Titan watches have become my best purchases providing daily memories of India. My first two styles were found in Jaipur, Rajasthan with the help of my friend and driver Rakesh. He suggested I take a look at the Titan brand, manufactured by the Indian TATA group and well known across India. A short walk in nearly any market will typically yield many locations where one can browse inventories. Prices start around $40 running well into the thousands but you won’t see many price points beyond $200 in stores. High ticket items can be found on their website.

After returning home, a quick search taught me Titan Industries is the world’s sixth largest wrist watch manufacturer while being India’s leading producer of watches. Three manufacturing facilities around India export watches to 40 countries around the world. Impressive.

My initial purchases were wearing very well through my second and third visit. But, shortly after my 2008 trip, the battery in one watch died while the dial on the other watch broke off. I made several reminder notes to bring both watches with me during my Oct 2009 journey.

Delhi held my best options for selection and repair so, with Rakesh in tow, I scoured Connaught Place looking for the Mecca of Titan showrooms. After an hour of walking and asking directions, we only found one over-priced looking store. Defeated, hungry and tired, I went back to my hotel thinking my watches may not be repaired. Later that night I decided to walk Laxmi Marg where the hotel was located. Luck was on my side as I located a small storefront after a short walk. The next day Rakesh helped translate the repair order to the owner and his assistant. The owner, a firm, authoritative figure, seemed curiously intrigued at my interest in Titan. This grew to smiles when my repair need turned to a purchase.

In Jaipur, the store owner informed me that Titan was exclusively fixed price. This meant, no bargaining. When asked about a discount in Delhi, the owner very quickly offered 10% off even if a credit card was used. So, a purchase was made and a return visit to pick up my repair was arranged for the following evening. Unfortunately when we returned the next night, the watch in need of TLC, oddly enough, needed more time. One week at least, I was told, to repair the watch. Since I was on my way to the airport in a matter of hours this quest would have to wait until the next trip. In the meantime I could satisfy my disappointment with yet another purchase. With a swipe of my credit card and another 10% off, I left India with 2 more Titan watches.