C.K. Venkatraman, MD of Titan Company, is a firm believer in the power of analog watches. Despite the rise of smartwatches, he chooses to wear a Titan watch every day, even when cycling or working out. In fact, he sees smartwatches as a struggle for Titan, and the company is reimagining its approach to them. Instead, Titan is focusing on its analog watch portfolio, which has shown significant growth in recent quarters. The watch division has grown by 17.2% year-on-year, with a 39.3% EBIT growth.
Venkatraman attributes this growth to a complete reimagination of Titan’s analog watch portfolio. The company has focused on product innovation, creating sleek and stylish watches with high-quality materials and movements. For example, Venkatraman’s own watch, the Titan Edge Squircle, is a Rs 45,000 timepiece with a ceramic strap, sapphire crystal glass, and 30% water-resistance. He believes that no Swiss-made brand or other international brand could offer a similar product at such a competitive price point.
Titan’s strategy is to offer high-quality, premium watches within the Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000 price bracket. Venkatraman sees analog watches as playing multiple roles, including expressing one’s personality, coordinating with outfits, and signifying status. He believes that there is still a significant market for analog watches, particularly among older generations who may not be interested in smartwatches. By focusing on innovation and quality, Titan aims to continue connecting with customers who value the unique qualities of analog watches.
Venkatraman’s approach is not just about the watches themselves, but also about the brand’s retail and branding strategy. He wants Titan to be seen as a premium brand that offers high-quality products at competitive prices. With its revamped analog watch portfolio, Titan is poised to continue growing in the market, even as smartwatches and wearables continue to evolve. Overall, Venkatraman’s vision for Titan is one of innovation, quality, and style, with a focus on the unique qualities that analog watches bring to the table.