In a world where timekeeping transcends mere functionality, the art of watchmaking often intertwines with the narratives of history and exploration. Titan Watches, a pioneer in the Indian horological landscape, has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and innovation. As the brand commemorates its 40th anniversary, it unveils the Unity Watch — a limited edition timepiece that not only celebrates its legacy but also honours a monumental chapter in India’s space history. This exquisite watch pays tribute to Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian citizen to journey into space. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Mahendra Chauhan, Head of Design at Titan, delves into the creative journey behind this remarkable timepiece, encapsulating the spirit of national pride and technological achievement.
How has Titan’s design philosophy evolved in creating watches inspired by space, particularly with the Unity Watch?
Mahendra Chauhan: Titan’s design philosophy has grown to seamlessly combine innovation with storytelling, drawing on humanity’s enduring fascination with space. Through collections like Stellar and iconic timepieces such as the Unity Watch, Titan celebrates the mysteries of the cosmos while honouring milestones in space exploration.
ELLE: Can you elaborate on the creative process behind capturing “Earth’s view from a spacecraft” in the Unity Watch?
MC: The Unity Watch is a remarkable tribute to Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut. His iconic response to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s query about how India looked from space — “Saare Jahan Se Accha” — has inspired generations, and it serves as the foundation for this watch’s design and creative narrative.
We initiated the theme development by showcasing Earth’s view from space. The design concept revolved around capturing the awe-inspiring perspective of Earth as seen from a spacecraft. The idea was to encapsulate the profound experience of seeing India from space through Rakesh Sharma’s eyes. This necessitated creating a dial that mimics the effect of a spacecraft’s window, framing India in a way that highlights its natural beauty and unique topography. The watch face prominently features a detailed map of India, symbolising the country that inspired Sharma’s poetic description
ELLE: What were the main challenges in translating complex space phenomena into a wearable timepiece?
MC: Creating the Unity Watch presented unprecedented challenges that pushed our design capabilities to new horizons. The main challenge was developing a dial recreating the breathtaking view of space from a spaceship cockpit. Every detail, from the intricate deep-blue dial with an embossed silhouette of Earth to the Soyuz T-11-inspired hands and the customised rotor, was meticulously crafted to capture this experience on the wearer’s wrist while preserving aesthetics and functionality.
ELLE: How do you and your team at Titan balance traditional watchmaking techniques with modern innovations in the space-inspired watches?
MC: At Titan, we strive to blend uniqueness and authenticity into our storytelling through design. The challenge goes beyond crafting an appealing watch for everyday wear; it’s about celebrating intricate details that transport wearers to a different world. Our approach interweaves centuries-old horological techniques with cutting-edge technology to create timepieces that honour both heritage and innovation. The design process begins with classical watchmaking principles, then thoughtfully incorporates advanced technologies. We use 3D modelling to perfect complex dial architectures while maintaining traditional finishing techniques. Creative elements such as carefully chosen colours, textures, and graphical details come together to form a harmonious composition that balances functionality and aesthetics. This synthesis ensures our space-inspired watches aren’t just beautiful timepieces, but reliable watches that meet both traditional standards and contemporary expectations.
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ELLE: How does the design of the Unity Watch symbolise India’s achievements in space exploration, and what specific features reflect this?
MC: The Unity Watch transcends being merely a commemorative timepiece, it’s a mechanical time capsule that captures a pivotal moment in India’s space journey. Each component, from its space-inspired complications to its patriotic symbolism, was engineered to honour this idea. It incorporates accents of the Indian Tricolour. The dial’s deep blue colouration recreates the exact view Sharma witnessed from space – that breathtaking perspective of Earth against the cosmic void. We’ve incorporated subtle design elements that reference the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft throughout the watch. The hour markers echo the spacecraft’s distinctive profile, while the hands are shaped to suggest the trajectory of orbital flight. The movement rotor is engraved with the iconic phrase “Saare Jahan Se Accha,” his memorable response to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during their televised conversation from the space station. Moreover, it’s a tribute to India’s continuing legacy in space exploration.
ELLE: How do you see space-inspired designs evolving over the next decade in Indian horology? Are there specific trends you anticipate?
MC: Space-inspired designs have been highly successful for us, both in generating consumer excitement and achieving commercial success. In the Stellar Collection, we incorporated a real Muonionalusta meteorite dial, approximately 120,000 years old, adding authenticity to our storytelling. Space-inspired designs have captured the imagination of watch enthusiasts, and we believe this trend will continue to evolve over the next decade. Looking ahead, we aim to introduce even more innovative elements, features, and narratives in our watches to deepen our connection with consumers and keep the excitement alive in Indian horology.
ELLE: How important is it for Titan to weave cultural narratives into its designs, particularly with a piece like the Unity Watch?
MC: Weaving cultural narratives into designs like the Unity Watch is essential for Titan Watches as it strengthens emotional resonance, reinforces its identity as a brand deeply rooted in Indian heritage, and differentiates it in a competitive market, aligning with Titan Watches’ 40-year legacy of creating meaningful design. Each of our collections celebrates unique parts of India’s soul, honouring the diverse cultures, values, and dreams that unite us. By incorporating cultural references and symbols into its designs, we not only create aesthetically pleasing watches but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride among consumers and watch enthusiasts alike. By offering unique and culturally relevant timepieces, the brand attracts a niche audience that values authenticity and heritage.
As Titan Watches continues to honour its legacy through innovative design, the Unity Watch stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to celebrating India’s achievements in space and horology. Mr. Chauhan’s insights reveal not only the intricate craftsmanship behind this remarkable timepiece but also the profound connection between national pride and the exploration of the cosmos. With each tick of the Unity Watch, wearers are reminded of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, both in watchmaking and in the spirit of discovery.
