Titan Watches - Leading the Market

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Titan is a leading watch brand of India. Its parent company, Titan Industries, is the
world's fifth largest and India's leading manufacturer of wristwatches. The
company’s website claims that it has manufactured more than a 100 million
watches till date with a customer base of over 80 million. No doubt, those are
impressive numbers as many countries do not even have total population of 80
million. Titan also claims to be the first watch company of India that introduced
quartz technology with international styling.
The Titan brand architecture has several collection and sub−brands and each sub-
brand is strongly positioned or is already a leader in its segment. Titan offers Titan
Edge – claimed to be the world’s slimmest watch and this sub-brand stands for the
philosophy – “less is more”. On the other hand is the brand Titan Raga – the
feminine and sensuous accessory for contemporary women, Nebula is crafted in 18
carat gold and other precious stones. Titan’s other popular collections are Heritage,
Aviator, Octane, Titan Regalia and WWF.
Titan has captured over 60% of the Indian watch market (includes only the
organized watch market as there many local non-branded watch sellers) with over
250 exclusive showrooms branded as ‘World of Titan’ and these outlets are backed
by more than 700 after-sales-service centers. The Company also has a state of the
art design studio that is focused on inventing new trends in wrist watches. It
continuously brings new models into the market. Another unique marketing
strategy that has been instrumental in making Titan a very successful brand is the
catalogue advertising. This unique direct selling model has enabled Titan to
directly reach to its customers and regularly engage with them with new watch
models.
Like many other brands of Tata, Titan is indeed an international brand with wide
popularity especially in those markets where there is a significant presence of
NRIs. Titan has also been successful in making inroads into European market and
Asia Pacific markets. Titan watches are available in UK, Spain, Portugal, Greece
in Europe and Singapore, Malaysia. No doubt that it has over 100 million satisfied
customers.
Company History - Titan Industries
1984

- The Company was Incorporated on 26th July, at Chennai. The

Manufacture analog electronic watches with a choice of over 150
designs. The company was promoted jointly by Questar Investments,
Ltd., a Tata Company with its associates Tata Sons, Ltd., and Tata
Press, Ltd., and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation, Ltd.
(TIDCO). The main objective of the company is to manufacture analog
electronic watches with a choice of over 150 designs.

- The Company undertook to set up a plant for the manufacture of

quartz
analog electronic watches in the State Industries Promotion
Corporation
of Tamil Nadu, Ltd. Industrial area at Hosur.

- The Company entered into a collaboration agreement with France

Ebauches (FE) of France, manufacturers of watch movements and
components, for technical documentation, assistance in procurement
of
manufacturing equipments, raw materials, etc.

- The Company proposed to manufacture 2 million digital and ana-digi

watches in collaboration with Casio Computer Company of Japan. A
MOU
was signed between the Company and Casio in November, 1986.

1987

- The Company established a manufacturing facility at Hosur for the

manufacture of components for watches.

- In April the Company also issued 5,25,000 - 13.5% secured

redeemable
partly convertible debentures of Rs 300 each for cash at par. The
debentures were allotted on preferential basis: (i) 26,250
debentures
to employees/workers of the Company and associate companies (ii)
52,500
debentures to shareholders of Tata Press Ltd. and (iii) 1,31,250
debentures to NRIs on repatriation basis. The remaining 3,04,500
debentures along with the unsubscribed portion of 78,900 debentures
from the preferential quota were offered for public subscription
during
April. Additional 1,31,250 debentures were allotted to retain
over-subscription.

- The convertible portion of Rs 100 of the face value of each

debenture
was converted into 10 equity shares of Rs 10 each at the end of
three
months from the date of allotment of debentures (65,62,500 equity
shares were allotted accordingly).

- The non-convertible portion of Rs 200 of the face value of each

debenture was to be redeemed at par at the end of the 10 years from
the
date of allotment of debentures.

1989

- A new range of watches called `Aqura' was launched in December.

- The case plant at Hosur was commissioned. The plant was to

produce
1.5 million watch cases. The project cost was financed partly
through
internal resources and largely through borrowings from IFC,
Washington
and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation, Ltd.

- The Company set up a satellite case plant at Dehra Dun in Uttar

Pradesh with a capacity of 5,00,000 watch cases per annum to improve
operating efficiency and reduce costs.

- During August, the Company issued 2,52,000 - 12.5% convertible

debentures of Rs 500 each as follows: (i) 2,40,000 debentures on
rights
basis in the proportion 1 debenture: 100 equity shares held and (ii)
12,000 debentures to employees/workers of the Company on an
equitable
basis. A total of 2,84,455 debentures were allotted under this
issue
including retention of oversubscription.

