The Tale of HMT Watches and the HMT Janata

The story of the rise and fall of HMT Watches of India as told through the HMT Janata.
Wall Street Journal: Clock Is Ticking for Indian Watch Company: • Clock Is Ticking for I...

[@littlejunior8883]

I swear that design is soo versatile and minimalist this brand is actually underrated

[@carlomarzot9654]

I actually bought one of these in India last year.

[@TheBryan1284]

Hoping to do the same someday..

[@mohitmehrotra3026]

I live in India and I have absolutely no clue where to get one from!

[@pixellivesmatter8409]

@@mohitmehrotra3026 they have their online site and store. Although they have limited stocks and models. Get one while you still have a chance.

[@varadarajnayak3402]

Hi still we can buy HMT watches from online store and 2 factory stores www.hmtwatches.in/18/products/eco-frnd-mechl-gents.htm

[@bombadil669]

I get my first Janata today! 😊 What a classic beauty. 👍

[@shahshah-wt2tn]

I own a hmt watch and still it's working great. Brought it from a old watch making shop ,. In Bangalore!

[@velumalaiganesanarumugam6134]

Please sent address

[@sumanth13]

Please help out from where you bought it brother in Bangalore

[@sidbhattacharya5082]

@@sumanth13 9028968868 - Mr Zubair , His family owns one of the most iconic watch shop in Bangalore , Huge HMT Watches collection. For Reference tell him - Siddhartha from Calcutta given us your number & you might avail some discount.

[@mistermood4164]

@@velumalaiganesanarumugam6134 they’re available online

[@parallax3553]

@@sumanth13 bro you still get them from hmt official website

[@snoozrr]

Your content is truly outstanding. The views you get really do not reflect the quality of your channel. Thank you, and please keep making videos like these.

[@Magicof143]

I still have hmt automatic watch with me... My grandfather gift to my dad and my dad gift to me... Best thing is still in working condition 😁😁

[@xidropkillzx3246]

Automatic? Wow very nice I grabbed myself a mechanical wound one :) I def need an automatic

[@rohitbisht8246]

That's the built quality of HMT which TITAN can never make

[@nitinkumar29]

@@rohitbisht8246 HMT was terrible in quality and so is the Titan which uses Chinese Quartz movement. HMT used to die within years so it's miracle if that watch is running for so long,. HMT made copy of Citizen movement under license but the quality control and finish was bad from inside out.

[@a.k6839]

@@xidropkillzx3246 mechanical is sought after more than automatic specially hmt

[@No-ec4wv]

@@nitinkumar29 but high end titan watches has german and japanese movement

[@noobmaster-dm7tu]

"Janata" literally means "people"

[@badabingbadaboom9251]

Public*

[@dozergaming3674]

@@badabingbadaboom9251 public means sarvajanik

[@Mhonlumo1]

Great video, short and apt. There is a nostalgia associated with hmt amongst us Indians (mostly from the 70/80s) as we have grown up seeing our parents wearing hmt watches. Even thought they are still assembling some watches vide the leftover inventory, the qc is no longer the same. Thanks for the video. 👍🏼

[@soonyanaidu7875]

I remember as a kid, that my father bought a Janata watch. We had to pay a token amount and wait for it. 1965 if my memory serves me right. I bought half a dozen various watches from HMT showroom in 2014. My regret was I didn't have enough cash to buy some lovely automatics with various complications for they wouldn't accept a credit/debit card. 😣. I gave the Rajat day date auto to my daughter and regularly use the Pilot mechanical winding one. I have a pocket watch too from the collection, and hardly use it 😁😏

[@watchyouwant1617]

Thank you very much for introducing this watch (to me). I‘m a watch addict and consider my travel to India in 2017 as the best vacation of my life, so getting this watch was a no-brainer. I already featured it on my channel. You‘re filming/watch editing skills are just phenomenal! Keep up the good work! Greetings from Germany

[@nahush23]

Change is the only thing that is permanent!! Thank you this is a lovely short and sweet video!! Lots of love from India 🇮🇳

[@ManvendraSK]

It's heart breaking to witness that majority of Indians don't value mechanical watches and their legacies.

[@internettroll7497]

Yeah. True. I bought a hmt kohinoor for rs 2500 and my uncle was like why are you buying this watch for so much. He told me spend a few more and buy a quartz watch. He doesn't realize mechanical watches are not so ubiquitous as they were before.

