Latest news with #GPHG
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Nebula by Titan unveils Jalsa, a 10-piece limited edition watch
A squirrel brush to paint the design using natural gemstone pigments, many trials and errors, and three years later, Padma Shri awardee Shakir Ali's miniature painting graces the new Jalsa. The breathtakingly rare tourbillon timepiece from Nebula by Titan was unveiled recently by Bollywood star Sushmita Sen at a glittering ceremony in Jaipur. One of India's boldest forays yet into global haute horlogerie, Jalsa is also Titan's official entrant to the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2025, the world's most prestigious watchmaking forum. CK Venkataraman, managing director, Titan Company, shared that the timepiece's journey began almost three years ago when they attended the GPHG exhibition in Geneva. 'We collectively dreamed of this moment at that time, and we lifted our standards of watchmaking to an altogether higher level. From a design, engineering, manufacturing and retail point of view, we wanted to lift the standards and the capabilities of Titan through an ultimate sort of entry into the GPHG. Jalsa is a result of that,' he said. Priced at a whopping ₹40.5 lakh, Jalsa is a 10-piece limited edition watch. Each piece has been painstakingly hand-painted by Shakir Ali, the renowned Jaipur-based artist known for his miniature Persian and Mughal paintings. Being a homage to the 225 years of Hawa Mahal, the painting on the marble dial depicts a royal procession with the Hawa Mahal serving as the backdrop. Quoting Harivansh Rai Bachchan's famous poem Koshish Karne Walon Ki Haar Nahi Hoti, Ali shared that while it was a challenge to paint on such tiny dials, he kept working with different material until they achieved success with marble. The symbolic intensity of Hawa Mahal aside, Jalsa also stands out for its luminous red agate setting encased in 18k rose gold. Within the Jalsa, there's a Titan in-house flying tourbillon movement, made of 144 precision parts and 14 jewels, crowned with architectural bridges inlaid with red agate. There is also a sapphire magnifier counterpoise on the minute hand and a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. Said Revathi Kant, chief design officer, Titan Company, 'Jalsa is more than design — it is conviction, legacy, and artistry woven into one extraordinary timepiece. It is the clearest expression yet of our intent to place Indian luxury and craftsmanship firmly on the global map. With this watch, we honour our past — and claim our future.' Venkatraman admitted that while there is a generation of people who are 45 and above who have a deep affection for the brand, the younger lot may not feel that way. To bridge that gap, Titan is relying on product innovation, retail transformation and brand building in the premium segments. 'It is presenting a completely surprising, unexpected face of the company to whom Titan may not be an automatic choice. Hundreds of thousands of people in the last five-seven years have bought into Titan through these efforts and we are moving up gradually,' he shares.
Mint
07-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Premium watches have started to play a larger role in our overall business: Titan MD CK Venkataraman
Last year, on the occasion of its 40th anniversary, Titan released its Flying Tourbillon watch, developed entirely in-house. The tourbillon is considered one of the most prestigious complications in watchmaking. It was invented over 200 years ago by the legendary Abraham-Louis Breguet to counteract the effects of gravity on timekeeping accuracy. Watchmakers around the world create tourbillons as statement pieces, a showcase of their technical prowess. This year, the complication features in Titan's recently released Jalsa, its second flying tourbillon in the Nebula line. Jalsa will serve as Titan's official entry into the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), the world's most prestigious watchmaking awards. This comes at a time when Titan's watches and wearables division has grown nearly 20 per cent in FY25, crossing ₹ 4,500 crore in revenue, a reflection of its strategic push into premium timepieces alongside its core businesses. The Jalsa combines a flying tourbillon movement, comprising 144 components and set with 14 jewels, with a marble dial that pays tribute to Jaipur's rich artistic heritage. (Unlike a regular tourbillon, a flying tourbillon is mounted only from below, giving it the appearance of floating within the watch.) The dial's artwork, painted by Padma Shri Syed Shakir Ali, one of India's most renowned masters of traditional Mughal miniature art, depicts the Hawa Mahal and a royal procession. Executed entirely by hand using natural pigments and a single-strand squirrel hair brush, the miniature painting is set within a 44 mm, 18k rose gold case inlaid with red agate. Titan MD CK Venkataraman The minute hand doubles as a magnifying lens, sweeping across the dial to momentarily enlarge sections of the intricate artwork beneath. The watch, limited to just ten pieces, is priced at ₹ 40.5 lakh. In this interview, C K Venkataraman, managing