Bengaluru: Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) is set to launch four new designs under its special ‘HMT Kannadiga’ watch collection on November 1, marking the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava. The watches celebrate Karnataka’s language, culture and identity, with Kannada numerals and symbols representing the state.
Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H D Kumaraswamy announced the collection on Saturday. The watches are expected to be priced at ₹3,500 and ₹3,600, depending on the variant, placing them in HMT’s premium collection.
The new collection will be unveiled at a special event at HMT Grounds in Jalahalli, Bengaluru. The programme will also feature a musical evening by noted music director Arjun Janya.
Kannada numerals and Karnataka symbols take centre stage
The new HMT Kannadiga watches have been designed to reflect the cultural identity of Karnataka. Their dials feature Kannada numerals instead of the conventional English or Roman numbers.
The designs also incorporate the Gandabherunda emblem, the yellow-and-red colours associated with the Karnataka flag, and the collection name written in Kannada.
The watches will be available in two variants strap and metal chain across four different styles. The strap models will feature genuine Italian leather straps. According to reports, the leather straps alone cost around ₹450 each.
The collection will also feature modern technology and a radium-glow effect, adding to the appearance of the watches.
Kumaraswamy highlights HMT’s connection with Karnataka
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on Saturday, Kumaraswamy described the new collection as a special contribution to Karnataka on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava.
He said HMT, despite being a Central public sector undertaking, had maintained a special connection with Kannada language, culture and heritage over the years.
The minister described HMT as a symbol of pride for Karnataka and expressed confidence that the new watches would appeal to people who value the state’s identity and traditions.
He also said the watches were designed to offer international-standard quality at affordable prices.
HMT revival and demand for its watches
Kumaraswamy said he had been an admirer of HMT watches since childhood and acknowledged the emotional connection many Kannadigas continued to share with the brand.
He also pointed to the continued interest among younger buyers, noting that people were still willing to stand in long queues to purchase popular HMT models.
The minister said efforts were being made by the Union government to revive the company and strengthen its manufacturing operations. As the Union Heavy Industries Minister, he said he was committed to making efforts to protect the legacy of the public sector enterprise.
The launch of the Kannadiga collection is expected to attract watch enthusiasts as well as people looking for products that reflect Karnataka’s cultural identity.
Rajyotsava launch to celebrate Kannada identity
The launch event at HMT Grounds in Jalahalli will bring together representatives of Kannada organisations and other guests. A musical evening by Arjun Janya has also been planned as part of the celebrations.
The collection adds to HMT’s range of watches inspired by Indian heritage and regional identity. Its earlier Gandabherunda-themed collection also attracted considerable interest, with reports of long queues when it was restocked on Independence Day.
With Kannada numerals and Karnataka’s cultural symbols incorporated into the new designs, the Kannadiga collection is expected to appeal to both collectors and buyers looking for a distinctive Rajyotsava keepsake.