A New Indian Voice in Horology: The Rise of Delhi Watch Company

Scroll through Reddit’s watch threads, and one theme stands out: love for microbrands. Over the last decade, these lean, design-driven indies have challenged traditional norms, building tight-knit communities and niche design codes that echo deeply with their wearers. Europe led the movement, with names like Baltic, Lorier, and Studio Underd0g now claiming a spot in collectors’ watch boxes across the globe.

India is not far behind. The movement began gathering pace in the late 2010s, when watch buffs grew tired of cookie-cutter designs and sought something deeper, with a personal touch. That’s when homegrown watchmakers stepped in, bringing avant-garde creations infused with the rich Indian heritage and bold expressions. One such name rewriting the narrative is Delhi Watch Company (DWC). Based out of the capital, this microbrand has built its ethos on two principles: delivering high-quality, honest-value watches, and listening to the people who wear them. What started as a series of design experiments has evolved into a brand shaped as much by its customers as by its founder.

“We’ve always believed no one can suggest improvements better than the wearer,” says founder Anish Dandwani. “Sometimes it’s not about an upgrade but a simple detail — like making indexes more legible, or changing the size of our logo. Those little things matter.”  Blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary codes, DWC is crafting watches that tell a story, combine design with practical features, all at price points that feel refreshingly authentic. 

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‍Passion Meets Purpose

“It all began with a simple fascination,” Anish recalls. “I’ve been collecting watches since my dad gifted me a Rado. Back then, buying a Rado was the quintessential Indian-dad move!” he laughs. That gift, coupled with witnessing his father's passion, eventually rubbed off on him.

As Anish grew older, the spark only intensified. By his late teens, global platforms like Hodinkee were making waves, influencing a new generation of watch enthusiasts, including him. At the same time, European microbrands such as Baltic, Studio Underd0g, and Lorier were rewriting the rules of watchmaking with their unique design language and features. Their success travelled across borders, sparking a thought in Anish’s mind: if they could do it, why can’t we?

While this happened, there came another turning point around the COVID-19 pandemic: the uncertainty around HMT watches, a name that had carried the torch of Indian watchmaking for decades. The pandemic only amplified the doubts surrounding its future. For Anish, this wasn’t just news ― it was personal. “I grew up collecting HMTs. When I realised their operations might not continue, I felt an urgency. Someone had to pick up where they left off,” he says.

And so, Delhi Watch Company was born. Not out of a business plan, but out of nostalgia, passion, and a desire to keep India’s watchmaking legacy alive, while pushing it into a bold new era. Its philosophy is ever-evolving: experimenting with case styles, balancing quartz and mechanical movements, and exploring what’s possible within a tight price point. Some models became instant hits; others served as valuable lessons. What remains constant is a refusal to settle for the obvious. The brand has invested deeply in R&D, perfecting the right combination of components for every price point and calibre. The goal is simple yet uncompromising ― deliver exceptional value without cutting corners.

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A Pause that Sparked a Beginning

When asked about his background in watchmaking, Anish breaks into a smile. “Honestly, I came into this purely as an enthusiast,” he says. “No formal education in watchmaking or design. I was just the guy sketching ideas in college notebooks, dreaming up dials for fun.”

Life had other plans though. Anish moved to London to study International Management at SOAS, but the city introduced him to a different kind of education. “London was a treasure trove of vintage watches,” he recalls. “I held vintage Omegas and Rolexes long before the secondary market boom. Those pieces shaped how I saw timekeeping.” A couple of those Omegas still sit in his personal collection today.

After graduating, he returned to India and slipped into a corporate role ― a job he admits “was just for the sake of doing a job”. By the end of 2019, he quit, not knowing the world was about to shut down.

When COVID-19 hit, uncertainty gave him clarity. “There was no pressure to chase a conventional career,” he says. “The usual anxiety of whether a business will work didn’t exist. The timeline felt different.” In that stillness, passion took over. “The pandemic was a blessing in disguise ― it gave me the freedom to build something I truly cared about, watches.”

Since then, there’s been no looking back. DWC continues to experiment brazenly, creating designs that break away from the ordinary. Its watches have become quiet companions to life’s defining moments, be it diving into oceans, exchanging vows, or racing down a track. Each timepiece carries a whisper of nostalgia while weaving stories that connect people. And this is just the beginning — stay tuned for what’s next!

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