HMT brings out new ‘Kannadiga’ watch collection for Karnataka

In what comes as music to the ears of watch aficionados, Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) will unveil a new collection of watches named “HMT Kannadiga” on the occasion of the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava.

These watches have Kannada numericals, a Gandabherunda emblem, a yellow-red Kannada flag and the series name “HMT Kannadiga”, in Kannada letters.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday announced that the watches would be available in two variants — strap and chain — and four different styles. They are estimated to cost ₹3,500 and ₹3,600, respectively. With this price range, the new collection will join HMT’s premium watch segment.

According to officials, the watches will feature modern technology and a radium glow. The strap variants will be fitted with genuine Italian leather straps, each costing ₹450, he added. The unveiling will be held at the HMT Grounds in north Bengaluru on Sunday evening.

Soon after the announcement, social media platforms were flooded with posts about the new collection, reflecting the widespread public interest. Several social media groups also saw discussions about the new collection, its price range, and the timing of its release.

It may be recalled that a queue stretching nearly a kilometre formed when the Gandaberunda collection, another popular Kannada watch, was restocked on Independence Day earlier this year. Within hours, the collection was sold out. It will be back in stock shortly, sources said.

Suman T., an HMT watch enthusiast, said the company was coming up with a new collection after a long time and that it would undoubtedly sell out soon. “The PSU should consider manufacturing in bulk, especially models such as Gandabherunda and Roman, which are widely discussed in several watch enthusiast groups,” he said.

Addressing the media in New Delhi, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the initiative was a special contribution to Karnataka on the occasion of the 71st Rajyotsava. “HMT, popularly known as ‘India’s timekeeper’ and a source of pride for Karnataka, has always made a special contribution to the state’s language, culture, and heritage, despite being a central government undertaking,” he said.