[@watchyouwant1617]

Thank you very much for this video! Just got me and my wife Janatas to remember the great time we had in India in 2017 during our first holiday as a couple and just ordered another one (I‘ve been a watch addict before/already…) to give to my daughter when she’s old enough. You do a great job with your videos and are an inspiration to me with my little watch channel. Thanks and Greetings from Germany

[@travelwithsounak]

That last line... India , a place I love.... sounded like from the heart.... as an Indian I felt touched and that tabla and esraj music.. You remind me of indophilia which took world by craze once .... good times

[@humanentity2214]

I have a few HMTs like pilot and Sona. This one looks nice on you, thanks for thoughtful review of my country's watch company and respecting my country's culture.

[@sushantpandita789]

Beautiful video and a great homage to HMT! I know families who got their bread and butter from the brand. This watch definitely represents history, change and importance of timepieces

[@josephj7387]

Wow! This is an amazing well thought out and we'll put together content! Hope you go far mate!

[@akhilnair7076]

Love it. I got myself two HMT watches as soon as I heard about the shutdown back in 2016. I got the Janata and the Pilot.

[@vidur.vachan]

Beautiful mate! Thanks for sharing your love for Indian and HMT watches! Best wishes to you!!

[@bletwort2920]

The quality and knowledge showcased in this video is amazing subbed

[@sojans.r9025]

Yesterday, I used the money I earmarked for a Timex to buy an HMT Pilot off their website. Also, yes they are still in production albeit in limited capacity.

[@JayWarrenMusic]

Just ordered an HMT Janata after seeing your “collection inspection” video! Keep up the great content, man. Cheers!

[@arnav3133]

Where did you get it from?

[@Kunalsingh-12]

@@arnav3133 amazon

[@randomguy_6996]

@@Kunalsingh-12they are after market watches

[@TrailBlazer5280]

I am just learning about HMT and I'm surprised how many fakes and redials are out there for an already low budget watch. They are all really cool none the less

[@runthesix228]

Well done, terrific video. Nice to see content about a company we don't hear too much about.

[@bhavikshah5016]

Interesting watch and story.. had forgotten about HMT until I first saw this watch in your insta feeds..

[@h.joshi_]

The watch factory is 4 kms away from my home. Whenever I visit Ranibagh, the factory buildings and residential complex reminds me of good old times.. very few people resides there now.. many left looking for other jobs. Its sad that we Indians warm welcomed western way of living that arrived with a price. I wish HMT just gets revive again. The new generation need to be aware of masterpieces HMT once made and was known for back then.. I still wear my dad's 'HMT Sona' watch and it still ticks beautifully like it use to in 1995! 😌🌼❤️

[@OfficialLove143]

Bhai mere liye inquiry karoge kya ke original watches hai kya factory mein abhi bhi like Janata, Kohinoor and Pilot?? Because I want original Vintage watch. Amazon pe available hai but original nahi hai so

[@lordfuckinfrieza1588]

Ah ! A local fella . I'm from nainital bruh

[@TheNimbleNomad]

Very nice video and homage to India and HMT. This has made me want to buy an HMT watch.. being Indian!

[@caomhan84]

I used to collect HMT watches in 2012 and 2013. I was so excited to get a Hindi dial Janata with the red seconds hand. I was able to get a new, fresh from the factory one from a Indian guy on Watchuseek. It was extremely hard to wind at first, and then it stopped running in about 2 months. I was very peeved. My vintage Janatas worked fine.

[@eklavyaverma]

I agree with you about the size. The first time I wore my HMT, it felt small and ridiculous as all my other watches were above 40mm. But within a couple hours, it felt just right and looked a million bucks!

[@iridiumscribe4915]

Just bought this model myself. I love it because of its uniqueness. It definitely stands out from the others. And it’s always nice to wear something that’s different now and again. A definite conversation starter for sure. Thank you for doing this short video. 👍🏻

[@johnlocke4695]

I have hmt trisul. My father bought it in 1986. And I inherited it now.

[@cholenahallypadmanabha3449]

I have 22 HMT mechanical watches

[@7rslender]

Very cool. Never heard of them before! Very interesting content that made me subscribe after two videos.

[@dgbucko]

Saw this watch on your SBGM221 video and knew immediately that I had to have one. Just bought one on Esty. Thank you.

[@darpansoni2269]

Oh maannnnn this watch....only a Indian watch lover knows how prestigious this brand is and how deeply it lies in the heart of an Indian watch lover.

[@SurajSinghTomarArya]

These watches have created a niches market in India nowadays. The company still makes new watches but in very low quantity and it's very affordable. So it is like collectible item that people like to collect in various colors since they are actually really good for the asking price, the looks are unique vintage but beautiful nonetheless and it's limited quantity coupled with lower prices has generated cult following among Indian millennials.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Super cool history lesson, thanks man!

