How To Start A Watch Collection In India: Tips And First Buys
5 min read
So here’s the thing: starting a watch collection isn’t a science. It’s not reserved for collectors with white gloves and vaults full of Swiss grails. It’s for anyone who’s ever looked down at their wrist and felt something—nostalgia, pride, a quiet thrill. That’s how it started for me. I’ve been in the watch industry for years now. I’ve had the chance to own and wear pieces from Cartier, Rolex, Omega, Piaget—you name it. And while I absolutely feel a sense of pride wearing something I’ve bought from a luxury brand, I’ve also had some memorable reactions when I wear my little Fossil ring accessory. Yes, Fossil. People stop me, ask me about it, and often, it’s the piece that sparks the most conversation.
That’s when you realize—it’s not always about the brand or the price. It’s about how a watch makes you feel. In the earlier days, I might’ve hesitated before buying something less “serious” or less “collectible.” But now? If it’s fun, unique, and makes me feel good wearing it—it’s going on my wrist. This isn’t a serious hobby for me. It’s personal, instinctive, and deeply joyful. Back in the day, even finding inventory in India was a challenge. Everything had to be sourced, ordered, or painfully waited for. But today? You’ll find everything from the Tissot PRX to the Cartier Tank and even an extensive range of the Reversos, all available right here—because India is no longer a secondary market. It’s a priority.
If you're looking to begin your watch journey—whether you’re a student with a budget or someone eyeing their first luxury buy—here are my golden rules.
1. It’s Not Rocket Science. Buy What You Love.
Sounds obvious, right? But too many people get caught up in what’s trending or what others think is “worthy.” Forget that. Whether it’s a G-Shock in neon or a classic Titan Edge, your first piece should spark joy. Not envy. On a personal note, I love my Timex Coke edition!
2. Set a Budget, But Stay Flexible
When it comes to your first serious watch, it helps to start with a ballpark budget—something that feels comfortable, yet meaningful. For most, that sweet spot falls somewhere between ₹1,00,000 and ₹4,00,000. But here’s the truth: some of my most memorable pieces were impulse finds under ₹3,50,000, while others took months of saving and planning. Don’t box yourself in. If a watch under your budget sparks something in you, trust that feeling. Likewise, if something just a bit over feels like the one, it might be worth stretching for. Watches aren't trophies—they're companions in your story. Choose the one that makes you feel something, not just the one that ticks the price-point box.
3. Let Me Get Real—You Don’t Need to Be a Watch Geek (Yet)
You don’t need to start out knowing your calibres from your complications. Unless you want to nerd out—and fair warning, it is addictive. Just get familiar with the basics: quartz vs automatic, dress vs diver, a little on materials and sizing. That’s enough to help you make a confident choice. I stumbled into the world of watches thanks to the family business in watch media, and somewhere along the way, it turned from work into a full-blown passion. What starts as curiosity often becomes obsession. And that’s half the fun.
4. One Watch That Works With Both Jeans and a Jacket
That’s the real goal. As a woman, I want something that could do both—look just as good with a jeans and a tee, as it would with a sharp blazer or even a cocktail dress. For me, that started with the Banana Centenary Edition—vintage inspired, a little unexpected, and endlessly wearable. It had personality, but it wasn’t trying too hard. Then came the Rolex Datejust: the ultimate chameleon. Timeless, elegant, and it works whether I’m in a pitch meeting or at dinner with friends. And when I want something with a touch of old-school charm, I reach for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso—art deco lines, understated glamour, and a quiet kind of confidence.
5. Everything’s Available in India Now
Gone are the days when you had to fly to Geneva, London, or Dubai just to try on that one watch you’ve been eyeing online. Seriously—India’s watch landscape has changed dramatically. From the heavy hitters like Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget to the much loved like Norqain, Doxa, and Behrens, it’s all here.
You’ll find these pieces not just in flagship boutiques but also in well-curated multi-brand stores across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and more. Whether you’re hunting for a tool watch with real dive heritage, something avant-garde and mechanical from Behrens, or a sports-luxury all-rounder from Norqain—you can see it, feel it, and try it on right here.
6. Pre-Owned is a Playground
Once you’ve dipped your toes into collecting, the pre-owned space opens up like a treasure hunt—and trust me, it’s addictive. This is where the magic often lives: pieces with patina, stories, and soul. I’ve come across vintage Omega Seamasters that wear like old money, classic Rados with that unmistakable ‘70s charm, and even a Cartier dial featuring Devanagari numerals—elegant, rare, and deeply personal. Of course, the usual rules apply: do your homework, verify authenticity, and buy from trusted collectors or platforms. But if you’re willing to dig a little, the pre-owned world can be full of joy, nostalgia, and the occasional unicorn.
Suggested First Buys (What’s Trending in India Now)
If you're just getting started, here are some pieces that are flying off the shelves and loved by both collectors and first-timers:
Cartier Tank Must – Timeless elegance, perfect for those ready for a first real luxury icon.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 – Great entry into sporty Swiss watches with a youthful edge.
Baume & Mercier Riviera – Sporty with a strong design language, and now widely available.
Tissot PRX Quartz / PRX Automatic – Sleek, versatile, and affordable luxury.
Seiko 5 Sports – Still a legend for value and everyday reliability.
Citizen Eco-Drive – Fuss-free solar power with classic design.
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch – If you can find one, grab it. It’s fun, accessible hype.
Start small. Stay curious. Mix the luxury with the quirky. Sure, I love my Cartiers and Rolexes. But I also cherish that quirky little Fossil ring watch—because it reminds me that collecting doesn’t have to be expensive or serious. It just has to be fun. Collecting watches in India today isn’t about building a museum—it’s about building a moodboard of your life, one tick at a time. And that, if you ask me, is the best time to start.
