Time to buy

If only the number of watches one owned had some bearing on the punctuality factor, we could have well changed the dubious reputation enjoyed by Indian Standard Time.

Trendy 038; affordable watches have changed the concept of one-watch-for-a-lifetime

If only the number of watches one owned had some bearing on the punctuality factor, we could have well changed the dubious reputation enjoyed by Indian Standard Time. While we may not be a good nation of time-keepers, we certainly have become great keepers of time-telling devices. And all thanks to a market that is flooded with classy, stylish, yet affordable time pieces.

Nowadays even a casual movie-going experience can double up as a watch-buying spree, given the costs involved. Indeed, there may be times when the movie ticket may cost more than the watch available at the multiplex! But then who8217;s complaining?

Vishal Pandit, an engineering student, is passionate about trendy, fashion accessories, 8220;I have a collection of over 12 watches. Buying an expensive watch is not possible for me but I get almost all, in fact better designs at much cheaper rates at roadside shops. And to tell you the truth, since the last one year I don8217;t remember a month when I have not bought a watch.8217;8217;

Muzaffer Shaikh, a salesperson at one of the shops agrees with the trend. 8220;The market8217;s full of smart and affordable watches and a watch is not a luxury item any more. We have people from all sections of society coming and buying watches from us. These watches give the same look as the expensive ones, and are still available in the range of Rs 100 to 200 and can be used without any problems for a least one year.8217;8217;

The insides of these watches are fabricated and come with fully charged batteries that last for anywhere between six months and one year. 8220;These do not come with a warranty, but the batteries can be replaced,8217;8217; adds Shaikh.

While big, colourful dials with metallic and leather belts along with additional features like stopwatch, tachometer are the characteristics of watches for men, the ones for women display fresh and vibrant colours on delicate designs. 8220;I like trekking and part of my trekking gear is a sports watch that I brought from roadside shop. I am a rough user and I prefer losing this watch rather than an expensive one,8217;8217; smiles Debika Rakshe another student.

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It is the same trend that has compelled even giants in the field of watches to introduce affordable trendy watches in the market. Nods Shabbir Ghadyali, who own a watch shop, 8220;brands such as Timex and Fast Track offer sporty watches at competitive prices. The added advantage is the warranty that comes with the brand. What8217;s more important is looking good and people are getting to look good at cheaper prices.8217;8217; Times indeed have changed.