A masterwork of design, Gaurav Mehta’s Elephant Ring Watch unites India’s traditional craftsmanship with modern horology.
The Jaipur Watch Company has unveiled its latest creation, the Majestic Elephant Ring Watch, a distinctive piece that merges India’s centuries-old jewellery traditions with contemporary horology.
Designed by founder Gaurav Mehta, the handcrafted timepiece is a refined blend of culture, artistry, and technical precision, reaffirming the brand’s position as a leading name in bespoke Indian watchmaking.
A Symbol of Royal Heritage
The design takes inspiration from Rajasthan’s enduring association with the elephant, a motif that has long represented royalty, wisdom, and grandeur in Indian art and architecture. The elephant, sculpted in exquisite detail, forms the centrepiece of the ring. A concealed lid opens to reveal a delicately set watch face beneath, transforming the jewel into a fully functional timepiece.
The creation pays homage to the region’s aesthetic language — one steeped in vibrant enamel work, polki diamonds, and intricate goldsmithing. The piece is meticulously crafted in 18-carat gold, featuring green enamel inlays and 2.64 carats of fine diamonds, accentuated by two larger 0.50-carat stones. Every element echoes the visual vocabulary of traditional Rajasthani jewellery, yet the overall form remains refreshingly contemporary.
Blending Craft and Function
At the heart of the ring lies a mother-of-pearl dial, minimal yet elegant, powered by a Swiss Ronda 1062 quartz movement known for its precision and longevity. A set of dauphine-shaped hands and a slim mineral-glass crystal complete the timekeeping mechanism, ensuring that functionality accompanies form.
The dual-purpose design allows the piece to be worn both as an ornament and as a wristwatch alternative — a concept that challenges the boundaries between jewellery and timepiece. Customisable ring sizing and a six-year battery life add to its practical appeal, while retaining the intimacy and craftsmanship of a handmade object.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage
Speaking about the creation, Gaurav Mehta said that the goal was to “create an heirloom that carries the weight of our history while speaking a modern design language.” He added that the watch was conceived not merely as a decorative piece, but as “a story of Rajasthan’s artistry made wearable through innovation.”
This philosophy reflects the broader direction of the Jaipur Watch Company, which has consistently sought to reinterpret Indian heritage through modern watchmaking. The brand’s earlier collections have included designs incorporating antique coins, miniature paintings, and postage stamps — each piece crafted as a wearable fragment of India’s past.
Redefining Indian Luxury
With a price tag of approximately ₹11 lakh, the Majestic Elephant Ring Watch occupies a niche between haute jewellery and limited-edition horology. Its release coincides with a broader movement in India’s luxury market, where consumers increasingly value heritage, provenance, and craftsmanship over logo-led branding.
Industry observers note that the design could signal a turning point for Indian watchmaking, long dominated by Western aesthetics. By using indigenous symbolism and artisanal techniques, Mehta and his team have positioned the Jaipur Watch Company as a pioneer in crafting distinctly Indian luxury objects for global collectors.
Cultural Resonance
The elephant motif also serves a cultural purpose beyond ornamentation. In Indian mythology and royal history, elephants symbolise power, prosperity, and good fortune — qualities that resonate deeply with both traditional and modern audiences. By integrating this symbol into a timepiece, the design bridges India’s past and present, offering a tangible reminder of continuity through craftsmanship.
The Future of Indian Horology
Founded in 2013, the Jaipur Watch Company remains India’s first bespoke watch brand, known for marrying artistic expression with mechanical precision. Its collections have found admirers among watch enthusiasts and art connoisseurs alike, both in India and abroad.
With the Majestic Elephant Ring Watch, the brand has taken its most daring step yet — reimagining the act of telling time as an experience of artistry. The piece underscores how Indian luxury design can draw upon deep cultural roots while appealing to a modern global sensibility.
As Mehta aptly sums it up, “The Elephant Ring Watch is not only a watch or a jewel, it is a bridge between tradition and innovation, a celebration of the hands that make time beautiful.”
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