India is valuable to the luxury watch market: Alexander Schmiedt of Vacheron Constantin

Palaces and Information Technology do not define India. But they are very real aspects of the country's past and present. This rare combination of royal heritage and technological wherewithal make India a valuable market for some luxury brands.

Not long ago at a terrace lounge in Mumbai, Alexander Schmiedt, brand director, Middle East and India of Vacheron Constantin spoke about the Indian watch clientele over the decades. Their taste, Schmiedt said, spanned the gamut of timepieces - from vintage pocket watches to modern designs.

"India as a market is very much rooted in heritage and tradition and at the same time very much future-oriented," Schmiedt said. Schmiedt also had an open mind about the trend of men wearing a bracelet with a watch. "As long as it's a perfect mix match," he said. Horology purists may disagree.