Titan’s next watch bet could be a smaller brand

Bengaluru-based Titan Company, a leading watch brand owned by the Tata group, is considering acquiring or investing in smaller and emerging watch brands as part of its growth strategy, according to a senior executive. Titan CEO Ranjani Krishnaswamy told PTI that the company is optimistic about a strong festive season, driven by healthy demand and an early wedding season coinciding with a delayed Diwali.

She emphasized that the company is working to meet the rising demand for its products. Krishnaswamy revealed that Titan is exploring opportunities to buy or partner with smaller watch brands, similar to its past acquisitions in the jewellery business. She said that such a move would be complementary to Titan's broader growth journey and not opportunistic.

The executive also noted that the emergence of India-focused micro watch brands, building products around Indian design sensibility, is a positive trend rather than a threat to Titan's market leadership. She believes competition can make a market leader more agile, innovative, and inventive. Titan recently launched Vetra, a branded movement platform, which is expected to strengthen the company's position in the high-end global horology space.

Krishnaswamy said the company aims to be the third force in the world of watches, alongside Swiss and Japanese brands.