What got you so hooked to the world of time-keeping?
Horologist and president of the famous Gujarati publishing group, Chitralekha, on his love for watches and fascinating experiences around it.
What got you so hooked to the world of time-keeping?
It's a 12-year relationship that started with regular visits to the two largest global watch exhibitions in Switzerland. Thereafter, I launched Watch World magazine, Watch World awards and then my consultancy, The Horologists.
You were a marketing professional. Why did you shift tracks?
Well, the foray into media was an accident. But I've not changed tracks entirely. I'm the president of the Chitralekha publishing house.
Watches take you all over the world?
I travel 120 days a year. I saw a mermaid frolic around a yacht off the coast of Capri, flew a jet over the Alps and had some great moments at the Great Wall of China.
A mermaid?
Yes, Hannah Fraser is a professional mermaid and environmentalist.
Who else have you met?
Edwin ('Buzz') Aldrin, the man who walked on the moon, and supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
Is this what your new book Life Money Can't Buy about?
Yes, it's about the luxe life around the fascinating watch industry. It doesn't stand for opulence, but about life-changing experiences.
What does travel do to you?
It helps me breathe. I'm adaptable to different cultures, time zones, food, weather. Nothing bothers me. I can take it up as a side profession.
How many watches do you have?
Only 15. I just know a lot about watches.
How's your sense of timing?
It's something I'm obsessed with. I can even give up a relationship for lack of punctuality.
Will you launch your own watch brand in India?
Can't rule it out. At the moment I'm just trying to pack in as much I can in my busy 24-hour work schedule.