NIFT Bengaluru student wins patent for Channapatna inspired watch

In a refreshing departure from tech-heavy wearables, a 21-year-old design student from NIFT Bengaluru has gained international recognition for a wristwatch that merges Indian heritage with sustainability. Prithwiraj Chaudhuri, a final-year student of Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories, has designed Olavu, a handcrafted timepiece using recycled automobile aluminium and wooden dials rooted in Karnataka’s Channapatna toy-making craft.

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The watch is both eco-conscious and culturally rich. The dials, created using lacquered wood and natural pigments unique to Channapatna, reflect the region’s legacy. Prithwiraj spent weeks collaborating with local artisans to understand their craft before incorporating it into his design. The metal casing, on the other hand, is sourced from discarded engine parts, reinforcing the concept of reuse and durability.

What makes Olavu especially distinct is its modular dial mechanism, wearers can switch between various wooden dials, making it a collectible rather than disposable fashion. Waterproof and engineered with precision, the design ensures function meets tradition. The product was developed as part of an academic project under the theme Sustainable Future: Innovation with Indigenous Knowledge, and has now been granted a design patent by the Government of India.

Prithwiraj, who hails from Singur near Kolkata, says his inspiration stemmed from childhood stories about culture and heritage, passed down by his father, a folk researcher. He believes analogue watches still carry emotional value in a digital world, they are objects that can be worn, preserved, and passed on through generations.