[@kolkatiansoham207]

I have a hmt sanjay watch my grandfather gifted my mother when he was having camos at 2010 till then it was kept safely by my mother in this occasion of durga Puja she gifted me this wonderful piece of history and heritage . It is still ticking nice and sound

[@noobmaster-dm7tu]

Much love from India. Subscribed

[@palranjith]

I have a HMT Janata which is my grandfather's. It is a lovely watch and works perfect.

[@krishnateja7728]

Beautiful video! More power to you ☮️

[@dracovenit9549]

Jai Hind! Jai HMT! I have three and one of them is a Neru Centenary one! Kia Ora from New Zealand!

[@TheContactman]

Kia Ora bro

[@devynkumar1997]

What an amazing video can we have more coverage for HMT watches

[@TheBryan1284]

I'll second that..i really dug his vid.

[@tathagata_chakrabarty]

Finally fans like you and me saved HMT. It's thriving again!

[@actube10]

GREAT VIDEO thanks

[@videogamesare1]

So awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@aldrinedger2564]

Purchased an authentic HMT from Bangalore because of you :)

[@user-mq7tb2kd4s]

Beautiful way to say it 🙏🙏🙏👌

[@ajaypathuri2964]

Thank you for this video

[@tar1895]

I always get a lazy late summertime in California circa 1969 vibe listening to you.

[@joeesparza6108]

The train wheel bridge always reminds me of the Chicago cubs! It looks like a bear cub which is one reason I love this little mechanical movement! Great video !

[@jenishparekh1342]

Amazing video and watch!

[@syedismail2831]

Excellent Video !!!

[@Boby-on8qp]

I am 25 year Indian i never see any one wear HMT watch My Grandfather have one And my mother also used to have one

[@yourikhi]

Historical time piece.. it has original numbers

[@christophermarshall2801]

I bought this watch because of your video....thank you!

[@niketd1]

I am a proud owner of HMT Kohinoor wine 🍷 red sunburst dial! I believe that watches are perfect time capsules .. and I after having collected various Swiss , German and Japanese time capsules ; it was time I owned one from my own country.. it is amazing that HMT still makes these watches using the same case and movement which was in use 50 years back.. that’s taking neo vintage to next level !!

[@logingoogly]

Golden History Indeed !!

[@lucioledizerot196]

I bought this watch not long ago because I saw it in one of your previous videos

[@humanentity2214]

Great review. Which band are you using on this gorgeous HMT Kanata?

[@thermionic1234567]

Just received my HMT today. Just like yours. Now for a better band!

[@manishkanojia1650]

Beautiful watches, lovely mechanics

[@rohitmapakshi814]

I feel in love with this one. I bought it!

[@nolinchitnis]

Users and buyers connect with their HMTs on an emotional level. I cannot say the same for collectors who just go and buy with the intention of having the largest collection or X number of watches which then are lying in their display boxes just to be shown. I have heard one really moving narrative of how a person who purchased a HMT for Rs 300/- in 1990 in South India, For him (in his words) it was like a festive occassion and later they went out to a restaurant to celebrate. Similarly I purchased the same model my mom used to wear in 1984 and I am gifting her on her 75th birthday after 36 years. These emotions and memories, you cannot get just by collecting. More than the watches it is these stories and these memories that make HMT watches what they are. They are a link with our past. They are a link with our childhood memories. Irreplaceable.

[@tutotrading4121]

I loved this video....

[@aboutthattime8688]

Word on the Street HMT is coming back! I have been in the business for quite some time and I have been talking to some key players over at Citizen. Basically what they have decided to do is revamp the website, and sell the old-new stock. I'm not sure if they will be putting out any new content, but I was in a board meeting with them and I mentioned your video. I think your video will be on the website with your approval. I love your stuff and I just wanted to give you heads up, in case someone reaches out to you.

[@TheBryan1284]

That would be to cool...I adore these watches. They remind me of the watches I wore in the Army in the 80s...Casio had invaded my unit and I kept my timex handwind,I like the stainless steel case better than the pot metal. If they could bring back something similar to the 020 movement it would be nirvana for a old salt like myself.

[@nolinchitnis]

I am one of those waiting eagerly (and hoping against hope) of HMT making a comeback and starting production again. I have seen many people who are sceptical because they have become somewhat important and known on the basis of their collection. And HMT producing again would mean many of these collectors becoming irrelevant. So they keep on cribbing new watches are not like old. It's just not the same even if they come back it will not be same blah blah blah. I had an HMT since 80s and I purchased one recently. From NOS. And I find absolutely no difference. So let's keep fingers crossed and hope many more people get the opportunity to experience them as opposed to a privileged few

[@SiddharthSingh-zd7ny]

@@nolinchitnis they just started open heart model. It's gorgeous.

[@AliasEveWatches]

Very cool watch. I’m currently scouring ebay for HMT watches, but with the lockdown, most sellers are away.

