IST 1947 launches Arka watches inspired by Konark temple design

The Indian brand’s first five-watch collection draws on 13th-century architecture. Wildlife and cricket-themed lines are planned for later in October.

Indian watch label IST 1947 has introduced its first collection, Arka, drawing on the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha. Founder Karan Vaidya told The Hindu he wanted a contemporary watch with Indian references in its details rather than familiar industry themes such as sailing, aviation and motorsport.

The five watches have different dial colors and share a 38-millimeter 316L stainless-steel case, a Miyota 1L45 quartz movement, sapphire crystal and water resistance to 100 meters. A small-seconds display references the Konark wheel. The 13th-century temple dedicated to Surya has 24 carved wheels arranged in pairs and associated with sundial principles.

The brand name refers to September 1, 1947. Indian Standard Time, however, was introduced in 1906. The Hindu describes the 1947 reference as a symbol of independent India’s relationship with shared national time, rather than the origin date of the time zone.

The brand plans to introduce Vanya, a line inspired by Indian wildlife destinations, and Vijay, dedicated to five Indian cricket World Cup victories, later in October. Each Vijay model is planned as a limited run of 100 pieces. At publication, Arka was priced at ₹9,999 and Vijay at ₹19,470.