Exploring The Ticking Passion For Watches With Collector Neeraj Krishnan

As I sit down to share my story, I can't help but smile at how a simple childhood fascination has blossomed into a lifelong passion. It all began when I was just a teenager, watching my grandfather with his Seiko automatic watch. "I was fascinated when I first saw my paternal grandfather shaking a Seiko watch to actually have it work, to have it charge," I recall vividly. That moment sparked a curiosity that would shape my entire future. This is the story of Neeraj Krishnan, a chapter leader of watch enthusiasts group called Timegraphers in Bangalore, whose journey offers insights into the world of watch collecting in India.

Driven by his newfound interest, he pursued mechanical engineering with the hope of working at HMT, a renowned Indian watch manufacturer. Although his career took a different turn, his passion for watches continued to grow. Living near the HMT watch factory in Bangalore and having connections through his father, he gained valuable insights into the watchmaking process. Over time, his interest expanded beyond the internal mechanisms to encompass unique dials and watches that tell compelling stories. When we asked for what fascinates him the most he said, “Two pieces in my collection stand out: a Mr. Jones watch called "Perfectly Useless Afternoon" and a rare Citizen Caliber 9000 minute repeater. The Mr. Jones watch, with its whimsical depiction of a character floating in a pool, serves as a conversation starter. The Citizen minute repeater, which I searched for nine years, represents both the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of acquiring a coveted timepiece.” 

As India's watch market experiences a renaissance, we also asked him his thoughts on the revival of HMT. "The revival of the HMT brand couldn't have come at a better time," he notes, emphasizing India's position as a booming market for watches. “ I would advise HMT to listen to market trends and cater to customer preferences, suggesting that while classic models like the Kohinoor remain popular, there's a need for innovation in dial designs and colors”, he further added. 

For those starting their watch collecting journey, he offered a pragmatic advice: "Focus on what attracts you to a watch the most. If it's the story, go for a watch that tells a unique story. If it's a dial, go for a watch that you can relate to." He emphasized that each collector's journey is unique, likening it to a fingerprint.

We also delved into "grail" and "grave" watches - terms that are a constant buzz amongst watch collectors. A grail watch, he explained, is a dream piece that one aspires to own. For him, it's the Belkando from Christopher Ward, a goal that's ambitious yet attainable. On the other hand, a grave watch is often a hyped piece that fails to meet expectations or doesn't get enough wrist time once acquired.

“I’ve also observed a significant shift in the accessibility of luxury watch brands. Many CEOs, especially of micro-brands, are now directly engaging with customers through platforms like WhatsApp. This direct communication allows brands to quickly respond to market trends and customer preferences”, he added.  When asked about the market for independent watch brands in India, he expressed optimism. “Brands like F.P Journe and Gerald Genta are gaining traction among Indian enthusiasts.”

On the topic of watches as investments, the collector offered a balanced perspective. While acknowledging that some watches can appreciate in value, he emphasized that this requires a keen eye and proper maintenance. "If one can certainly take care of the watch in having it in a well-maintained condition over a period of time and has the eye to look for what this watch is likely to turn out to be in a few years' time, just like in the stock market, if you are able to cherry-pick the stocks, if you are able to identify the unique pieces, it's certainly going to be a better investment than many other liquid assets that I can think about," he explained. However, he advised newcomers to focus on enjoying their watches rather than viewing them solely as investment pieces.

From the revival of classic brands to the emergence of micro-brands and the increasing appreciation for high-end independent watchmakers, India's horological landscape is evolving rapidly. As more enthusiasts join groups like Timegraphers, the country's watch collecting scene is set to tick on with renewed vigor, powered by the shared passion for these intricate timepieces.