This is a handsome, rare, vintage, white dial,1970's, HMT Janata, Para Shock, Art deco,17 jewel wristwatch in pristine condition.
It features a 1 3/8" polished all stainless steel case, excluding crown and lugs, and screw-down back.Set up in 1961, HMT is a state-owned manufacturer that
collaborated with Japan’s Citizen Watches to produce a range of watches that
Indians were proud to sport.
A HMT watch was an integral part of the unofficial uniform of
Indian office-goers through the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Even today collectors of
HMT timepieces swear by the brand’s retro appeal, its reliability and its
undeniably Indian flavor.
When online retailer Flipkart started selling HMT watches,
the more popular models were sold out within minutes of listing it on the
website, say watch collectors. HMT Watches started its own online sales in
mid-August and many believed that this was a sign that the company was turning
around. Its advertising slogan, "Timekeepers to the Nation", was certainly
apt.
Prashant Pandey, a resident of Bangalore and HMT
aficionado, has collected more than 500 pieces in just a few years. “I saw my
grandfather wear a HMT watch,” he said. “My wife’s grandfather had a Pilot,
which he passed on to me. There’s a lot of emotional attachment to these
watches. I am shattered. This is a legacy coming to an end.”
Among the first watches to be made by HMT, the Janata was a
favorite of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This winding watch was plain,
affordable and had more than 25 variants. Janata watches have been known to
tick on for more than 40 years.
The Pilot, along with Jawan, Sainik and Rakshak, were
synonymous with the military. Though these were not specialized military
watches, they were supplied to the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy, which were
HMT’s biggest customers. The Pilot is a favorite of watch collectors.
The quintessential dress watch, the Sona was a winding watch
and the thinnest model made by HMT. It is known for its high-quality gold
plating.
Old HMT watches are still in high demand among
collectors.
Please note, we offer our items on multiple sites and will not be removed from other sites until payment has been received and rarely may mean that your selection may be sold out prior to your payment being posted.
We are Stonehenge Watch Company and have been selling vintage timepieces and new watches on the internet for over 15 years with hundreds of satisfied customers.
Seller information
stonehengewatchcompany (2942)
We do our best to accurately describe items on our site and, if for any reason, you are disappointed in your purchase we will provide a swift and satisfactory resolution to your concern.
We
offer free first class shipping to domestic locations and ship internationally
Priority Mail International, where available, for a flat fee of $34.00 (Canada may be slightly less) to assure fast, accurate,
and safe shipping of your item.
Please note, we offer our items on multiple sites and will not be
removed from other sites until payment has been received and rarely may mean
that your selection may be sold out prior to your payment being posted.