate Life to Crafting Timepieces

Nirupesh B. Joshi recounts his and Mercy's unexpected transition from demanding corporate roles in global tech consulting to the intricate world of watchmaking. This career shift, driven by a desire for independent creation, involved a steep learning curve and a commitment to understanding every facet of the industry from the ground up, embracing mistakes as part of the developmental process.

Igniting the Spark: The Inspiration Behind Bangalore Watch Company

The decisive moment that sparked their venture occurred in Hong Kong, where the intricate artistry and rich narratives of watch brands deeply resonated with them. This experience led them to recognize a void in the Indian market for a domestic brand that could offer both superior quality and a contemporary Indian identity, distinct from traditional or stereotypical representations. This realization quickly transformed their curiosity into a viable business concept.

Defining the Brand's Core: A Modern Indian Narrative in Watchmaking

Bangalore Watch Company consciously positions itself as a challenger to conventional Indian watch heritage. Their philosophy centers on crafting high-quality timepieces for an international audience, drawing inspiration from modern Indian themes such as the country's space program, aviation history, and sports achievements, rather than relying on outdated or stereotypical imagery. This forward-thinking approach has successfully attracted a significant international customer base, with 35% of their clientele residing outside India.

A Partnership in Time: Navigating Business and Life as Co-Founders

Joshi openly discusses the collaborative dynamic he shares with his wife, Mercy, in leading Bangalore Watch Company. Leveraging their individual strengths, he oversees product development, public relations, marketing, finance, and compliance, while Mercy manages customer experience, events, and operations. Their synergy, complemented by a dedicated team of thirteen, has been crucial to the brand's sustained progress.

Milestones and Innovations: BWC's Journey Since 2022

Since their last interview in 2022, Bangalore Watch Company has achieved substantial growth. Their product lines have diversified into distinct categories including Space, Aviation, Sport, and Outdoors, accompanied by notable technical innovations such as the development of Cerasteel™, sending a watch into stratospheric flight, and incorporating exotic materials like meteorites. Furthermore, the brand has established an in-house assembly, testing, and quality control facility in Bangalore, ensuring meticulous craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

Mastering the Supply Chain: Localizing Production and Global Partnerships

While maintaining a global supply chain, BWC has significantly increased its localized production within India over recent years. They continue to utilize movements from reputable Swiss suppliers like Sellita and La Joux-Perret for limited editions, but many other components are now sourced domestically. Their Bangalore workshop, staffed by Swiss-trained watchmakers, handles all assembly, testing, and quality control before watches are dispatched to customers worldwide.

Future Horizons: New Ventures and Global Ambitions

Looking ahead, Bangalore Watch Company is enthusiastic about its newly opened flagship boutique in Bangalore. This expansive 1600-square-foot space, featuring a customer lounge and masterclass area, aims to offer an immersive brand experience. In addition, the brand plans to introduce several new watch models in 2026, further expanding its product portfolio.

Expanding Reach: International Market Engagement and Overcoming Obstacles

Bangalore Watch Company's international clientele, particularly in the US, UAE, and Singapore, constitutes a significant portion of their business. Joshi notes that their modern Indian narratives resonate globally, demonstrating the universal appeal of compelling storytelling and thoughtful design. Despite challenges like market volatility and tariffs, BWC remains committed to its long-term objective of establishing a high-quality Indian watch brand for a global audience, actively engaging with international collectors through events like Dubai Watch Week and planned road trips.