- Part `A' of each debenture of face value of Rs 100 was

compulsorily
and automatically converted into 10 equity shares of Rs 10 each at
par
on expiry of six months from the date of allotment of debentures.

- Part `B' of each debenture of the face value of Rs 200 was

converted
into 4 equity shares of Rs 10 each at a premium of Rs 50 per share
on
1.10.92.

- Part `C' the non-convertible portion of each debenture of face

value
of Rs 200 was to be redeemed at par at the end of the 10th year from
the date of allotment of debentures.

- The proceeds of the issue were to be utilised to meet a part of

the
fund requirement of the company's project to manufacture watch cases
and other critical components inhouse.

- The Company proposed to offer 40,26,700-12.5% fully convertible

debentures of Rs 100 each on Rights basis in the proportion 2 debs:
20
equity shares held. Another 2,012,340 - 12.5% debentures were to be
issued to the employees' on an equitable basis.

- Rs 40 of the face value of each debenture was to be converted into

1
equity share of Rs 10 each at a premium of Rs 30 per share on or
before
30th September, 1995.

- Rs 60 of the face value of each debenture was to be converted into

1
equity share of Rs 10 each at a premium not exceeding Rs 50 per
share
on or before 30th September, 1996.

1991

- A joint venture Company along with Economic Development Council of

Goa, Daman & Diu Ltd., in the name of Titan Time Products, Ltd., was
set up at Goa, for the manufacture of Electronic Circuit Blocks.

- The company undertook to set up a jewellery business at Hosur.

The
jewellery repertoire was to include both daily-wear jewellery and
luxury products.

- Grant Walker, a U.K. based firm, was to provide the necessary

consultancy services and the marketing was to be undertaken
worldwide
through an offshore company controlled by Titan Watches Ltd., with
its
mainbase in London.

- The Company along with other Tata Associates were to participate

in
the equity of Timex, who were to offer equity shares of Rs 10 each at
a
premium of Rs 40 per share. It was also proposed to make a Partly
convertible debenture of nearly Rs 60 crores.

1992

- Over 150 new models were introduced of which `Raga' introduced in

June, `Spectra' a range of watches in steel and gold plated was
reintroduced with a new look in August. It was proposed to introduce
a
host of new products based on new movements.

- It was also proposed to sell the brand name `Aqura' and the right
to
make Aqura products to Timex, with a view to move up market.

- With a view to streamling the Company's international operations,

it
was decided to set up a wholly owned subsidiary Titan Holdings BV in
Netherlands. Approval was received for investment of share capital
of
2 million U.S. $ in that Company.

- Titan Time Products, Ltd., is a joint sector project set up with

the
Economic Development Council of Goa, Daman and Diu.

- Titan Properties Ltd., was incorporated to undertake land

development
and housing scheme for the Company's employees at Hosur.

- The Company issued 134,22,300 Rights equity shares of Rs 10 each

for
cash at a premium of Rs 40 per share in the proportion 1:2 (all were
taken up).

- Another 5,69,000 No. of equity shares of Rs 10 each were issued at

a
premium of Rs 40 per share in proportion 2 shares: 1 debenture held
to
Part B holders of 12.5%. Convertible debentures issued in 1989.
(all
were taken up).

- 6,99,600 No. of equity shares of Rs 10 each were offered at a

premium
of Rs 40 per share to employees of the Company and those of promoter
companies on an equitable basis (only 3,02,600 shares taken up).

1993

- The name of the Company was changed with effect from 21st Sept.
from
Titan Watches, Ltd. to Titan Industries Ltd., in view of the fact
that
the Company's products consisted of not only watches but also
jewellery.
1994

- The Company introduced `Tanishq' range of watches made of 18 carat

gold and studded with precious stones. A new range of watch
`Insignia'
manufactured for the European market likely to be introduced in the
domestic market.

- The Company proposed to expand the watch manufacturing to 5

million
pieces by adding some balancing equipment and productivity devices
in
the component manufacturing plants.

- The Company proposed to establish new facilities for the

manufacture
of table clocks with a capacity of 1.5 million pieces per annum.
New
facilities were also being established for the manufacture of
complex
integrated metal bracelets with a capacity of 1.2 million bracelets
with technical assistance from a reputed manufacturer in Japan.

- A new Company was established in Singapore to market products in

South and South East Asian countries.

1995

- The Company proposed to set up a joint venture company with Hour

Glass of Singapore to set up watch boutiques in leading Indian
cities
for the sale of luxury watches and also be responsible for wholesale
and after-sales operations.

1996

- The Company has introduced new economy range of watches called

Sonata and Tanistiq's 22 Karat ethnic Jewellery during the year.

- 23,00,000 Pref. shares issued on private placement basis.

1998

- 3.5%, 14% and 12% redeemable cumulative preference shares has been
fully redeemed.