[@subha517]

I am a hardcore fan of casio G-shock having 7 models but this machine is something else...may be its not 20 bar water resistant or shock resistant its neither a divers watch iso certified 200 meter ...it don’t have any hi-tect instruments to call it a hi end wrist gadget but this HMT especially JANATA is an immortal beast I still have this model in perfect condition...it was of my dad’s who expired on 2014 his age was 65 at that time and this watch was a gift to him when he was in college at 1st year...i still wind up the crown to make it run every alternate days...love you dad and this watch and the brand as well 😇🧡 Regards from INDIA

[@vikrammatthews305]

💛🧡

[@TheBryan1284]

I love my refurbs,,true out of 5 I've had to borrow parts to keep two working. I did get a nearly new original one today from Mohamed in Detroit,movement is brand new.

[@ramakantyadav1551]

Great video. Few people know how to wear a mechanical watch anymore. Very few understand that it speeds up during the day and it slows down when you are not wearing it so it averages out every week. Hardly anybody has the time to understand them.

[@pranav95satan]

2:34 I need that watch... it literally has my name on it.

[@x-gamer7202]

This watch is so cool 😲 The disign is best 🤩

[@Shreyas_Patro]

A great video

[@surajvaishnav1891]

Thanks for the Video. I watch a lot of KZbin channels about watches never saw anyone mentioning HMT. Try if you can get your hands on a Titan Edge.

[@satvikbahuguna6940]

Man I love to see this video , I live near an abandoned hmt factory , always was curious about the story

[@YoureTerrific]

Wow

[@IqbalSingh-sg2jf]

very informative video..can I get to know what's the strap used in this video for hmt janata..nd from where to buy one..TIA

[@amitparneriawildlifephotog9469]

Amazing video 📹 👏 ❤️ 👌 🙌 😍

[@kezilcherian6379]

Being an indian i heard about the was in your video now i own two watches the hmt pilot and jubilee ❤

[@anandmumbai2949]

Lot's of love my India ❣️

[@TruthTriumphs786]

I have a mechanical one. Still love it..

[@pramodpatil6041]

Nice

[@lprimeroo]

Can you pls share the link to that strap? It looks beautiful.

[@trilok7070]

Beautiful watch

[@ZainxIqbal]

There's so much variation of quality with these on eBay, but your's looks absolutely stunning. I'm also like you where I'd rather have a refinished one over trying to find an original (which is apparently almost impossible since eBay is just stuffed with frankens). Would you happen to have the name of the seller or a link to the listing that you purchased from? I'd love to get the same one with the white dial, Hindi numbers, and mesh bracelet.

[@NikhilGarlapati]

know this is years later, but could you provide a link to the mesh watch strap you used for this Janata?

[@ItsWatchTimee]

that's a very good video

[@zenjm6496]

Thank god and thank you for not including that cliche Indian/Bollywood music most westerners use for their Indian themed videos! And what a lovely watch!

[@YoureTerrific]

👍

[@kevink81]

Sir there are a few watches left at hmt.in so you can still get hold of an authentic stock watch directly from the company.

[@omarshehab585]

please make a video about Certina.

[@arpangargsarmah5787]

My grandfather had one HMT watch. He gave me to wind it as my mother forced breakfast into my mouth so as not to be late for school. I wish i could lay my hands on a HMT again.

[@vincentferreira1135]

I bought both of mine for $15 each on eBay. I don’t care if they’re redials or frankenwatches, I love them.

[@obesetuna3164]

I prefer the smaller sizes. Crude as they are, HMT were the Indian Timex.

[@punavmirlekar]

guess what ! its coming back to life and i just got one!!

[@JRBElectronics]

historical watch 😍❤️❤️❤️

[@marko1314]

Nicely presented sir - l bet these HMTs are probably the best value vintage wristwatch on the market - Hope so because l just ordered two for $25 :D

[@jakekaywell5972]

Yep. Tough to find an actually serviceable jeweled mechanical movement paired with a stainless steel case and screw-down case back that actually works anywhere else. I’ve got loads myself, my personal favorite being the Deepak. Just a friendly word of advice; replace the strap immediately. I find Milanese mesh bracelets to be the best choice, partly for aesthetics, partly for comfort, and partly because a metal band makes the most sense accounting for HMT’s history as a tool maker.

[@adinosaurusx]

where did you get the mesh strap from?

[@mohammadumar193]

personally iam in love with the kohinoor

[@randomguy4220]

Hi may I know where did you bought this?

[@amoledzeppelin]

At least their official website is still alive and there are some lineups in both mech and quartz.

[@ayushpandhare4333]

From where did you purchase it?

[@raghu1822]

HMT still produces some watches and you can buy it from their Indian website.