Indian watchmaker Titan Co and global IT giant Hewlett-Pakcard have joined forces to creat a range of smartwatches.
Titan is a joint venture between industrial giant Tata Group and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation.
It is best known in India for creating watches under license for international brands including. Tommy Hilfiger, FCUK, Timberland & Police, and describes itself as the fifth largest integrated own brand watch manufacturer in the world.
Titan may be relatively unknown outside India today, but it has the scale (7000 employees) and financial muscle to propel itself onto a global stage with its first smartwatch.
Its association with HP brings instant credibility in technology spheres.
S Ravi Kant, Titan Co CEO watches and accessories division, said the two companies would create a unique lifestyle offering for people not only in India, but across the world.
“This category of smart watches is going to change the way people view the art of timekeeping and beyond. They can still wear “a drop-dead gorgeous watch on their wrist infused with ‘smart’ technology for a new era of access and connectivity,” he claimed in a Times of India article.
HP general manager for wearables and smart platforms Sridhar Solur told the newspaper that they joint venture would create a high tech watch that did not compromise on style.
“Our legacy of innovation is helping fashion-forward brands infuse technology into their designs to give consumers the stylish timepieces they want but that are more connected and responsive to the way they live today,” Mr. Solur said.
