Titan has launched its Stellar 2.0 assortment, impressed by celestial themes and that includes distinctive supplies, as a part of its technique to premiumise its portfolio. However what’s maintaining these analog watches related even within the period of smartwatches? In keeping with Mahendra Chauhan – Head Of Design- Product & UX- Watches, Wearables and Equipment, freedom from fixed notifications, the standing image related to analog watches and their timeless nature are elements why these timepieces are nonetheless related.
Concerning competitors, Chauhan highlighted that Titan’s fundamental problem is to draw shoppers who presently do not buy analog watches. He described the design philosophy for the Stellar 2.0 assortment as elegant and exploratory, drawing inspiration from the cosmos. Talking completely to ZeeBiz.com, he expressed confidence that the gathering would enchantment to youthful audiences and appeal to new clients to Titan.
Listed here are the edited excerpts from the interview:
Que: Within the age of smartwatches, what retains analog watches related?
Mahendra Chauhan: A number of elements contribute to the continued recognition of analog watches. Firstly, they supply a break from the fixed notifications and tech overload that smartwatches deliver. Analog watches provide a respite from the digital buzz, permitting wearers to take pleasure in a extra serene expertise.
Secondly, analog watches are perceived as standing symbols, an idea ingrained in our tradition for generations, usually related to luxurious manufacturers like Swiss watches. Many individuals who put on smartwatches usually change to an analog look ahead to skilled settings, emphasizing its function as a trend assertion and standing image.
Lastly, analog watches are timeless items that may be handed down via generations, showcasing enduring class. In distinction, smartwatches usually require frequent upgrades, shedding their novelty after a short while. Thus, their timeless nature, standing enchantment, and technological freedom contribute to the continued relevance of analog watches.
Que: What improvements have emerged within the analog watch phase?
Mahendra Chauhan: Analog watches might be categorized primarily into mechanical and quartz sorts. Each classes have seen vital improvements through the years. Mechanical watches have developed to incorporate varied options corresponding to velocity measurement and medical capabilities. In the meantime, quartz watches have change into extra subtle, incorporating a number of functionalities with out sacrificing aesthetics.
Just lately, hybrid smartwatches have emerged, combining analog shows with good know-how, permitting for well being monitoring via conventional watch fingers. This fusion represents the most recent innovation within the analog phase, showcasing the adaptability of conventional designs to trendy wants.
Que: Will Titan proceed to concentrate on all segments, or is there a shift in the direction of premiumisation?
Mahendra Chauhan: Titan sells roughly 18 million watches yearly, masking each demographic in India, from tier two and three cities to prosperous globetrotters. We’ve rigorously curated our choices to cater to numerous preferences and value factors.
In recent times, there’s been a noticeable shift in the direction of premium merchandise throughout all demographics. Many shoppers are searching for upgrades to extra luxurious gadgets, even in lower cost ranges. Notably, about 60% of younger city Indians are investing in high-end merchandise. This pattern in the direction of premiumisation influences all segments of our portfolio, together with the Stellar assortment, which options distinctive supplies and design parts beforehand unseen in our merchandise.
Que: What competitors does Titan face within the analog watch phase, and what challenges lie forward?
Mahendra Chauhan: Titan has maintained a robust market share of round 60-65% in India, positioning us as a dominant participant. Our built-in enterprise mannequin—encompassing design, manufacturing, and retail—affords us vital market management.
The primary problem lies in changing potential clients who presently don’t put on watches. Our focus is on reaching those that favor smartwatches from varied manufacturers or those that select to not put on a watch in any respect. Attracting these segments again to Titan is a key goal for our group.
Que: Are you able to share insights into the design philosophy of the Stellar 2.0 assortment?
Mahendra Chauhan: Titan’s design philosophy facilities on simplicity and class. Our watches are usually not merely time-telling units; they inform a narrative. The Stellar 2.0 assortment attracts inspiration from the vastness of house, together with swirling galaxies and celestial our bodies.
We beforehand explored themes like black holes, and for this assortment, we’ve integrated parts from the Solar, Moon, and planetary actions. The textures and motions of those celestial parts have considerably influenced our designs, making each bit a story of cosmic exploration.
Que: What market share do you anticipate capturing with Stellar 2.0?
Mahendra Chauhan: The efficiency of Stellar 1 was distinctive, permitting us to penetrate a beforehand unexplored market. Whereas I received’t present particular numbers, we count on a considerable curiosity from youthful audiences and people who haven’t beforehand engaged with Titan. We consider these revolutionary merchandise will appeal to new clients and spark pleasure in our choices.
