Bangalore Watch Company Returns to Watchmaking's Oscars With Peninsula Carbon

Bengaluru-based Bangalore Watch Company has secured a place in the 2026 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), widely regarded as the "Oscars of Watchmaking", marking the second consecutive year that the Indian luxury watchmaker has been shortlisted for the world's most prestigious horology awards. The company, which became the first independent Indian watch brand to enter the GPHG in 2025, is competing this year with its latest mechanical timepiece, Peninsula Carbon.

The watch introduces ReforgeCarbon™, a proprietary dial material created from industrial waste and carbon captured from the atmosphere, which the company describes as a world first in mechanical watchmaking. Inspired by India's rapidly expanding cities, the watch also features an Air Quality Index inspired display, a 200 metre water resistant case, Swiss automatic movement and scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Co-founder Nirupesh Joshi said the recognition demonstrates that Indian storytelling, design and craftsmanship can compete globally, while co-founder Mercy Amalraj said the watch reflects an internationally relevant environmental theme through an Indian perspective.

Industry reports indicate the Peninsula Carbon is a limited edition of 100 pieces, priced at about USD 3,000 (around ₹2.83 lakh) and powered by the Swiss Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with a 41 hour power reserve.

Founded in 2018, Bangalore Watch Company has built its identity around modern Indian narratives spanning aviation, cricket, space and the outdoors. Its innovations include watches crafted from recovered MiG-21 fighter aircraft and INS Vikrant materials, India's first space qualified watch, and the proprietary Cerasteel™ material. The brand now serves customers in over 30 countries, reflecting India's growing presence in the global luxury watch industry.