HMT Watches clocks Rs 35 lakh in single-day Independence Day sales in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Government-owned HMT Watches recorded sales of more than Rs 35 lakh on Independence Day, with thousands of customers turning up to buy limited-edition and rare watches in Bengaluru, Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy said on Monday.

Kumaraswamy told the media in Hassan district that the response to the special Independence Day collection significantly boosted the Centre's efforts to revive the public sector watchmaker.

Customers queued for more than 2.5 km to purchase the watches, reflecting continued demand for the HMT brand across generations, he said.


“HMT watches continue to enjoy a deep sense of affection and respect among people. There was a time when wearing an HMT watch was a matter of pride and prestige. Our objective is to bring that legacy back,” Kumaraswamy said.

The minister said the government had been working for the past two years to revive HMT's watch manufacturing operations. A high-level committee headed by former NITI Aayog member VK Saraswat was constituted to examine the revival plan and has submitted its report with recommendations.

“Based on these recommendations, we are working towards reviving the factory. I have also held discussions with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the matter,” Kumaraswamy said.

HMT, once a household name in India's watch market, has faced prolonged financial and operational challenges, with the government seeking options to revive its manufacturing operations and leverage the brand's residual consumer goodwill.

Kumaraswamy said the Independence Day response demonstrated that HMT retained strong brand equity, particularly among younger consumers.

He thanked customers, including senior citizens, youngsters and children, who queued up to buy the watches.

“The affection and goodwill that people continue to have for HMT is deeply encouraging. In particular, young people are showing tremendous enthusiasm for HMT watches. I hope this support and affection for the brand continues to grow,” he said.