HISTORY OF HMT JANATA MECHANICAL VINTAGE WATCHES

BRIEF HISTORY OF HMT and Janata:

In the year 1961, HMT set up a watch manufacturing Unit at Bangalore in collaboration with M/s Citizen Watch Co., Japan. The first batch of Hand Wound Wrist Watches manufactured here was released by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. It became an instant hit. HMT made close to 15 crore watch units! And it is true, that the highest sold model was indeed the HMT Janata. It was made to be a no-nonsense, utility watch to be worn by the masses- hence the name Janata.

You could only own one watch, and you had to stand in long queues to be able to get your watch! Imagine the sense of fulfilment. Now, you can just click and lo, the watch is at your doorstep. 

MOVEMENT OF JANATA: 

Citizen’s 0201 calibre was adapted to become HMT’s 0231 hand-winding movement and it utilised the former’s ‘Para shock’ shock protection system. This being the reason why hand-winding HMT watches have “Para shock 17 Jewels” mentioned on the dial.

Hence, our watch mechanisation is highly rated and comparable to the incredible Citizen watch movement. 

The best part- every single part was made IN-HOUSE. Really. From the smallest spring to the dial to the strap, everything was made here itself. 

The prices were incredible really, being a people’s watch, it was priced Rs. 112 in 1972 and even before the shutdown increased its prices, it was priced at under Rs. 1000.