The Gangoly Brothers: Delhi’s Oldest Watch Boutique

The story of Gangoly Brothers, Delhi’s oldest watch boutique, is a tale of passion, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality that spans generations. Established in 1935 in Connaught Place, New Delhi, during a period of great change and development in the city, Gangoly Brothers quickly rose to prominence, becoming a trusted name for horology enthusiasts and collectors alike. At a time when owning a fine wristwatch was both a luxury and a statement of sophistication, the boutique carved out a niche for itself by offering not just a range of the finest timepieces from around the world but also a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and customer service.
The boutique has remained a steadfast presence in Delhi’s dynamic market, withstanding the test of time and retaining its charm through wars, economic changes, and the rapid modernization of the city.

Today, Gangoly Brothers is helmed by Mayank Barodia, a third-generation descendant of the Gangoly family, who carries forward this legacy with the same dedication and passion as his forebears. With a deep-rooted love for watches that was nurtured by his grandfather and father, Barodia has successfully blended the boutique’s rich heritage with contemporary trends, ensuring that it appeals to both traditional watch lovers and the new generation of collectors.

(Source- WatchTime; Mayank Barodia with his watch collection)

A Legacy Rooted in Watches

Mayank Barodia, the current owner of Gangoly Brothers, inherited his love for watches from his grandfather and father, who passionately discussed and dealt in timepieces for decades. Growing up in this environment, Barodia developed a profound attachment to watches, making him a natural successor to the family business. He describes his relationship with watches as not just a business but a lifelong passion: “I sell watches, I earn from watches, and I spend on watches. In short, I live for watches,” he says.

The boutique has not only sold watches but also serviced and restored them for some of India’s most prestigious institutions and individuals. Gangoly Brothers was appointed the official watchmaker to the first President of India in 1953—a remarkable honor that underscored the shop’s reputation for excellence. Barodia continues this legacy today, personally supervising clock servicing and restoration projects at locations like the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Supreme Court of India. The boutique recently restored a 100-year-old grandfather clock belonging to Saif Ali Khan, the Nawab of Pataudi, at his Pataudi Palace, showcasing their expertise in handling delicate and historically significant timepieces.

Over the years, Gangoly Brothers has evolved to stay relevant in a fast-changing market. Today, the boutique offers a wide range of brands, from international favorites like Seiko, Citizen, Casio, Roamer, GC, and Guess, to niche luxury brands available in their standalone Seiko and Grand Seiko boutiques at DLF Mall of India, NOIDA. However, the essence of the boutique remains in its ability to provide personalized service—a hallmark that has distinguished Gangoly Brothers from larger, more commercial chain stores.

A Personal and Sentimental Collection

Mayank Barodia’s deep connection with watches goes beyond his business. His personal collection of 300-400 watches includes a mix of modern designs, vintage pieces, and family heirlooms. His collection features iconic models such as the Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamaster, Audemars Piguet, Longines, and Zenith, each with its unique story. His most prized pieces include a gold Rolex Day-Date with a President bracelet that belonged to his father, and a Swatch Skin from Switzerland gifted by his father during his teenage years. His love for watches is deeply sentimental, as evidenced by his attachment to an old clock engraved with his name that once adorned his childhood room.

(Source-  WatchTime; The gold Rolex Day-Date (left) and the Datejust (right) that Barodia inherited from his father)

(Source-WatchTime; The Omega Seamaster that Barodia has been wearing since his college days)

When discussing his approach to collecting watches, he is drawn to the history behind each piece. He doesn’t like the new brands. If he wants to buy a watch, he looks for its history and the brand’s history. He also prefers dress watches over sporty ones and values subtle, classic designs with clear dials and beautiful indexes.

In an interview, he shared insights into the Indian watch market, discussing issues such as counterfeit products and pricing strategies. He is acutely aware of the challenges posed by the prevalence of fake watches in India and stresses the importance of buying directly from trusted sources. He often asks customers to get their watches checked at their service center to ascertain authenticity. His focus on authenticity and quality is what sets Gangoly Brothers apart in a market that is often flooded with counterfeits.

He also believes that the current pricing strategy of luxury watch brands is somewhat high for Indian consumers. In spite of prices being an afterthought when it comes to luxury watches, on the ground level, it is on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. Despite this, he acknowledges that brand loyalty remains strong, especially for iconic names like Rolex. Many collectors start with more accessible brands like Seiko or HMT but often evolve to more prestigious luxury brands as their passion and knowledge deepen.

Looking ahead, he is optimistic about the future of Gangoly Brothers. While he values the personal touch that has defined the boutique for decades, he is also open to adapting to the evolving retail environment. He is also thinking of expanding to other cities, though that depends on his sons. His sons, who are preparing to take over the business, bring fresh ideas and are steering the family legacy towards e-commerce, which he acknowledges as essential for visibility in today’s digital age.

He sees potential in expanding Gangoly Brothers’ footprint beyond Delhi but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the boutique’s personalized approach. Their personalised touch will prevent them from over-commercialisation, and he believes this will always give them an edge.

He is candid about the challenges of dealing with counterfeits in the Indian market. There are many cases of people who reassemble watch parts and resell them as new models, but Gangoly Brothers does not indulge in this. For him, the key to maintaining trust with customers is transparency, which is why he encourages them to verify the authenticity of their purchases directly through their service centers.

 E-commerce for them is handled by his eldest son, so the changing of the guard is already underway. With their focus on maintaining a personalized touch, Gangoly Brothers is keen to adapt without losing the essence that has made them successful for decades.

Gangoly Brothers remains a beacon of trust and reliability in the world of watches. With a rich history that includes serving some of India’s most prominent figures and institutions, the boutique continues to uphold its legacy of quality and craftsmanship. As India becomes a significant market for luxury watches, retailers like Gangoly Brothers, with their deep-rooted heritage and commitment to authenticity, are well-positioned to lead the way.

Conclusion

The story of Gangoly Brothers is more than just that of a watch boutique; it is a legacy of dedication, passion, and excellence that has stood the test of time. Under the stewardship of Mayank Barodia, Gangoly Brothers seamlessly blends its rich heritage with modern trends, continuing to adapt to the evolving watch market while retaining its core values of authenticity and personalized service.

In an industry often challenged by counterfeits and changing consumer preferences, Gangoly Brothers has maintained its reputation by ensuring transparency, quality, and customer trust. As the boutique looks to the future, with plans for expansion and increased digital presence, it remains committed to its unique blend of tradition and innovation. With a focus on both preserving its legacy and embracing new opportunities, the boutique is well-positioned to continue its journey as a beacon of excellence in the world of luxury watches.

Sources

https://www.watchtime.in/articles/features/1771/a-look-at-delhi-based-collector-mayank-barodia-diverse-collection-of-watches

https://thehourmarkers.com/articles/mayank-barodia-gangoly-brothers-retailer