- The Company now has 102 exclusive Titan Showrooms and a chain of
83
Timezone outlets in addition to being present in over 5400 dealer
outlets in 1300 towns and cities across the country.

- Mr A C Mukherji and Mr T K Balaji retire by rotation and are

eligible
for reappointment.

- During the year, the Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation

(TIDCO) nominated Mr R Gopalan, their Chairman and Managing
Director.

- The Research & Development Group has developed a slim movement

with
date which has been introduced in the market.

2000

- Titan Industries has announced the launch of Cyber, a range of

digital clocks.

- ICRA has withdrawn the A1+ rating assigned to the Rs 15 crore CP

programme of the company as there is no outstanding against the
instrument.

- Titan Industries has been conferred the award for excellence in

electronics for the year 1998 by the ministry of information
technology
(MIT).

- Titan has launched a new `Style at Work' collection under its

Classique range.

- Tanishq, the jewellery division of Titan Industries Ltd, has

opened
its second showroom in Kerala.
- Pizza Hut has introduced baarah nahi toh tera, a new deal in which
a
customer who orders a `speed lunch' gets it in 12 minutes, or gets
it
free. As part of the offer, Pizza Hut has entered into a tie-up
with
Titan, through which a Titan Fast-track watch will be displayed on
every table to mark the 12 minute countdown.

- Titan Industries' jewellery arm Tanishq is getting into an

memorandum
of understading with Canara Bank and Corporation Bank to convert
gold
articles into slabs.

- Titan Industries is considering launching a `third brand' for the

upper end.

- Titan Industries unveiled a new range of wrist-watches, called the

Classique range, for Corporate Executives.

- Titan Industries has announced a new range of Fastrack watches for

young women in the city

2001

- Titan Industries Ltd. has launched three new collections of its

popular Dash brand of watches for kids -- Popeye, Digital and
Lumibrite.

- Titan Industries on June 27 reported its profit rose 21.8 per cent
in
the past year to March, reflecting strong sales growth by its
jewellery
division.

2002

- Titan Industries Ltd informs that the Board of Directors have

appointed Mr. V.K.Jeyakodi, IAS, Executive Director, Tamil
Industrial
Development Corporation Ltd as a Director of the Company, in place
of
Mr. Hemant Kumar Sinha who has resigned.

- Titan Industries Ltd informs that Mr Bhaskar Bhat is

appointed as Managing Director of the Company.Mr Bhaskar Bhat
succeeds
Mr Xerxes Desai who steps down as Managing Director on March 31,
2002,
at the end of his tenure.

-Titan Industries Ltd, the Board of Directors have appointed Mr M

Kalaivanan, appointment in place of Mr V K Jeyakodi who has resigned
from the Board on March 27, 2002.The Board of Directors have also
appointed Mr Krishnadas Nair as an additional independent Director on
the Board of the Company effective May 02, 2002.

- At the Board meeting of Titan Industries Ltd held today (June 26,
2002), the Board of Directors noted and accepted the resignation of
Mr A Gowrishankar as Chairman and Director and Mr M Kalaivanan as a
Director, both of them were nominee directors of TamilNadu Industrial
Development Corporation Ltd (Tidco) The Directors have also approved
the appointment of Dr R Vijaykumar as a Nominee Director of Tidco in
place of Mr M Kalaivanan.

- Titan Industries Ltd decides that it would be in the long-term

interest of the company to rationalise its manpower and to improve
productivity. With a view to achieve this objective and keeping the
best interests of both employees and the company in mind the company
has decided to introduce a Voluntary Retirement Scheme to its
permanent employees. The scheme has been notified today July 25, 2002
to the employees of the company.

-Arun Kumar appointed as Director & Chairman of Titan Industries.

2003

-Tanishq steps into a new segment Silverware. The silverware range

has been designed by Michael Folly, the designer for Titan. We have
introduced silverware in all metros, said YL Saroja, group manager,
sales and marketing, Tanishq. This is a Rs 5,000 crore market and has
few organised and branded players.

-Management decided to declare partial lock-out at the company's

manufacturing facilities
at Hosur.

-Floats towards automotive and aerospace precision mechatronics for

aviation and auto
tools.

-Mr Jacob Kurian, Chief Operating Officer gives his resignation to

the company.

-Soldbusiness of publishing Readers Digest Magazine for a lumpsum

consideration of Rs 150 million to Living Media India ltd.

2004

-GVM International Ltd., a licensee of Tommy Hilfiger Licensing Inc

(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tommy Hilfiger Corporation), and a
member of the Murjani Group, enters into an exclusive sub-licensing
agreement with Titan Industries Ltd to market and distribute Tommy
Hilfiger watches in the country

-Relaunches 'Raga', the women's watch range

-Titan has announced the launch of a new collection of women's

watches called 'Raga Miniatures'. Small and delicate in size the
watches bracelets in 15 varieties of gold and steel and is priced at
Rs 2995 onwards.