director of the Titan Company, talks about the development of the Jalsa, the growing luxury and premium watch segment in India, and Titan's ambitions on the global horological stage. The whole 'tourbillon movement' thinking is, of course, years old. Our team developed a very powerful concept and then actually engineered it and built it in a very short time. The tourbillon watch was launched about eight months ago in its first version. Now, this one is a very special watch. And there are three basic parts to it. One is the special materials. The second is the complication: the flying tourbillon. And the third is the dial. These three coming together is what makes this particular watch very special and worthy of entry into the GPHG. Recognition, of course. This is the pinnacle of horology. But more than that, everything we've done to complete this project has helped us raise our overall standards in thinking, capability and global partnerships. That capability-building will impact the watch business across all segments. This was about creating the best, but also about making us much better and stronger across the board. The flying tourbillon movement is very much a Titan creation. That said, like with most high-end watch complications, there are certain highly specialised components that are sourced from expert partners, particularly in Switzerland. These are parts that even top global brands don't always manufacture in-house, simply because it's not efficient or practical to do so. So while we collaborated with a few global suppliers for select components and for finishing the movement body, the intellectual ownership and engineering integrity of the movement are entirely Titan's. The luxury watch market in India is strong and growing. Even with the first tourbillon, which was around ₹ 26 lakh, there was a strong response from aficionados, believers in India's ability to play in the top leagues globally and those with a deep affinity for Titan. It's a mix of these, and maybe a few more traits, but it's a large and growing segment. Very much so. If we set aside Nebula, our gold jewellery watch brand for a moment, Titan's premium watch play largely sits in the ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 2,00,000 price range. We see this as a significant and growing opportunity in India. In fact, we consciously reimagined this space about three years ago. That involved not just a structural overhaul, but also a renewed strategic emphasis, including a few important collaborations. Premium watches have started to play a larger role in our overall business Today, we have three key lines that operate in this premium space. The first is Edge, a design-led collection that has seen several successful iterations over the years. The second is Nebula, which blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with solid gold cases and jewellery-like aesthetics, and can go all the way up to ₹ 7–8 lakh. And then there is Xylys, which has a more contemporary, global design appeal and caters to a different aesthetic segment. Together, these three brands have helped us make substantial progress in the premium category. More importantly, this momentum has contributed meaningfully to the overall premiumisation of Titan's analogue watch portfolio. Origin is just one part of the story. Real product value matters at any price. Take the Squircle, a design from a few years ago using the Edge platform. I think it retailed at around ₹ 40,000. You'd be hard-pressed to find anything close to that design, finish, durability, and engineering from any brand globally at that price. There are people for whom the brand name is very important. There are others who value what's actually being offered. And there are many who care about both. So someone might very well buy a ₹ 3–4 lakh Swiss watch, and also buy a Titan because it offers real value. Both markets will continue to exist. And we see a huge continuing opportunity, even if imports become easier and prices come down.
The Wire
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Wire
Nebula By Titan Unveils 'JALSA' Tourbillon — A Monumental Tribute To Indian Heritage And Horological Excellence
A Celebration of Everything You Carry Within: Power, Passion, and Presence Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – Business Wire India In a moment that will be remembered as a defining chapter in the history of Indian luxury, Nebula by Titan proudly unveils JALSA — a breathtakingly rare tourbillon timepiece from Nebula, its 18K gold watchmaking house. Crafted to honour 225 years of the Hawa Mahal, and to mark India's boldest foray yet into global haute horlogerie, JALSA is not just a watch. It is a proclamation — of culture, of craft, of the quiet and powerful grandeur we carry within. With JALSA, Nebula sets a new gold standard — literally and metaphorically — for Indian design on the world stage. This extraordinary timepiece becomes Titan's official entrant to the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2025, the world's most prestigious watchmaking forum. It signals not only Titan's ascension, but India's arrival as a force in global fine watchmaking — where tradition and innovation no longer sit apart, but rise together. At the core of JALSA is a vision: to give form to India's soul through mastery, to let time itself bow before beauty, and to celebrate the monumental legacy that resides not just in palaces, but in people. This vision is brought to life by a hand-painted marble dial — a singular piece of miniature artistry envisioned by Padma Shri Shakir Ali. Using natural gemstone pigments and centuries-old techniques, the dial immortalises a royal procession before the Hawa Mahal — each brushstroke a whisper of Jaipur's grandeur and India's heritage. Encased in 18K rose gold and set with a luminous red agate, JALSA gleams with symbolic intensity. But its artistry continues within: a Titan in-house flying tourbillon movement, made of 144 precision parts and 14 jewels, beats at its heart. The movement is crowned with architectural bridges inlaid with red agate, and a poetic sapphire magnifier counterpoise on the minute hand — a masterstroke of design that reimagines time as something not just counted, but felt. Visible through a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, the movement is not just functional — it is performative, sculptural, and sublime. It reflects the very soul of this creation: India, in all its splendour, intricacy, and timeless rhythm. Priced at Rs. 40.5 lakhs and limited to only 10 pieces, JALSA is not just a watch — it is a historic collectible. A confluence of Indian excellence and horological mastery, it is a tribute to those who value rarity, artistry, and legacy in equal measure. Limited to only 10 pieces, JALSA is not just a watch — it is a historic collectible. A confluence of Indian excellence and horological mastery, it is a tribute to those who value rarity, artistry, and legacy in equal measure. C K Venkataraman, Managing Director, Titan Company Ltd, said: 'With JALSA, we are not just launching a watch — we are presenting a cultural artefact. It is a rare fusion of India's artistic magnificence and watchmaking mastery, brought to life by our teams with unrelenting passion. As we present JALSA to the world at GPHG, we do so with pride — for India, for Titan, and for everything we carry within us.' Revathi Kant, Chief Design Officer, Titan Company Ltd., added 'JALSA is more than design — it is conviction, legacy, and artistry woven into one extraordinary timepiece. It is the clearest expression yet of our intent to place Indian luxury and craftsmanship firmly on the global map. With this watch, we honour our past — and claim our future.' Sushmita Sen, actor and icon, shared 'I'm deeply honoured to be part of this milestone moment for Nebula — Jalsa is a celebration of India's artistic legacy and craftsmanship, expressed through horological excellence. Titan has long embodied the spirit of Indian innovation and design, and with Jalsa, it carries that legacy onto the global stage. The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève entry is not just a proud moment for the brand, but for India — a testament to the world-class artistry rooted in our culture.' JALSA is not merely an object of beauty. It is a national narrative cast in gold, painted in history, and powered by invention. A once-in-a-generation masterpiece. A moment of arrival — for a brand, for a country, and for every individual who dares to carry their legacy forward. To View the Image, Click on the Link Below: Revathi Kant, Padma Shri Shakir Ali, Sushmita Sen unveiling JALSA (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Malaysian Reserve
18-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
CIGA design Sets Sail with Blue Planet II • Atlantic
The Atlantic Lives Within, Driving Forward the Spirit of Discovery and Connection The Legacy of the Atlantic, Captured in a Timepiece HONG KONG, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Atlantic Ocean has long symbolized courage, ambition, and the pursuit of the unknown. It catalyzed the Age of Discovery, challenging explorers to cross uncharted waters and forever changing history. Dissolving boundaries and connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas, cultures met, ideas flowed, and countless souls pursued freedom. In June 2025, CIGA design , an independent GPHG Award-winning brand, honors this spirit with the Blue Planet II • Atlantic, a timepiece that embodies the Atlantic's enduring legacy. Crafting the Legacy The Blue Planet II • Atlantic features CIGA design's award-winning Asynchronous-Follow Movement Technology, inspired by ancient sundials and honored by the GPHG. A single compass hand indicates both hours and minutes, gliding across a dynamic minute dial and a stationary hour ring. With every 30° movement of the hour gear, the minute dial rotates 390°, creating a unique and intuitive expression of time in harmony with the globe's rhythm and ocean currents. Beneath a curved sapphire crystal, the CNC-engraved dial unfolds the vast contours of the Atlantic, intricately capturing the essence of diverse landscapes. From the rugged Rocky Mountains to the towering Andes, the deep Gulf of Mexico to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, each