Part of the magic of India is its diversity. From snowcapped peaks in the North, to famed beaches on the Western coast, misty tea plantations in the East and the Southern horizon dotted with temples, India is amazing. Titan's new collection not only journeys back in time, it also spans this variety.

The collection begins with Mandala, a basic grid that was the building block of Hindu temples. Contrasting shades and textures on this watch recalls the stonework used in temples and step wells. The Stambha line also features another architectural element, stone pillars, which are said to cosmically join heaven and earth. Modelled after the chariot wheel of the Sun God, the Konaraka draws its inspiration from the majestic Sun Temple in Orissa.

India's heritage is not only in its history and architecture, but also in its rich mythology and stories. For ages, children have grown up hearing the famous story of the Mahabharata, an epic centred on the legendary war fought on the Kurukshetra battlefield between the Pandavas and Kauravas. The Kurukshetra line of watches brings to life the gripping, evocative tales from the Mahabharata, which were inscribed on temple walls.

From the Kurukshetra line of watches

India is a land known for absorbing many cultures into its own. A major component of Indian civilization is the rich Islamic tradition of art and architecture brought from Persia and Asia Minor. While the world was chasing India for its spices, craftsmen, artists and poets were bringing in the tapestry of geometric patterns and new skills from the Islamic world. The Jharokha line of watches weaves in this ancient Islamic tradition using frosted glass and detailing. I

If there is one image that has captured the beauty and romance of India for millions worldwide, it is the Taj Mahal. The monument of love, built under the reign of Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz, is one of the seven wonders of the world. Mirroring the intricate details of the domed building, the construction of the Taj line has been equally painstaking. Made of mother of pearl, it makes full use of the symmetry which is a hallmark of Islamic art.

Titan Heritage also features younger monuments such as the Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Baroda and the Jantar Mantar. The latter is an astronomical structure built to track the movement of the stars and calculate the passing of time and is a fitting addition to the collection. Marrying both ancient and modern timepieces, the Jantar Mantar watches incorporate fine lines on the watch face and time markers on the case.

Drawing inspiration from the Lakshmi Vilas Palace

Each watch in the collection draws from a multi-faceted and layered history. Titan also attempts to use these ancient design methods as an inspiration to develop a sense of a modern Indian aesthetic, a visual that can grace wrists around the world.