The Peninsula Carbon features a first-of-its-kind dial made using carbon captured from the atmosphere. Bangalore Watch Company has developed a proprietary material named ReforgeCarbon™ by transforming industrial waste and atmospheric pollutants into a unique watchmaking component.
“This is a proud milestone for us,” said Nirupesh Joshi, Co-Founder of Bangalore Watch Company. “Last year, our participation at the GPHG was an important moment for Indian watchmaking. We were the first independent watch brand from India to be on the list. Returning for a second consecutive year is both encouraging and humbling. It reinforces our belief that contemporary stories from India can find appreciation around the world, when paired with thoughtful design and world-class craftsmanship.”
Inspired by India’s rapidly expanding cities, the Peninsula Carbon explores the connection between human ambition, urban development, and the environmental traces created by modern growth. Through ReforgeCarbon™, the timepiece presents a contemporary interpretation of India’s evolving urban landscape.
Along with its innovative dial material, the watch features a 200-meter water-resistant case, a Swiss automatic movement designed for high accuracy, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. These elements place the Peninsula Carbon alongside the standards expected from luxury Swiss watchmaking.
The watch also introduces a display inspired by the Air Quality Index (AQI), replacing the conventional minute track with a scale that serves as a subtle representation of the relationship between urban expansion and its consequences.
“We have always believed that meaningful watchmaking begins with meaningful stories,” said Mercy Amalraj, Co-Founder of Bangalore Watch Company. “The Peninsula Carbon reflects a subject that is relevant not just to India, but to the world. By combining material innovation with a distinctly Indian perspective, we wanted to create a watch that remains true to our vision of bringing modern storytelling to high-quality watchmaking.”
Established in Geneva, Switzerland, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève is considered the highest distinction in the watch industry. Every year, an international jury evaluates timepieces from some of the world’s most respected brands and recognizes excellence in design, innovation, engineering, and craftsmanship.
“India is becoming an increasingly important market for luxury watches,” added Joshi. “I believe India should not only be viewed as a consumer of luxury watches, but also as a place capable of producing brands that can be appreciated globally for our storytelling, design, and craftsmanship. This is perhaps the finest example of that thesis.”
Founded in 2018, Bangalore Watch Company™ creates high-quality mechanical watches that showcase stories of 21st-century India. Drawing inspiration from Aviation, Cricket, Space, and the Great Outdoors, each collection represents modern Indian narratives beyond traditional stereotypes.
The brand has achieved several milestones, including creating watches made from recovered fighter planes and aircraft carrier materials, developing India’s first watch qualified for Spaceflight, and introducing its proprietary Cerasteel™ material, a fusion of Steel and Ceramic. By combining storytelling with technical innovation and contemporary design, Bangalore Watch Company™ has established itself as a prominent name in modern Indian watchmaking.
Recognized by leading global publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Hodinkee for its originality and craftsmanship, the brand continues to expand its international presence. Founded by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Nirupesh Joshi and Mercy Amalraj, who left their overseas technology careers to pursue a vision of modern Indian storytelling, Bangalore Watch Company™ has built a growing global customer base across more than 30 countries.
The Peninsula Carbon’s entry into the GPHG 2026 highlights the increasing global recognition of Indian watchmaking and reflects the brand’s commitment to combining innovative materials, contemporary design, and distinctive Indian narratives on the world stage.
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