Gaurav Mehta is a first-generation Indian entrepreneur and the founder of Jaipur Watch Company, recognized as India’s first bespoke and micro-luxury watch brand. Born and raised in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Mehta’s professional journey is rooted in a lifelong passion for history, numismatics, and mechanical objects.

As a child, Mehta developed a fascination with collecting historic coins and stamps, a hobby influenced by his family’s traditions. This interest in artifacts often intersected with a curiosity for mechanics; he frequently dismantled and reassembled watches to understand their inner workings. He attended Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Vidyalaya in Jaipur and later earned a Master’s degree in Risk Management from Nottingham University Business School in the United Kingdom. While working in the insurance sector in London, he began collecting international timepieces, further refining his appreciation for horological craftsmanship.

The concept for his business emerged in 2011 from a creative experiment in which he affixed an antique British India coin onto a watch dial. The positive reception from friends and family encouraged him to explore the commercial potential of blending history with horology. In 2013, Mehta transitioned from his family’s entertainment business to found the Jaipur Watch Company with an initial investment of 30 lakh rupees, raised in part by selling his personal car.

Under Mehta’s leadership, the brand has focused on the “Make in India” initiative, producing timepieces that incorporate cultural artifacts such as ancient coins, rare stamps, and hand-painted Pichwai or miniature art. In 2015, he established a manufacturing unit in Bengaluru to oversee production. His approach to watchmaking emphasizes “quiet luxury” and storytelling, moving away from Eurocentric design to celebrate Indian heritage.

Mehta has pioneered several milestones in the Indian watch industry, including the launch of a 3D-printed watch in 2019 and the creation of bespoke watches for high-profile clients, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various film personalities. Today, he continues to serve as the CEO and creative lead of the company, operating from his headquarters in Jaipur and maintaining a presence in luxury retail spaces such as the Rambagh Palace. His work remains centered on preserving historical narratives through handcrafted, mechanical timepieces.