When we picture an Indian bride on her big day, we visualize her in ornate necklaces, painfully large and beautiful earrings, a bold nose ring, and sometimes even a darling headpiece. One thing we don’t often imagine is the bride wearing a watch. A watch doesn’t typically inspire an image brimming with precious metals, gems, or the intricacy of the jewels she adorns. Why would one sport even a million-dollar alligator strap tourbillon when it clashes with the ensemble? Thankfully, Jaipur Watch Company has unveiled the Brides of Jaipur Watch Company collection (launched with as much pomp and flair as a real wedding at the enchanting Sawai Man Mahal) to infuse intricately designed, Indian-inspired timepieces into a bride’s trousseau.
The watches draw inspiration from Jaipur’s unmatched architectural brilliance, steeped in intricate patterns or jali work as seen in the City Palace, the historic Hawa Mahal, and other iconic landmarks. Timepieces titled Blossom Radiance, Golden Embrace, Timeless Mirage, and Regal Majesty share a few elements in common. Each watch is imbued with the bridal allure typical of Jaipur, featuring vibrant hues of rubies and emeralds, gold accents to complement the bride’s majestic look, and a keepsake quality destined to charm brides for generations.
A closer look at the watches reveals artistic details, such as the enameled dial of the Timeless Mirage, which is further enhanced with enamel work on the bracelet. It is the only piece to incorporate vibrant colors, evoking the grandeur of Garh palace walls and lac bangles, bringing that opulence to the wrist.
The Golden Embrace watch is aptly named, with its hinged cuff featuring embossed patterns inspired by Rajasthani Mehndi styles and Pichwai Art motifs. Blossom Radiance offers a more ornate option with half-bead patterns, an engraved case, and CZ cabochons adding a stunning dash of color.
However, from a wedding day perspective, it is the Regal Majesty watch that stands out. It pays homage to the intricate jali work and filigree while incorporating a latkan or kaleera, a significant addition to a bride’s attire on her big day. The Brides of Jaipur Watch Company collection ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹53,000. More information is available on the website.
[All images by the Jaipur Watch Company]