Biography of Gaurav Mehta: Founder & CEO of Jaipur Watch Company- Entrepreneur
Biography of Gaurav Mehta:
Gaurav Mehta's journey into the world of watches began with
a childhood fascination for collecting coins and stamps. As he grew older, this
passion for collecting evolved into an interest in timepieces. While
experimenting with his father’s tools, Gaurav found his calling in designing
and crafting his own watches. Little did he know that this simple curiosity
would eventually lead to the creation of India's first luxury watch brand.
Founding the Jaipur Watch Company
In 2013, Gaurav Mehta founded the Jaipur Watch Company
(JWC), aiming to fill a unique niche in the luxury watch market. His vision was
to create a brand that blended traditional Indian elements with high-end Swiss
craftsmanship. The result was a micro-luxury brand that not only made exquisite
timepieces but also celebrated India's rich cultural heritage through design.
The Unique Appeal: Indian-Themed Watches
What set Jaipur Watch Company apart was its focus on
creating Indian-themed watches. Each piece featured unique elements like
pre-British era coins, postage stamps, Pichhwai paintings, feathers, and
precious stones. These design choices helped give JWC watches a distinctly
Indian identity while maintaining the elegance and quality of luxury
timepieces.
A Boutique Store at Rambagh Palace
Jaipur Watch Company’s flagship store is located in the
famous Rambagh Palace, which is now a five-star hotel. This small but exquisite
boutique, located in a corner of the palace, reflects the brand’s attention to
detail and luxury. Despite being under 100 square feet, the store’s location
within one of Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks adds to its charm and allure.
Educational Background and Early Career
Before launching JWC, Gaurav Mehta completed a Master’s in
Risk Management from Nottingham University Business School. This academic
background in risk management, along with his early experiences working in
various industries, helped him develop the skills needed to run a successful
business. His entrepreneurial journey was shaped not only by his studies but
also by his exposure to the business world through internships and work
experiences.
From Coins to Custom Watches
The foundation of Jaipur Watch Company was built on a
passion for history and design. Gaurav Mehta’s early fascination with coins and
stamps played a crucial role in shaping the concept of creating custom watches.
Over time, the company began offering personalized watches, allowing clients to
incorporate their own photographs or unique designs, further enhancing the
brand’s bespoke nature.
Expansion and Innovation: Launching Gold Watches
In 2017, JWC expanded its offerings to include bespoke
18-carat gold watches. This move signified the brand's evolution into the
luxury market, where high-end materials like gold were used to craft watches
that exuded elegance and exclusivity. The introduction of gold watches helped
Jaipur Watch Company solidify its position as a premium watchmaker.
Tribute to Gerald Genta: The Jump Hour Watch
In November 2018, Jaipur Watch Company introduced its
limited-edition Jump Hour Watch, a special tribute to Swiss watch designer
Gerald Genta. Known for revolutionizing the design of luxury watches, Genta’s
influence is visible in JWC’s interpretation of the Jump Hour complication,
which became a unique feature of their luxury collection. This limited-edition
watch showcased JWC’s commitment to innovation while paying homage to iconic
watchmaking history.
Biography of Gaurav Mehta: Founder & CEO of Jaipur Watch Company- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/shark tank/Gaurav Mehta story
Breaking into Retail: First Store at Select CityWalk
In September 2019, JWC opened its first retail store at
Select CityWalk in New Delhi. This marked a significant step in expanding the
brand’s presence beyond Jaipur and into a major retail hub. The store's opening
helped to establish JWC as a premium luxury brand while allowing customers to
experience the craftsmanship and elegance of the watches firsthand.
High-Profile Clients: Royalty and Government
Jaipur Watch Company has earned a reputation for creating
exceptional timepieces that appeal to high-profile clients. Notable customers
include the royal family of Jodhpur and the Government of Uttarakhand. These
prestigious clients reflect the brand's ability to cater to elite individuals
and institutions, reinforcing JWC’s position in the luxury watch market.
The Vision of Micro-Luxury
JWC’s focus is on creating micro-luxury watches, a category
that bridges the gap between mass-market watches and high-end luxury
timepieces. By offering customization and exclusive designs, Jaipur Watch
Company targets customers who appreciate quality craftsmanship, Indian
heritage, and personalized luxury, all while remaining within a more accessible
price range compared to traditional luxury brands.
The Shark Tank India Pitch
Jaipur Watch Company’s founders took their business to the
national stage when they appeared on Shark Tank India Season 2. They pitched
their idea of a micro-luxury watch brand, asking for ₹50 lakhs for a 2% equity
stake, which valued the company at ₹25 crores. Despite the strong pitch, the
company did not secure investment from the Sharks, but the exposure helped to
boost the brand's profile.
The Struggles and Triumphs
Like many entrepreneurs, Gaurav Mehta faced significant
challenges in growing his business. From establishing a brand in a competitive
industry to managing production and sales, the journey was not always smooth.
However, his persistence paid off as Jaipur Watch Company gradually gained
recognition in the luxury watch market, and the brand’s distinctive
Indian-themed designs continued to resonate with customers.
The Jaipur Watch Company Today
Today, Jaipur Watch Company stands as India’s first luxury
watch brand, known for its high-quality, customizable timepieces. The brand
continues to evolve, offering unique designs and exploring new avenues for
expansion. Its commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation has made
JWC a standout player in the luxury watch industry, both in India and globally.
Looking to the Future: Growth and Innovation
As Jaipur Watch Company looks to the future, the brand
remains focused on expanding its reach and continuing to innovate. With plans
for further retail expansion and a growing online presence, JWC aims to attract
more customers who appreciate the fusion of luxury, Indian heritage, and
bespoke design. The brand’s future is promising as it builds on its strong
foundation and legacy of excellence in watchmaking.
A timeline of Gaurav Mehta and the Jaipur Watch Company
(JWC):
2013: Gaurav Mehta founded Jaipur Watch Company (JWC),
creating India's first luxury watch brand that combined traditional Indian
design with Swiss craftsmanship.
2017: JWC expanded its offerings to include bespoke 18-carat
gold watches, marking its entrance into the high-end luxury market.
2018: JWC introduced its limited-edition Jump Hour Watch,
paying tribute to Swiss designer Gerald Genta and showcasing innovation in the
luxury watch space.
2019: The brand opened its first retail store at Select
CityWalk, New Delhi, expanding its presence beyond Jaipur and into a major
retail hub.
2019: JWC appeared on Shark Tank India Season 2, pitching
for ₹50 lakh in exchange for 2% equity but did not secure an investment.
However, the appearance boosted the brand's visibility.
2020s: JWC continued to innovate, offering customized
Indian-themed watches featuring unique elements like coins, stamps, and
precious stones. The brand also gained high-profile clients, including royalty
and the government.
2024: JWC is recognized as a premium micro-luxury watch
brand, offering personalized, heritage-inspired timepieces. The brand continues
to evolve, with plans for further expansion and innovation.
Future Outlook: With a focus on growth, innovation, and
expanding both online and retail, JWC is positioned to continue making waves in
the global luxury watch market.
