Perhaps it's because of the end-of-the-millennium blues or perhaps watchmakers really feel that time is running out - God alone knows why but foreign watch companies have turned to India in a big way. In recent times we have seen brands like Bulgari, Piaget and Omega hit the stores. Now their latest lines are available right here, on home turf, around the same time they are launched in the West. So check out the latest purchases. Cartier launches a whole new range of watches called the Santos 20th Anniversary collection. Named after Alberto Santos-Dumont, the legendary aviator and dandy, he was the first man to fully circle the Eiffel Tower in a motorised airship in 1901. In 1904, Louis Cartier, one of his closest friends, created one of the first wristwatches with a leather strap. It was also the first time clips formed a part of the strap - distinguished and sporty, the Cartier Santos watch was born. But it was only in 1978 that Cartier dedicated a series to his name, and for its 20th anniversarycelebration they have released a collection that ranges from Rs one lakh to over Rs two lakh.Other Cartier watches and pens - new ranges - are also available and cost between Rs nine lakh and Rs 7,000. We are not telling you which items costs how much - check it out and have some fun. Remember the decimal point is after all the zeros.THEN there is the Gerald Genta Backtimer that boasts of taking watchmaking to the year 2000. Why? It has a backtimer that tells you the number of days left till midnight, Dec 31, 1999 - the end of the millennium. Only 456 copies are being made available as only 456 days are left to the beginning of the year 2,000 (the watch was launched on Oct 1, 1998). The watch has several push buttons and you can also select another D-day by setting the countdown to any three-digit number. The 18k white gold watch with leather strap is priced at Rs 4,76,800 (plus tax). Start the next century deeply in debt if these timepieces make your heart tick.Cartier is available atthe New Oberoi Hotel.Gerald Genta Backtimer available at Finex Distribution. Ph No: 651 4367.
