Buy original HMT watches at the museum's souvenir shop, own a Piece of History!

For those seeking a nostalgic journey through time, the HMT Heritage Centre and Museum in Jalahalli offers a captivating experience. The museum's initial room serves as a gateway to the rich history of HMT's various factories. The story begins in 1961 in Bengaluru when the iconic watches were first manufactured through collaboration with the Japanese firm Citizen Watch. A significant piece of history on display is a certificate commemorating the inauguration of HMT's third factory in Pinjore, personally signed by India's then-prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

As visitors delve deeper into the museum, they are treated to a fascinating exploration of the intricate components within the mechanical core, or "movement," of these timepieces. These minuscule parts are thoughtfully showcased under magnifying glasses and microscopes. The evolution of watch dials becomes evident, transitioning from the simple coin dials of the early 1960s to the multifunctional displays of the early 21st century. The tools employed by skilled watchmakers are also on exhibit, ranging from delicate brushes and magnifiers to larger horological equipment.

Moving on, the museum pays homage to HMT's history as a heavy manufacturer. It features artifacts such as a quaint attendance punching machine, reminiscent of factories from the past, as well as robust tractor engines and a hand-operated printing press dating back to 1886. While these industries may seem commonplace today, a photograph of Sir Visveswaraya inspecting the production floor attests to the high regard with which they were once held at the highest levels.

Among the museum's highlights are the numerous watches that solidified HMT's reputation, including the iconic Janata model. Some of these timepieces are truly unique, such as the gem-studded Utsav watches designed for women and a watch adorned with a 1-gram gold biscuit at its center. HMT also ventured into crafting watches that tracked the phases of the moon and models with detachable displays featuring Braille lettering. Sadly, by 2016, HMT ceased watch production due to mounting financial losses.

HMT's impact on the city is also evident through landmarks like the Clock Tower at Omkar Hills and the floral clock near Lalbagh's entrance. Fortunately, the legacy of HMT lives on in the museum, where visitors have the opportunity to purchase pieces from the remaining stock at discounted rates. Admission to this remarkable museum is priced at Rs 30 per adult, allowing visitors to explore souvenirs that harken back to a bygone era displayed on the museum's shelves.