Funding Announcement

Bangalore Watch Company announced that it has closed a seed‑round financing of US$1.4 million. The round was raised from a group of the company’s own customers, comprising family‑office principals and high‑net‑worth individuals (HNIs) based in India as well as overseas.

Use of Proceeds & Expansion Strategy

The capital will be deployed to accelerate the brand’s global expansion. BWC plans to establish two to three strategic overseas boutiques in key collector markets and is also considering one additional location in India. Rather than building an extensive domestic retail network, the company will continue operating from its single flagship boutique in Bangalore while leveraging a concierge‑style service model.

Production Capacity & Market Position

Current annual manufacturing capacity stands at 1,500 mechanical watches. The company intends to quadruple this capacity to roughly 6,000 units within the next three to five years. BWC sells its luxury timepieces at retail prices ranging from ₹150,000 to ₹300,000, and it enjoys a 30 % repeat‑purchase rate among its clientele.

Brand Background & Milestones

Founded in 2018 by former tech executives Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj, Bangalore Watch Company creates high‑quality mechanical watches that blend Swiss‑level craftsmanship with modern Indian narratives drawn from aviation, space, cricket and the outdoors. Notable achievements include:

  • The only Indian‑made watch qualified for a spaceflight mission.
  • Production of watches from fighter‑plane aluminium and a proprietary Cerasteel material (a steel‑ceramic fusion).
  • Capturing atmospheric carbon for use in watch dials.
  • Participation in Dubai Watch Week 2025 and Geneva Watch Days 2026, and three consecutive listings for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) Awards.

Market Context

India is emerging as one of the fastest‑growing importers of Swiss luxury watches, with the average selling price of watches in the country moving steadily into the premium segment as disposable incomes rise. BWC’s expansion plan aligns with this broader trend, targeting markets where a strong community of collectors already exists.

Founder Statements

  • Nirupesh Joshi, Co‑Founder, said: “The independent watch industry has shown that great watch brands can come from anywhere… India can be part of that global independent watch story.”
  • Mercy Amalraj, Co‑Founder, added: “India is at an exciting point in its journey… we want to take an Indian brand to a global audience.”

Additional Information

The brand’s watches have been recognised by international publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Hodinkee. BWC currently serves customers in over 30 countries and continues to operate from its single flagship boutique in Bengaluru.