Janata, Pilot among 5 Iconic HMT Watches Treasured by Collectors

The impending shutdown of the iconic Indian watch brand, HMT, has left watch enthusiasts in India despondent. Established in 1961, HMT, a state-owned manufacturer, partnered with Japan's Citizen Watches to create a range of timepieces that Indians took pride in wearing. However, headquartered in Bangalore, the company has been incurring losses since 2000, leading to the government's recent decision to close HMT Watches and HMT Chinar Watches based on the recommendation of the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises.

HMT watches were an integral part of the unofficial uniform of Indian office-goers during the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Even today, collectors cherish HMT timepieces for their retro appeal, reliability, and unmistakably Indian character.

When online retailer Flipkart began selling HMT watches, popular models sold out within minutes of being listed, according to watch collectors. HMT Watches initiated its own online sales in mid-August, sparking hopes of a turnaround. The brand's advertising slogan, "Timekeepers to the Nation," was indeed fitting.

Prashant Pandey, a Bangalore resident and HMT enthusiast, has amassed over 500 pieces in just a few years. "I saw my grandfather wear an HMT watch," he shared. "My wife's grandfather had a Pilot, which he passed on to me. There's a lot of emotional attachment to these watches. I am shattered. This is a legacy coming to an end."

Here are some iconic designs of HMT Watches:

Janata: Among the first HMT watches, the Janata was a favorite of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This winding watch was plain, affordable, and had over 25 variants, known to keep ticking for more than 40 years.

Pilot: The Pilot, along with Jawan, Sainik, and Rakshak, were synonymous with the military. Although not specialized military watches, they were supplied to the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, making the Pilot a favorite among watch collectors.

Sona: The quintessential dress watch, Sona was a winding watch and the thinnest model made by HMT, known for its high-quality gold plating.

Kanchan: This automatic model was also known as the "dowry watch." People would line up outside HMT showrooms as early as 5 am with letters from political leaders recommending that a Kanchan watch be given to the bearer of the letter, often considered vital for marriages.

Astra: The Astra was the first HMT watch with a digital chronograph, featuring a stopwatch combined with the display. Buyers were willing to pay a premium to acquire one.

Old HMT watches remain highly sought after by collectors. Pandey runs a blog to assist HMT watch enthusiasts in navigating the online market and receives numerous requests to help locate Pilot watches. The key allure of HMT watches, according to Pandey, is that they appear as "new antiques."