A journey in time

Cool and smart designs have made wearing a watch a fashion statement, writes Supriyo Hazra

Once it was a necessity that made people embrace it on their wrists. But as the tides of time passed by and technology advanced, it has now turned more into a fashion statement than a necessity.

While the aged still prefer to wear golden and silver-framed watches, the young generation believes in wearing the ‘funky’ designs of contemporary times.

Keeping them in mind leading Indian watch manufacturer, Titan has been manufacturing the Fastrack match brand for quite some time now. Known for their funky and cool looks, the watch is quite popular among the teens and even young professionals.

"The Fastrack watches are my first hand choice. It is cool, funky and, at the same time, it matches with any kind of dress I wear. I wear it on every occasion," Garima Singh, a student, said.

"It is the unique design of the watch that separates it from the rest of the brands. I prefer to wear it from my office to a party," Smita Saha, a young professional said.

For those who prefer to take up adventures in life, Timex Expedition range offers a range of sports watches. But if you want a classic watch to adore your hands, then Titan has classic watches like Titan Edge, which is arguably the world’s slimmest watch with a thickness of 3.5`A0mm. Titan Raga, Regalia, Nebula and the Heritage are among the popular brands manufactured by Titan.

Rado and Citizen watches have also attracted the attention of the Indian consumer.

For those who prefer to show their class and style at the same time, watch brands like Rado, Omega, Rolex, Swatch,`A0Longines, Tommy Hilfiger, Tag Heuer and Tissot are a few names that hog the attention.

But it is the Eco-drive watches, which do not need change of batteries that are most`A0sought after these days. Watches are also to show off your money power often and the rich might go for a brand like Raymond Weil.

Last month, Raymond Weil unveiled their latest collection — Nabucco Inverso — in India.

The collection named after Giuseppe Verdi’s famous opera, the Nabucco Inverso embodies the power and nobility of spirit displayed by the King of Babylon in the opera’s final act, said a company spokesperson.

With a 46mm case and a tachometric bezel-sculpted in titanium, the Nabucco Inverso (male) is available at Rs 2, 24, 020.

Commenting on whether mobile phones have reduced the popularity of watch a young professional of Kolkata, Anumita Mukherjee said, "The companies designing the watches always think of manufacturing something lucrative, these impeccably designed watches are endorsed by celebrities to cause a better impact."

"A mobile can be an alternative but how can it be so stylish like wearing a watch."

But there are other people as well, who have different opinions and prefer to use a mobile phone as an alternative to watch.

"I do not feel like using a watch since I am using a mobile phone. It is an extra burden," Ramesh Chand said.`A0 — IBNS