India Watch Weekend 2025: Behind The Bezel

As watch enthusiasts, we often admire what’s on the wrist but rarely do we get to see what goes on beneath the dial. That changed at India Watch Weekend, a first-of-its-kind event curated by The Hour Markers, where collectors and enthusiasts didn’t just view watches, they experienced them. One of the most talked-about sessions came from a service centre tucked away in the heart of Mumbai. POGU Watch Service Centre opened its doors to guests for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of watchmaking.

Here, amidst precision tools and the soft tick of timepieces, attendees got hands-on with movements, learned the anatomy of a calibre, and discovered the delicate choreography that powers our most prized watches. It was part masterclass, part initiation of an intimate encounter with the soul of watchmaking.

Packed with panels, collector meet-ups, and intimate gatherings ,but nestled in the itinerary was something different: a visit to POGU Watch Service Centre. For many guests, this was their first time stepping into a professional service centre. And the atmosphere at Pogu was nothing short of captivating. Bright task lights illuminated benches covered in tweezers, loupe magnifiers, gears, and bridges. Watchmakers moved with quiet focus, offering a contrast to the usual buzz of a watch event.

Visitors were guided through each station from disassembly to cleaning and reassembly with demonstrations by Chandraprakash Pogu, Watchmaker & Founder at POGU Watch Service Centre. There was a palpable sense of curiosity and reverence as guests leaned in to understand how a balance spring works or what a rotor does. It was a space where the appreciation for watches deepened, not from brand stories, but from the mechanics that keep time ticking.

Founded by passionate horology professional Chandraprakash Pogu, POGU Watch Service Centre is not just a watch service centre, it's a space dedicated to preserving and reviving mechanical timepieces. Based in Mumbai, the centre caters to collectors, enthusiasts, and even independent brands who trust POGU with everything from vintage restoration to complex movement repairs. What sets it apart is its blend of traditional watchmaking skill and modern transparency. Every service is documented, every detail explained. Their approach is collaborative rather than transactional, building trust through education, updates, and, in events like this, opening their workshop to the public. Whether it's a prized heirloom or a daily wear piece, POGU Watch Service Centre treats every watch with the same respect.

During the session, attendees were invited to try their hand at working with components. Under supervision, some got to hold a movement, peer through a loupe, or even use a drilling machine and tweezers- a thrilling first for many. Water resistance as well as accuracy was checked with the help of the experienced professionals at POGU. The team shared anecdotes from the bench, from challenging restorations to fascinating discoveries inside decades-old cases. 

There was also a live demo of a basic disassembly, showing how a watch is methodically taken apart before cleaning and lubrication. The tools, the steady hands, the attention to microscopic details it was all mesmerizing. And it reinforced just how much artistry and precision goes into even the simplest of services.

In a country where the watch collecting community is still evolving, events like this signal a positive shift. They show that curiosity is growing, and that collectors want more than just a timepiece; they want to understand its beating heart. Service centres like POGU are essential in nurturing this culture, not just by repairing watches, but by educating owners and demystifying the process.

As the weekend wrapped up, many guests left with a newfound respect for what happens behind the bezel. For POGU, it wasn’t just about showcasing skills; it was about sharing their passion. And for the attendees, it was more than a learning moment, it was a reminder that every tick of the watch is powered by something much deeper: human hands, skill, and dedication. In a world increasingly driven by tech and automation, experiences like this bring us back to the roots of what makes horology so special. POGU may service watches, but after India Watch Weekend, it also serviced a shared sense of wonder. And in the world of collecting, that might just be the most timeless gift of all.