In this post i will attempt at sharing the reasons behind people's attraction of these watches. This attraction further leads to the craze of collecting them. These differ from person to person.
Below are a few that I know of:
Nostalgia: Most of the people growing up in the 80s and earlier in India know these watches.They have seen them on the wrists of the elders of their family. People relive those good old days with these watches on their wrists.
Mechanical watch lovers: HMT becomes an obvious choice for mechanical watch lovers along with Allwyn, Titoni, favre leuba, henry Sandoz etc. These watches have a good movement and are quite economical as far as their prices are concerned.
Guinea pig of Green Horn Horologists: People who are new to horology and want to try their hand at watch maintenance and repair often purchase old HMT watches to hone their skills.
Unique yet economical gifts: These watches act as an excellent gift during the festive season as they are unique yet economical. They create a lasting impression and last long with the receiver of gift and to top it all the prices are well within the budget.
Retro Look: Retro is the new cool..from old cars to scooters and bikes everything is making a comeback. Fashion from the good old days is in vogue from thin ties to big sunglasses. The retro designs of HMT mechanical and automatic watches are a major attraction.
Antique Value: Though highly debatable, some people believe that the old HMT watch models which are out of production line for long have an antique value. They speculate that considering the current state of HMT watches, the company might stop producing mechanical watches all together in few years and most of the old models that are out of production for long might fetch them a good return against their current investment.
Poor man’s Rado: Many of the older watches from HMT have a striking similarity with the Rado’s and the omegas etc. These watches thus became the next best thing for those who could not purchase the luxury pocket burner watches.
Suitable design and style for Indian population: Most of the HMT watches have 35-36 mm dial which is ideal for an average Indian wristsize. Though with time the focus is now on the 40+ mm dials. From simple designs of Janata, Sona and Pilot watch to the blingy Kanchan, Kedar, Sourabh watches there is a watch for every occasion and taste.
Wear your name on your wrist: Dale Carnegie aptly said that a person’s name is the sweetest sound to his ears. The most attractive thing about these watches are the names of these watches. These watches were named after the most common Indian names e.g. Vijay, Akash, Kedar, Veena, Prabhat, Usha etc. A person would love to wear a watch bearing his/her name on his/her wrist.
Low maintenance and hassle free: The good thing about these watches is that they are hassle free. Once you buy them there is almost zero maintenance apart from a broken crystal or a strap and that too after a long time. I know people who have been wearing their watches for decades without any maintenance. The maintenance charges are quite cheap and the parts are easily replaceable.
Swadeshi – Be Indian buy Indian: A lot of Indian citizens love to use only “Made by an Indian company” products. These watches are fully made in India and gives sense of pride to Indians.
In addition to this there might be a number of other reasons and you can share the same in your comments.Also, would love to hear from you any suggestions on particular areas that you want me to cover in this series.
Till such time keep ticking.
In addition to this there might be a number of other reasons and you can share the same in your comments.Also, would love to hear from you any suggestions on particular areas that you want me to cover in this series.
Till such time keep ticking.
