The Surge of Watchmaking in India and the Rise of Titan Group
The global luxury watch industry is navigating a turbulent period marked by economic headwinds, shifting consumer priorities, and rising tariffs. China, once the sector’s principal growth driver, continues to face a slowdown. In the United States, a market long considered resilient, increased import duties are beginning to weigh on demand. In contrast, India’s luxury market is experiencing a dynamic growth phase, capturing the attention of the global watch industry.
According to research from McKinsey and The Business of Fashion, the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in India is forecast to grow by more than 50% between 2023 and 2028. By 2027, the country could have as many as 100 million luxury consumers. Projections for 2025 suggest a luxury market expansion of 15 to 20 percent, significantly outpacing major global economies and creating robust demand for high-end watches.
Titan Group: A Domestic Powerhouse with Global Ambitions
At the forefront of this growth is Titan Company Limited, established in 1984 as a joint venture between the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and the Tata Group, one of India’s largest and most respected conglomerates. Since the inauguration of its Hosur factory in 1988, Titan has evolved into India’s pre-eminent lifestyle brand, with a turnover of approximately USD 6.45 billion, more than 12,200 employees, 11 manufacturing facilities, and a retail network of 3,240 outlets both domestically and internationally.
Titan’s brand portfolio spans watches, jewellery, eyewear, fragrances, and fashion, with well-known names including Titan, Fastrack, Sonata, Raga, Octane, Zoop, Xylys, Edge, Nebula, IRTH, SKINN, Tanishq, Zoya, Mia, CaratLane, Titan Eye+, and Taneira. In watches alone, Titan sells around 15 million units annually across seven brands — exceeding the total production volume of the Swiss watch industry.
Manufacturing Capabilities and Technical Evolution
Titan operates five manufacturing sites in India, producing cases, quartz and mechanical movements, and complete watch assemblies. The company’s early watchmaking was rooted in quartz technology, initially developed through a partnership with France Ebauches. Over the years, Titan has progressively expanded its technical capacity, introducing notable innovations such as the ultra-thin Edge quartz calibre, measuring just 1.15mm in thickness.
Collaborations with Citizen and Seiko in case manufacturing and plating bolstered Titan’s industrial expertise, enabling it to become one of the world’s largest integrated watch manufacturers. While certain high-precision components — such as regulating assortments — are still sourced from Switzerland and Japan, the company has plans to produce these in-house, aiming for greater self-sufficiency.
Advancing in Mechanical Watchmaking
Titan’s journey into mechanical watchmaking began in 2015 with the development of a 12-ligne calibre operating at 4Hz, based on a 2824-style architecture. Since then, the range has expanded to include ultra-thin mechanical calibres for the Edge line and, more recently, highly ambitious complications.
A landmark achievement came in 2024 with the presentation of the first Indian-made tourbillon movement in the “40 Years of Joy” limited edition, followed in 2025 by the Nebula Jalsa Tourbillon, limited to 10 pieces. These developments mark Titan’s clear intent to establish a presence in fine watchmaking, backed by a long-term strategy to introduce additional complications and refine mechanical craftsmanship.
Positioned for the Future
Titan’s growth reflects the rapid evolution of India’s luxury consumer base, which is becoming increasingly sophisticated in its preferences. The company’s trajectory is no longer defined purely by scale but also by its commitment to technical advancement and higher-end offerings. With the luxury watch market in India set for sustained expansion, Titan is strategically placed to influence not only domestic trends but also the global horological landscape.
The Nebula Jalsa Tourbillon, with its intricate construction and limited production, is more than a milestone product. It signals a shift in perception — from Titan as a high-volume manufacturer to a brand capable of producing fine, complex timepieces. If current trends continue, Titan could emerge as one of the most significant watchmaking forces outside the traditional Swiss, Japanese, and German strongholds
