April 25, 2016
So if you are in Mumbai and are interested to get an ultimate watch boutique experience, Art of Time is definitely a place to visit. Though spread over 2000 square feet, they house only five brands, to ensure each brand gets its own dedicated space – Cartier, Panerai, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger LeCoultre & Montblanc.
Intrigued by the boutique we reached out to Bharat Kapoor, Director of Art of Time to know a little bit more about their brand.
Vishawatch: What prompted the partners to open Art of Time in Mumbai, and how long have you been associated with watch industry?
Bharat Kapoor: Both, Gaurav and I, as owners of Art of Time share a common passion for High end luxury watches but represent a broad range of motivation which inspired them to open Art of Time. Our association with the watch industry has been from a very early age, being the buyers of the high end timepieces, they feel fortunate to be going from watch buyers to watch retailers. We believe that the image of some of the luxury brands wasn’t represented fairly and to change that, by bringing in modern way to experience the most sought after timepieces without a substantial, a financial or time commitment in a shop concept in par with the international standards.
Vishawatch: How did you choose these specific 5 brands?
Bharat Kapoor: The selection of the brands was definitely a challenge, but we were fortunate to having dealt with Richemont group for several years in the past. Richemont owns several of the world’s leading brands in the field of luxury goods, with particular strengths in jewellery, luxury watches and writing instruments which made it easy to pick our first five brands allowing us to inculcate the shop in shop luxury experience just like we had planned.
Vishawatch: What is the most unique feature of Art of Time which differentiates from any other retail store in the country?
Bharat Kapoor: Art of Time, defines the future of the luxury watch retail, aiming to create an assortment of the finest timepieces to cater to the watch aficionados and to those with a passion for horology. Art of time houses some of the luxury brands with the spacious setups from the brands showcasing the largest display, giving the buyer the perfect experience and the ambience of in-shop concept similar to international standards. The flagship store houses timeless and exquisite collections from various international luxury brands such as Cartier, Officine Panerai, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Montblanc.
Vishawatch: How has been the response from the market post launch?
Bharat Kapoor: The luxury market has evolved, now the priority lies in access and experience. Located in the heart of Mumbai the response to the store has been very encouraging and positive. Our customers love the unmatched service and boutique experience. We are already witnessing a high rate of customer loyalty.
Vishawatch: Art of Time is one of the only store in India focusing on limited edition watches? What is the strategy behind it?
Bharat Kapoor: The factors that have fuelled the growth of luxury watch industry are rising. One of the factors influencing the demand of the luxury products is the exclusivity. Art of time wishes to cater to the market needs of exclusivity when it comes to luxury watches. The five brands at Art of Time always have the new editions, the special edition and the limited editions. However, we also have the widest assortment of timepieces, writing instruments and leather goods making us a one stop shop.
Vishawatch: Which watch are you wearing now?
Bharat Kapoor: I have been an avid collector of luxury watches ever since I can remember. I am wearing the IWC Double moon perpetual calendar with a black alligator strap and a midnight blue dial over a white gold case, one of the finest pieces by IWC.
