A significant crowd gathered in Bengaluru on Saturday, forming a 2.5-km-long queue to purchase special-edition watches released by Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT). This release commemorates the 80th Independence Day of India. The event attracted a large number of customers eager to acquire these limited-time offerings, highlighting the ongoing interest in national celebrations and commemorative merchandise.
HMT Chairman and Managing Director Ramesh said the company had launched a limited-edition series of watches on the occasion of Independence Day. The overwhelming response to the iconic HMT watches, which have a special place in the hearts of Indians, particularly Kannadigas, has enthused the company. Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D.
Kumaraswamy, who is working to revive the HMT factory, said he was surprised by the strong public demand for the watches. “The sight of people standing in a queue for nearly two kilometres to buy HMT watches shows how deeply the popularity and legacy of the HMT brand remain rooted in the hearts of people,” Mr Kumaraswamy said. The special watches featuring the Tricolour and the Gandaberunda emblem were completely sold out, he said.
HMT (Hindustan Machine Tools) stopped its main watch manufacturing operations in 2016 after the Indian government approved the closure due to heavy financial losses. Later, in January 2026, HMT filed a final application with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to officially strike off the legal entity.
HMT Watch Production Set to Increase Amid Strong Demand
HMT has announced plans to manufacture and release more watches by the end of next month, including a new line of high-quality automatic watches for sale. The announcement comes as customers flocked to the HMT factory outlet in Jalahalli, Bengaluru, where stocks were sold out within a day. HMT has three outlets in Bengaluru, with the Jalahalli and HMT Bhavan outlets near Mekhri Circle experiencing particularly high demand.
Kumaraswamy expressed his delight at the strong consumer interest, stating, “We all grew up seeing HMT watches. I am amazed to see that people continue to have such strong affection for these watches even today.” He emphasized the ongoing efforts to revive the factory under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