engraving reflects the distinct identity of its region. As night falls, luminous markers glisten like moonlight on the ocean's surface, while a refined strap offers effortless comfort, ensuring every journey is a seamless experience. A Story of Discovery, Connection, and Freedom The Blue Planet II • Atlantic is a living emblem of discovery, connection, and freedom. Discovery: The Atlantic inspired explorers to venture into the unknown, shaping the Age of Discovery and transforming human understanding. Connection: For centuries, the Atlantic has been a bridge between continents, uniting cultures and shaping global trade and identity. Freedom: The Atlantic represents a journey of liberation—where new beginnings are forged, and the spirit of resilience and hope endures. The Basics Case Size: 46mm (excluding crown)Watch Length: 220mmCase Thickness: 17.05mmCrown: 6.0mm diameter, CNC groovedStrap Width: 22.0mmStrap Material: FluororubberGlass: Sapphire glassWater Resistance: 3ATM Movement: Self-developed automatic Caliber CD-04-E featuring CIGA design's Asynchronous-follow Technology, operating at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -15/+30 seconds per day. Pricing： Steel: $1,199Titanium Alloy：$1,399 Pre-Launch Special: Steel: $1,049Titanium Alloy：$1,249 June 10th – June 24th Availability:Now available on the CIGA design official website and Amazon About Brand As a trailblazer in watch design and a recipient of the prestigious GPHG award, CIGA design has earned its place on the global stage of fine watchmaking. Driven by the proposition of 'Stand Out, By Design,' the brand is committed to originality, breaking through traditional boundaries to create designs that embody the spirit of the times and express the wearer's unique individuality.
Cision Canada
18-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CIGA design Sets Sail with Blue Planet II • Atlantic
The Atlantic Lives Within, Driving Forward the Spirit of Discovery and Connection The Legacy of the Atlantic, Captured in a Timepiece HONG KONG, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Atlantic Ocean has long symbolized courage, ambition, and the pursuit of the unknown. It catalyzed the Age of Discovery, challenging explorers to cross uncharted waters and forever changing history. Dissolving boundaries and connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas, cultures met, ideas flowed, and countless souls pursued freedom. In June 2025, CIGA design , an independent GPHG Award-winning brand, honors this spirit with the Blue Planet II • Atlantic, a timepiece that embodies the Atlantic's enduring legacy. Crafting the Legacy The Blue Planet II • Atlantic features CIGA design's award-winning Asynchronous-Follow Movement Technology, inspired by ancient sundials and honored by the GPHG. A single compass hand indicates both hours and minutes, gliding across a dynamic minute dial and a stationary hour ring. With every 30° movement of the hour gear, the minute dial rotates 390°, creating a unique and intuitive expression of time in harmony with the globe's rhythm and ocean currents. Beneath a curved sapphire crystal, the CNC-engraved dial unfolds the vast contours of the Atlantic, intricately capturing the essence of diverse landscapes. From the rugged Rocky Mountains to the towering Andes, the deep Gulf of Mexico to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, each engraving reflects the distinct identity of its region. As night falls, luminous markers glisten like moonlight on the ocean's surface, while a refined strap offers effortless comfort, ensuring every journey is a seamless experience. A Story of Discovery, Connection, and Freedom The Blue Planet II • Atlantic is a living emblem of discovery, connection, and freedom. Discovery: The Atlantic inspired explorers to venture into the unknown, shaping the Age of Discovery and transforming human understanding. Connection: For centuries, the Atlantic has been a bridge between continents, uniting cultures and shaping global trade and identity. Freedom: The Atlantic represents a journey of liberation—where new beginnings are forged, and the spirit of resilience and hope endures. The Basics Case Size: 46mm (excluding crown) Watch Length: 220mm Case Thickness: 17.05mm Crown: 6.0mm diameter, CNC grooved Strap Width: 22.0mm Strap Material: Fluororubber Glass: Sapphire glass Water Resistance: 3ATM Movement: Self-developed automatic Caliber CD-04-E featuring CIGA design's Asynchronous-follow Technology, operating at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -15/+30 seconds per day. Pricing ： Steel: $1,199 Titanium Alloy：$1,399 Pre-Launch Special: Steel: $1,049 Titanium Alloy：$1,249 June 10th - June 24th Availability: Now available on the CIGA design official website and Amazon About Brand As a trailblazer in watch design and a recipient of the prestigious GPHG award, CIGA design has earned its place on the global stage of fine watchmaking. Driven by the proposition of "Stand Out, By Design," the brand is committed to originality, breaking through traditional boundaries to create designs that embody the spirit of the times and express the wearer's unique individuality.