-Titan Industries Ltd announced the launch of the customer service

`Original Spares' logo

-Titan has announced the launch of Raga 9 to 5 collection of watches

aimed at working women. The collection comprises around 40 designs
and is targeted at women in the age group of 25 to 45. The new range
is available at a price ranging from Rs 1650 to Rs 5000.

-Titan Industries on June 18, 2004, announced the launch of the Tommy
Hilfiger watch collection in India. Titan has entered into an
exclusive sub-licensing arrangement with GVM International Ltd, a
member of the Murjani Group, for the marketing and distribution of
Tommy Hilfiger watches in India

-Watch and jewellery manufacturer Titan Industries forayed into the

fashion accesssories industry with the launch of sunglasses, a Rs
330-crore market

-Rolls out new range of designer eyewear in Chennai

-Titan Industries on July 22, 2004, launched the Flip collection - a

dual-faced watch that incorporates two watch movements embedded in a
single case

-Titan rolls out new range of jewellery watches under the 'Nebula'
brand

-Titan Industries launches Crown Collection watches

-Titan partners with LVMH Group

-Titan Industries launches Cal Track

2005

-Titan re-introduces Fastrack range of watches

-Titan introduces new gold & steel collection in Coimbatore

-Titan rolls out bi-metal range of watches in Vizag

-Titan launches multiple watches under Raga coordinate range

2006

-Titan Industries Ltd has informed that Mr. Harish Bhat is being
appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Watches and Licensing &
Accessories Division of the Company.

-Titan to set up Tanishq exclusive stores in US

-Titan Industries unveils Xylys watche

-Titan Ind sets up boutique in Banjara Hills

2007

-Titan Industries Ltd has informed that Mr. Sunil Paliwal, IAS,
Executive Director, Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd
(TIDCO) has been inducted as an Additional Director in the Board of
the Company with effect from February 26, 2007.

- Titan Industries Ltd has informed that the Board of Directors of

the Company at its meeting held on October 29, 2007, inter alia, has
appointed Mr. Kumar Jayant, IAS, nominee Director, Tamilnadu
Industrial Development Corporation Ltd as an Additional Director in
the Board of the Company with effect from October 29, 2007.

Mr. Sunil Paliwal, IAS, nominee Director, Tamilnadu Industrial

Development Corporation Ltd has resigned as Director of the Company.

2008

-TIL ties up with Sankara Nethralaya

2009

- Titan Industries Ltd has appointed Mrs. Anita Praveen, IAS,

Chairperson & Managing Director of Tamilnadu Industrial Development
Corporation Ltd (TIDCO) as an Additional Director of the Company with
effect from June 01, 2009.

5 Best Titan Wrist Watches

By: Victorino Sianghio Jr.

Break Studios Contributing Writer

The 5 best Titan wrist watches are made by the Indian maker of watches, Titan. A relatively
young company in the watchmaking world, Titan has only been in operation since 1987. Titan is
the world's sixth-biggest maker of watches and features watches that are functional, bold and
diverse with a whole host of shapes, sizes and pricing models being available to consumers.

1. Gents Nebula. The Gents Nebula series of Titan watches takes the top spot because of
their commitment to function and style. Wear one of these Titan series watches on your
wrist and receive compliments for its stark contrast of a black strap that complements the
watch's white dials and hands. The next time you want a dependable, Indian-made watch,
look to the Gents Nebula.
2. Gents Regalia. If you are looking for a wrist watch that is both attractive and dedicated
to providing you with reliable time keeping, look no farther than the Gents Regalia series.
With this series, Titan has made sure that you get a chronograph with an alarm, which is
key if you want to be able to accurately measure time in a number of situations.
3. Gents Steel. The Gents Steel series of watches by Titan brings back that rectangular face
look of men's watches, which is a good reason why it occupies the number three slot.
With well-defined and sharp edges, this Titan watch makes an uncompromising
impression with its gold arms and numerals that are nicely contrasted against a black dial.
4. Gents Edge. The Gents Edge wrist watch will appeal to lovers of aesthetic value,
especially since it features a smart contrast of an Avignon Brown wrist band along with a
silver white dial that almost looks like stainless steel. The next time you want an effective
watch to pair with casual clothes for the weekend, think of the Gents Edge.
5. Gents Karishma. Gents Karishma is the series of Titan wrist watches that you put on if
you want to impress important clients, business associates or acquaintances whom you
want to keep jealous. With a sheet metal strap and a black dial face to really highlight its
contrast, the Gents Karishma is effective at making heads turn.