The HMT watch factory at Jalahalli in Bengaluru on August 15 witnessed a large number of customers queuing up to buy special-edition watches that were launched to mark the 80th Independence Day.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Shivamogga
HMT Watches recorded sales of more than ₹35 lakh in a single day on Independence Day, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy said.
Describing the overwhelming response as a major boost to efforts to revive the iconic brand, Mr. Kumaraswamy said in an interaction with journalists during his visit to Holenarasipur in Hassan district on Monday that the HMT had released a few rare special-edition watches to mark Independence Day.
“Customers stood in long queues to buy the watches,” he said, expressing astonishment at the response, especially by the young.
“The response from customers has strengthened our resolve to revive the company,” the Minister said.
There was a time, he said, when owning an HMT watch was a matter of pride and prestige. His aim was to bring back that glory. “We have been making continuous efforts for the last two years to revive the factory. A high-level committee was formed under the chairmanship of Planning Commission member V.K. Saraswat. The committee has submitted its report. I have discussed reviving the factory with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman,” he said.
He also thanked the youth for their interest in purchasing HMT watches. “Irrespective of age, people stood in queues to purchase the watches. I thank them all, particularly the youth, for showing affection for HMT watches,” he added.
Published – August 17, 2026 07:05 pm IST
