Jaipur Watch Company x Raja Ravi Varma Collection
In a splendid blend of art and opulence, the Jaipur Watch Company proudly unveiled the magnificent Raja Ravi Varma collection. This extraordinary event took place in the regal city of Jaipur on the 5th and 6th of August 2023.
Collaborations present a splendid opportunity to commemorate remarkable milestones. 2023 celebrates the 175th birth anniversary of the illustrious Raja Ravi Varma. Coincidentally, it also marks the glorious 10th anniversary of Jaipur Watch Company. A perfect convergence of two momentous occasions.
There couldn’t have been a more opportune moment for the convergence of two of India’s leading luxury brands – Jaipur Watch Company and Raja Ravi Varma’s Temple of Art, nestled within the artistic haven of Kilimanoor Palace, a cherished possession of the illustrious royal house of Travancore. A splendid union of elegance and creativity, where timepieces of unparalleled craftsmanship meet the timeless masterpieces of one of India’s most revered artists. It is a match made in heaven, a symphony of opulence and artistic brilliance.
As fate would have it, these two powerhouses of luxury have found themselves entwined in a harmonious embrace, creating an extraordinary collaboration that transcends the boundaries of mere craftsmanship. The Jaipur Watch Company, renowned for its exquisite timepieces that epitomize sophistication, has joined forces with the Temple of Art, a sanctuary that preserves the legacy of Raja Ravi Varma’s awe-inspiring artwork. Imagine strolling through the hallowed halls of Kilimanoor Palace, where every step unveils a new masterpiece, and every tick of a Jaipur timepiece resonates with the heartbeat of artistic genius.
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Timekeeping Meets Artistic Mastery
The fusion of Jaipur Watch Company’s meticulous craftsmanship and Raja Ravi Varma’s artistic prowess has birthed a collection of timepieces that are not mere accessories but veritable works of art. Each watch is a canvas, adorned with intricate details and vibrant colours, paying homage to the artistic legacy that Raja Ravi Varma left behind. This partnership is a celebration of the confluence of luxury and art, a marriage that elevates both brands to new heights. It is a testament to the enduring allure of Indian craftsmanship and the indomitable spirit of creativity.
Gaurav Mehta, Founder & CEO, of Jaipur Watch Company, says, “While we have celebrated European artists, we have forgotten the legacy of India’s first modernist. That inspired me to create the Raja Ravi Varma watch collection. I reached out to Mr Sachin Kaluskar, who owns the largest collection of Raja Ravi Varma’s oleographs and through him, to Mr Rama Varma Thampuran of Kilimanoor Palace, the artist’s descendent who heads the Kilimanoor Palace Art Trust. Kilimanoor Palace is where Raja Ravi Varma was born and where, even today, his studio continues to be visited by travellers and art enthusiasts.”
Jaipur Watch Company x Raja Ravi Varma Collection
The limited edition watches, of which there are only 112 available, celebrate the legacy and heritage of one of India’s greatest artists and aesthete, Raja Ravi Varma, India’s first modernist artist who introduced oil-on-canvas paintings to India. The depiction of gods and goddesses in modern India through their portraits that find their place in the home temples of Hindu families are part of Raja Ravi Varma’s legacy.
To recreate the paintings on the watch dial to perfection, Jaipur Watch Company signed an MOU with Kilimanoor Palace Art Trust and accessed high-resolution images of the paintings. A special machine imported from Japan offered us the capability to recreate his oleographs with colours and tones similar to the painting, on the watch face. Each watch carries a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Mr Rama Varma Thampuran.
The Watch Specs
Case: 316 L Grade Stainless Steel
Size: 40 mm
Crystal: Sapphire (Front and Back)
Movement: 9015 Slim Automatic Miyota, Citizen
Crown: Sapphire Stone on Crown
Nylon Strap
Unique Lugs
JWC x RRV Launch Event
Jaipur Watch Company invested 7 months from the very inception of the collection until the grand unveiling. And boy, was it worth the wait! The launch event was nothing short of a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting realms of Kerala and the majestic Kilimanoor Palace, right here in the heart of Jaipur – the cherished abode of the Jaipur Watch Company. The air was thick with anticipation as guests stepped into a realm where time seemed to stand still. The allure of Kerala’s rich heritage and the regal aura of the Kilimanoor Palace embraced every corner of the event, leaving attendees in awe.
As the curtains lifted, revealing the meticulously crafted timepieces, it was evident that Jaipur Watch Company had truly outdone itself. Each watch exuded a unique charm, a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence. The collection effortlessly captured the essence of both Kerala and the Kilimanoor Palace, paying homage to their beauty and grandeur. But let’s not forget the true star of the show – the Jaipur Watch Company itself. So, if you ever find yourself yearning for a touch of Kerala’s allure or the magnificence of the Kilimanoor Palace, look no further than the Jaipur Watch Company. They have woven the essence of these enchanting realms into the very fabric of their timepieces.
The two-day extravaganza not only showcased the launch of the collection but also delved into captivating discussions on Raja Ravi Varma’s monumental influence on Indian art. We explored how his artistic prowess has left an indelible mark on the enduring jewellery and weaving traditions of India, even in this modern era. Moreover, we unravelled the fascinating tale of his rediscovery by art collectors and connoisseurs, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the event.
A rousing welcome by Chenda Malam (traditional drummers) from Dwarka Kala Samithi; a performance by Rama Varma Thampuram, who is also a renowned Carnatic musician and singer; Sadya cooked by the Kilimanoor Palace chefs and chefs of Taj Jai Mahal Palace; an evening of a polo match and Rajasthani High Tea at Taj Jai Mahal Palace; a historic tour of Jaipur’s City Palace, that took us through the rarely explored parts of City Palace; a Rajasthani themed dinner amidst scenic Aravalli range; there was a lot to be savoured at the experience.
