Titan Watches has unveiled a limited-edition timepiece honouring world chess champion Gukesh Dommaraju as part of its ongoing Titan of the Year initiative, a platform created to celebrate Indians who have carried the country’s name to the global stage through excellence, humility and courage. The initiative is more than a commemorative gesture. It reflects Titan’s belief that great journeys deserve to be remembered and that stories of dedication can inspire millions to believe in their own dreams.
Speaking to IMPACT Magazine, Rahul Shukla, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Titan Watches, said Gukesh’s journey mirrors Titan’s own philosophy of innovation and ambition. “If you look at Titan’s journey over the last 41 years, it is characterized by intellectual curiosity and innovation. Forty years back when the entire market was into mechanicals, we launched quartz and went against the trend of those times. Similarly, has created global impact as the youngest world champion and has shown audacity in his ambition. He has inspired millions of people,” he said. He explained that Gukesh’s rise from a young chess prodigy to the world champion represents the same spirit of discipline and bold thinking as Titan’s.
The Gukesh edition is the second chapter of Titan’s ‘Titan of the Year’ platform. The first edition honoured Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to travel to space, whose achievement created belief in an entire generation. Shukla said the idea is to create a lasting platform that honours people who have changed how the world sees India. He states this as not an one-time endorsement or celebrity association but as a platform that honour individuals who have taken India to the global stage and improved the global perception of India. He adds, “Just like Titan is taking India to the world stage through excellence in horology and deep design storytelling, we honour people who are doing the same in their own domains.”
For Titan, such initiatives are not only emotional tributes but also meaningful business strategies. Limited editions help build aspiration and create deeper connections with consumers. Shukla believes that inspiration itself has commercial value, he states, “It necessarily translates into a robust business because it inspires millions of people and everyone who is inspired wants a piece of it.” Titan’s premium portfolio has grown at more than 20% CAGR and the contribution of watches priced above ₹25,000 has doubled in the past year. According to Shukla, when design excellence meets powerful storytelling, consumers respond with trust and desire and hence he mentions, all of Titan’s deep design stories have been complete sellouts.
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Titan’s recent communication has leaned into cultural storytelling through campaigns like ‘Wear Your Story’, reflecting a younger India that values authenticity. With about 65% of India’s population under 35, consumers are looking for brands that reflect their individuality rather than social validation. “Watches are no longer functional products. They are a reflection of one’s self-image. The choice of creator is very important. Authenticity appeals to the younger audience much more than a brand endorsement would do,” he said.That thinking has shaped Titan’s collaborations with personalities like Vikrant Massey, PV Sindhu and now Gukesh, chosen for their sincerity and relatability.
The conversation also covers as global watch brands expand into India due to tariff reductions and growing demand, Titan remains confident in its identity. Rather than competing only on heritage or prestige labels, the brand aims to build a distinctive voice rooted in Indian design and craftsmanship. “If there is something we can create as a third force outside Swiss minimalism and Japanese precision, combining India’s art, craft and culture with technological excellence, that is our ambition,” Shukla said. Titan continues to lead the sub ₹25,000 segment with more than 56% market share while strengthening its premium offerings through innovations like the Flying Tourbillon, Edge Ultra Slim and Stellar collections.
Titan’s marketing strategy has also evolved with changing consumer behaviour. Nearly 70% of its advertising spend now goes to digital media, reflecting the growing role of smartphones and online storytelling. Yet Shukla believes each medium still plays an important role. “You can do far more personalization with digital and reach a wider range of consumer cohorts, but TV and newspapers also create the impact we want,” he said. Titan’s narrative approach now focuses on emotional resonance, creating watches that feel like memories rather than products.
Looking ahead, Titan plans to continue celebrating icons across sports, science, music and art through ‘Titan of the Year’, building a tradition that honours India’s growing global confidence. The company is also exploring new retail avenues such as quick commerce gifting, seeing demand even for premium products. In celebrating Gukesh, Titan is celebrating belief itself. Somewhere in the steady rhythm of a Titan watch lives a gentle reminder that journeys built with integrity and hope leave a mark on time, and that gratitude for those who inspire us makes the future feel brighter for everyone.
Looking ahead, Titan plans to expand ‘Titan of the Year’ as a long-term platform celebrating Indians who are making a global impact, while continuing to invest in innovation, storytelling and new retail formats like quick commerce. As Rahul Shukla said, “The whole platform is about creating aspiration for Made in India, made for the world.” With a younger audience seeking authenticity, Titan aims to keep building meaningful, design-led products that reflect India’s growing confidence on the global stage.
