India's love affair for limited edition luxury watches is just beginning

For many, watches are devices of precision and punctuality. For others, though, they represent complex mechanisms born of meticulous craftsmanship—more than just tools for telling time, they’re keepsakes that commemorate life’s milestones, a first job, a personal achievement, a festive celebration, or an heirloom passed down in an intimate ceremony. Whatever the perspective, watches have long been the ultimate statement—both as gifts and accessories—suiting any occasion.

It’s no surprise, then, that the watch market in India has seen consistent growth over the years. A recent Deloitte report on the country’s luxury watch segment highlights how luxury watches are increasingly replacing jewellery as the preferred choice for gifting and investment. In response, global watchmakers are now focusing on India, unveiling limited-edition pieces tailored to appeal to this growing market.

“Collector's edition watches often feature limited production runs, bespoke designs inspired by iconic moments, or collaborations with legendary brands that make them truly unique,” says Myank Nagpal, Global Managerial Head of French Connection Watches and spokesperson for Ducati Watches India. “Watches with a rich history, especially those from heritage brands, are likely to see even greater demand as people seek a connection to the past.”

Functionality meets legacy 

When it comes to luxury watches, functionality, of course, is paramount. The Omega Speedster or “Moonwatch”, for example, has long been coveted for its association with space exploration as the NASA-qualified watch that helped save the Apollo 13 mission from imminent disaster. 

There is also a sense of history and heritage surrounding the allure of these chronographs. “A timepiece isn’t just about functionality,” adds Nagpal, “it’s a piece of art and culture that carries the legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. The ultimate goal behind curating limited edition collections is to create a sense of exclusivity, and prestige, and even build a community of collectors that appreciates the craftsmanship that goes behind creating even a single timepiece. Even the time that a watchmaker takes to create those one-off pieces, imbibing a slow-churn process as opposed to mass-produced ones, sets them apart. ”

To this end, owning a collector’s edition watch is not just about the watch itself, but about the experience of owning the watch. Right from the packaging to the timepiece, every bit matters to the experience, and personalisation is gaining importance. “We’re seeing customisation to a whole new level. These days, the more sophisticated the packaging of the product, the more sought-after it seems,” notes Nagpal.

On starting your journey as a collector

But how does one get into the world of collecting chronographs? “My advice is to start by figuring out what draws you to watches—whether it’s the craftsmanship, the brand, or the rarity of the piece,” Nagpal says. “Do your research on the brand and model, especially the history behind it and why it’s valued by collectors. Sticking to well-known, established brands like Patek Philippe or Omega is a safe bet, as they have a solid track record. But most importantly, pick something that you truly connect with—it should be a watch you’ll enjoy owning, not just for its potential investment value. And of course, take care of it—proper maintenance will help preserve its value for years to come.”

New audiences, and newer crafts

Slowly but surely, the demand for these rare timepieces is growing. “In the next decade, I see the market for collectors evolving in exciting ways. Nostalgia and legacy will continue to drive interest, with collectors gravitating toward vintage pieces and iconic models tied to significant cultural events.”

Watchmaking is a generational business. Today, environmental and ethical concerns, especially from the burgeoning millennial and Gen Z collectors, are driving watchmakers to adopt new practices and adapt to the new wave of collector focus on ethical practices. “We’re already seeing a shift toward more sustainable materials in watchmaking, with brands using eco-friendly materials like recycled metals, bio-based plastics, and vegan leather” says Nagpal.  

In this digital era where time itself feels fleeting, the allure of a finely crafted watch transcends time itself to become a bridge between the past and the present—both in terms of the watch’s own heritage and of the growing community of buyers and their stories behind their purchases. As India’s appetite for luxury and exclusivity grows, limited-edition watches stand poised to carve their niche—not just as instruments to measure time, but as symbols of achievement, heritage, and individuality. 

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, these temporal treasures are more than possessions; they are stories waiting to be told, handed down, and cherished across generations.

Lead image credit: Jaipur Watch Company
 

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