Bengalureans like to tell time on a tech-savvy watch; Delhi keeps it flamboyant, and Mumbai classic

By Smita Balram

Revathi Kant, chief design officer at Indian watchmaker Titan, clocks in new timepiece trends, discusses India’s buying behaviour and convergence of design and tech as the future of the watch industry in a quick chat.

Q. What are the current timepiece trends?
Earlier, watches were functional time keeping devices. Then they turned into style accessories. The emergence of technology has once again brought back the functional aspect without compromising on the style quotient.


Watches, which give your health data along with time, are becoming major trends in India as well as in the global market. This is an era of smart technology and watches are increasing following that trend.

Many counter trends are also becoming big. Mechanical watches are gaining immense popularity. Interestingly, not only the Swiss watchmaking greats but many brands are confidently demonstrating their pursuit of independence with proprietary calibers and constructions. There is an increased demand for highest quality mechanics which takes back time pieces to an era of hand craftsmanship and precision. Classic retro designs are becoming big along with simplicity and minimalistic design.

Highly ornate and high glam look is going out. It is being replaced by modern, steel and minimalistic look. The success of Titan’s slimmest watch Edge in ceramic is a manifestation of this look.

Q. Do you see any disparity in the way different Indian cities respond to designs?
India is a melting pot of various cultures, languages, traditions and design preferences. Although globalization and high internet penetration has made everyone a very informed buyer but we are still noticing strong cultural and demographic biases which are shaping buying behaviors.

North India, especially Delhi, has always liked more masculine and flamboyant look while Mumbai has always preferred classic and formal look. Southern India has strong cultural linkages and still prefers something rooted and more traditional. Bengaluru, being a silicon city, is cosmopolitan. It is a vibrant city which has young technology driven demographics. Hence, tech products which are targeted towards youth have done exceedingly well in Bengaluru.


Q. How will design play a role in future despite the challenges of digitization and democratisation of gadgets and technology?
Convergence of Design and Tech is really the way forward. Digitization is playing a key role in various facets of design and design process. As tech is becoming more pervasive consumers are asking better experiences all across value chains. It is imperative for designers and design community to accept this change and use future technology to amplify our ability to design.

Another challenge is ever-evolving and hyper dynamic behavior of consumer. This is a challenge to designers, marketers and design community. Traditionally design and marketing have always democratized and segmented the user but in today’s world customised offering and ‘designing for one’ is a big ask. Evolving technologies like 3D will make it possible.

AI in product design is another big influencer. It is important to embrace this technology and shape the future of our brands and products. We also feel that when tech is democratized, it is the design which will differentiate. Making Smart beautiful is really the way forward which Titan as a brand is pursuing.