Once On Every Wrist, Even Nehru’s, Why Did HMT Watches Fade From Memory?

SOURCE : NEW18 NEWS

Last Updated:May 09, 2025, 13:49 IST

Iconic HMT models like Janta, Pilot, Kanchan, Sonar, and Kohinoor became household names, loved for their simplicity, durability, and reliability across all classes

HMT Watches, once a proud symbol of status and respect, have gradually faded into obscurity. For many who grew up in the 1980s or 1990s, the image of a gleaming HMT timepiece on a father’s or grandfather’s wrist remains a cherished memory.

In those days, gifting or receiving an HMT watch was a matter of pride, be it for a new job, retirement or a wedding. Known for their reliability and durability, HMT watches held a special place at a time when consumer goods weren’t as easily accessible as they are today. Yet, for the newer generation, the once-iconic name HMT may barely ring a bell.

HMT, or Hindustan Machine Tools, was established by the Government of India in 1953 to manufacture machine tools and promote industrial self-reliance. In 1961, the company expanded into watchmaking through a collaboration with Japan’s Citizen company, producing India’s first indigenous watch.

Iconic models such as the Janta, Pilot, Kanchan, Sonar, and Kohinoor became household names, cutting across social classes. Even Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru proudly wore an HMT watch, famously calling it “The Timekeeper of the Nation.”

The appeal of HMT watches lay in their simplicity, durability, and reliability. It is said that from villages to cities, nearly every household owned at least one. HMT wasn’t just a brand, it was an emotion. Milestones like new jobs or retirements were often marked with an HMT watch, and it remained a cherished wedding gift for decades.

But time didn’t stand still for HMT. After the 1990s, the market saw the arrival of new players like Titan, which redefined the wristwatch, from a functional timepiece to a fashion accessory. With a strong focus on design, marketing, and style, backed by the trusted Tata name, Titan quickly won over a new generation of consumers, leaving HMT behind in a rapidly changing market.

Meanwhile, HMT failed to adapt its designs or technology to keep pace with changing consumer preferences. As a government-run enterprise, its decision-making was sluggish, and it largely ignored marketing, relying instead on the legacy of its trusted name. This complacency proved costly. HMT watches began disappearing from store shelves, losses mounted, and factory closures followed.

By 2016, the Government of India officially shut down HMT Watches and HMT Chinar Watches, with thousands of employees opting for voluntary retirement. A once-iconic brand that had defined generations quietly faded into memory.

Despite the closure of its watch division, the original HMT company continues to operate in sectors like machine tools and tractors. Meanwhile, vintage HMT watches have gained a cult following, with enthusiasts collecting old models and startups refurbishing and reselling them.

In 2019, responding to demand from collectors and watch lovers, HMT cautiously resumed watch production on a much smaller scale. Today, it offers a range of quartz, automatic, and mechanical models, available through its official website. However, parts of the manufacturing process now involve foreign suppliers such as Miyota/Citizen and third-party firms, marking a shift from the brand’s fully indigenous roots.

First Published:

May 09, 2025, 13:49 IST