The India Watch Weekend, spearheaded by co-founders Karishma Karer and Punit Mehta, has rapidly become a pivotal platform for cultivating a sophisticated watch culture in India. The recent second edition, hosted in Mumbai, significantly surpassed initial expectations, successfully uniting a diverse array of esteemed international luxury watch brands with burgeoning Indian manufacturers. This event stands out for its unique philosophy, prioritizing accessibility, engaging dialogue, and in-depth educational experiences over mere ostentation. It is meticulously designed to democratize the appreciation of exquisite timepieces, nurturing a burgeoning community of dedicated watch enthusiasts across the nation.

India Watch Weekend's Triumphant Return: Fostering a New Era of Horology in India

In a dazzling display of horological passion, the India Watch Weekend (IWW) made its triumphant return to Mumbai, India's bustling financial hub, for its highly anticipated second edition. Spearheaded by the visionary co-founders, Karishma Karer and Punit Mehta, this groundbreaking event was conceived as an immersive sanctuary where the intricate world of watches could be explored and debated within a uniquely Indian context. Drawing upon their extensive experience in watch media, brand relations, and the vibrant collector community, Karer and Mehta have meticulously shaped the weekend to prioritize genuine access, profound conversations, and invaluable learning opportunities, diverging from a mere spectacle of luxury.

This innovative approach was vividly reflected in the diverse tapestry of brands gracing the event floor. Esteemed luxury watchmakers such as A. Lange & Söhne, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Grand Seiko, and Panerai shared their distinguished craftsmanship alongside a dynamic cohort of Indian and India-centric brands, including Titan, Nalla Neram, and Ardra Labs. While India has historically been viewed as a transient market for luxury goods, it is now increasingly recognized as a fertile ground where watch culture can blossom and deepen its roots. To illuminate the remarkable evolution of the India Watch Weekend and chart its promising future trajectory, Mohak Gupta, a freelance journalist and writer reporting from India for MONOCHROME, engaged in an insightful interview with Karishma and Punit. Their conversation delved into the foundational ethos of the event, the organic growth of its vibrant community, and the transformative shifts occurring within India's burgeoning watch culture.

During the interview, Karishma Karer, Founder of The Hour Markers and Co-founder of India Watch Weekend, candidly expressed that the event "went beyond our expectations." She highlighted that this was the first time such a broad spectrum of brands and experiences converged, leading to incredibly heartwarming responses from attendees. Punit Mehta, Chapter Lead of RedBar India and also a Co-founder of IWW, enthusiastically echoed this sentiment, noting that for many Indian collectors and enthusiasts, this event marked their "first real watch show." He recalled the palpable excitement of attendees moving seamlessly between panel discussions, brand presentations, sake tastings, and spontaneous conversations about watches, affirming the core purpose of their initiative.

Reflecting on their individual journeys into the world of watches, Punit shared that his initial engagement was largely "community-driven." Dissatisfied with the limited in-depth discussions available in India, he sought to create a platform for like-minded individuals, eventually leading to the formation of a robust watch community. Karishma, on the other hand, comes from a lineage deeply entrenched in horology, with her grandfather having launched a watch trade magazine 80 years prior. Her family's enduring legacy in the industry provided a strong foundation for her involvement. The concept for India Watch Weekend emerged from a pivotal conversation between Karishma and Punit, where they recognized the immense potential for a dedicated watch event in India, particularly after a successful pilot in 2025 that attracted 450 participants for various watch-related activities, even without direct brand involvement.

The discussion also touched upon the inception of The Hour Markers, a platform born out of a desire for transparent education in watchmaking. Both Karishma and Punit emphasized moving beyond the superficial aspects of aesthetics and perceived investment value, aiming to showcase watches as intricately engineered products with profound technical depth. This vision culminated in the India Watch Weekend, an event designed to bridge the gap between global watchmaking and the Indian audience.

A critical aspect of IWW's success lies in the complementary expertise of its founders. Karishma's extensive network and credibility within the international watch industry, coupled with Punit's profound understanding of the collector community through RedBar India, created a powerful synergy. This collaboration enabled them to attract top-tier international brands, some of which do not even have a retail presence in India, eager to gauge the Indian market and engage with its discerning audience. The blend of established luxury brands with innovative Indian watchmakers like Titan and Nalla Neram was a deliberate strategy to offer a holistic and enriching experience, ensuring a balance between global prestige and local relevance.

Punit elaborated on the role of RedBar India as a vibrant network of enthusiasts fostering peer-to-peer learning and strong camaraderie, often described as a "watch family." This community-driven approach empowers collectors and provides invaluable feedback to brands, influencing their strategies and product development. Both founders expressed pleasant surprise at the overwhelming positive response to the event, particularly the broad appeal beyond typical luxury consumers, and the deep engagement shown by attendees.

Looking ahead, Karishma and Punit remain committed to IWW's core mission: to serve the Indian collector and enthusiast. While the event has garnered international attention, their primary focus remains on refining the experience for its domestic audience. They view The Hour Markers and India Watch Weekend as interconnected facets of a larger endeavor to disseminate knowledge and create engaging experiences across various formats—print, digital, and physical events. Furthermore, their partnership with the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) aims to elevate watch education in India, making specialized knowledge and training more accessible to industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. The future promises continued growth, with plans for roadshows and expanded educational initiatives, all rooted in the unwavering commitment to the Indian watch community.

This year's India Watch Weekend represented a significant milestone for the Indian watch market, showcasing the growing sophistication and enthusiasm of its collectors. The event demonstrated that India is not merely a market for luxury watches but a vibrant hub where a rich and dynamic watch culture is actively being shaped. The overwhelming participation and positive feedback underscore a clear message: the Indian watch community is eager for more immersive experiences, comprehensive education, and direct engagement with both international and homegrown brands. As Karishma Karer and Punit Mehta continue to champion this movement, the future of horology in India appears brighter than ever, promising a continued evolution towards a more informed, appreciative, and globally recognized watch landscape. The IWW is more than just an event; it's a testament to the burgeoning passion for timepieces in India, fostering connections and knowledge that transcend mere commerce.