In conversation with the man behind Jaipur Watch Company’s new collection — Brides of Jaipur

Gaurav Mehta, the founder-designer of Jaipur Watch Company, talks about his latest collection, watches as storytelling devices, his philosophy of time, and more.

As we walk into Gaurav Mehta’s store in Jaipur, located within the Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, we expect a large, swanky setting befitting the founder-designer of Jaipur Watch Company (JWC) and his latest collection, Brides of Jaipur. But it is an intimate space (less than 100 sq ft) without any external branding, tucked into a corner of the sprawling early 20th-Century palace, now operated as a five-star hotel by the Taj Hotels Group.

It evoked the charm of the small, family-run shops nestled in the bazaars of traditional Jaipur. Rambagh Palace is, nevertheless, a prime location for Gaurav’s clientele. Those who can afford ₹3 lakh per night for accommodation will likely buy a ₹30,000 wristwatch (the starting price of watches in the Brides of Jaipur edit). This is perhaps why, despite having other stores, he secured the space within a few hours after the previous tenants vacated. “Time is luxury,” says Gaurav as we sit across the table, discussing his latest collection.

Brides of Jaipur draws inspiration from the intricate jaali work found in Jaipur’s iconic City Palace. While the collection’s name suggests bridal wear, Gaurav explains that Brides of Jaipur is for any woman who appreciates traditional Indian attire. “Weddings are only one occasion; India has countless festivals where traditional wear is celebrated,” he says. “We called it ‘Brides’ because the bride is always the focus of attention, but the watches are designed for all women who embrace their culture.”

Gaurav’s fascination with watchmaking stretches back to childhood. As a boy, he was intrigued by the mechanical precision of hand-wound watches. His first watch, a gift from his grandfather on a trip to Switzerland, ignited this passion. But it was a simple Indiglo watch, purchased with his mother, that cemented his love for watches.

JWC’s watches often reflect history and culture. “India has a wealth of mythology and history that many people don’t know enough about,” says Gaurav. “I want to promote Indian culture through various mediums, be it stamps, coins, or watches.” He sees the preservation of history as a key function of his watches, which he likens to artefacts that connect wearers to their heritage. “Watches can tell stories, just like old coins or stamps evoke nostalgia and cultural memories.”

The watch on his wrist is from another recent JWC collection, the Rajasthan Polo Edition, which pays tribute to the sport’s heritage. Crafted with stone dials — tiger eye, malachite, lapis lazuli, and aventurine — the watch also offers a customisable back. “Polo players can have the back engraved with text or images and wear the watch face inward during matches to avoid damage,” he says.

Polo has a rich history in India, particularly in Rajasthan, where it evolved from a royal pastime to an internationally celebrated sport. Introduced by the Mughal emperors, the game was later adopted by Rajput kings, who embraced it as a symbol of valour and prestige. Jaipur, with its royal heritage, became a significant center for polo under Maharaja Sawai Man Singh, who was an avid player and helped popularise the sport both within India and abroad. Today, the city is home to some of the most prestigious polo tournaments, keeping the legacy of Rajasthan’s equestrian culture alive.