Coromandel Watch Company is an Indian independent watch brand that has emerged as a notable player in the regional microbrand scene. Founded in 2024, the brand has its roots in a community project originally known as Madras Watch Works and later Watch Projects. Based in the Nilgiris region of South India, the company focuses on creating timepieces that merge traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern mechanical movements.
The brand was founded by watch enthusiast Shibin V.S. and his long-time friend Amit Sudevan. Shibin, who previously worked in the hospitality industry with the Taj Group, transitioned from collecting and selling vintage watches to manufacturing unique pieces that reflect Indian heritage. The founders recently established an assembly facility in Palakkad, Kerala, leveraging the region’s pool of skilled craftsmen to assemble watches using components sourced from various specialized vendors.
Enthusiasts are drawn to Coromandel Watch Company for its ability to offer high-specification tool watches at accessible price points, typically ranging from 8,500 to 10,000 INR. The brand is particularly appreciated for its “story-driven” design philosophy, which creates an emotional connection through themes inspired by Indian culture, geography, and history. Technical features such as the use of reliable Seiko NH35A automatic or VK64 Meca-Quartz movements, sapphire crystals with AR coating, and ceramic bezels further contribute to its popularity among collectors.
The brand’s catalog is defined by several thematic collections and limited editions. The Blue Mountain Edition is a prominent chronograph series that pays tribute to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), featuring a train motif on the dial and caseback. The Tanjore Edition honors the traditional art of Thanjavur with intricate dial work, while the Marina Edition draws inspiration from the famous Chennai coastline. Other significant releases include the Bhoomi, a limited-edition automatic watch designed as a tribute to the Indian homeland with a mural-style dial, and the Kaappi edition, which celebrates South Indian coffee culture.
