Brands
Timex marks 170 years with a $1 limited-edition watch
Mumbai: Timex is celebrating its 170th anniversary by offering 1,000 limited-edition Waterbury watches for just $1, reviving a legacy of accessible timekeeping. On 16 November, consumers in India can claim their limited-edition watch at 10 am on shop.timexindia.com and at select retailers. This is a unique opportunity to be part of Timex’s celebration of time and resilience.
The release honors Timex’s watchmaking heritage since 1854, tracing its roots back to the Waterbury Clock Company. It commemorates the iconic Yankee pocket watch, their first timepiece sold for $1, known as “the watch that made the dollar famous.”
Before Timex, timekeeping was largely exclusive to the elite, with pocket watches priced out of reach for many. The Waterbury Clock Company democratized timekeeping, allowing farmers, train conductors, and factory workers to synchronize their activities. By the turn of the century, over six million of these ‘dollar watches’ were in use across America, and even Mark Twain owned one, having sent Timex a dollar for his own watch.
Timex Group CMO Shari Fabiani said, “Our 170th anniversary isn’t merely a celebration of our storied past; it’s a heartfelt reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to making quality timepieces accessible to everyone. The $1 Anniversary Watch pays homage to the original Waterbury campaign, which promised ‘correct time for little money.’ In crafting this watch, we wanted to honor the loyal consumers who have trusted and cherished our brand over the years.”
This special release is part of Timex’s Waterbury collection, honouring its origins as the Waterbury Clock Company with quality finishes and innovative watchmaking. It features a glossy ice-white dial with the official 170th anniversary edition logo and 3D lacquered Roman numeral markers. On the caseback, there is vertical brushing and an engraving that commemorates this significant moment in Timex’s history.
Timex India MD Deepak Chhabra shared, “For 35 years, Timex India has been a part of this incredible and coveted global brand legacy. The 170th anniversary isn’t just a celebration of the brand’s existence; it’s also an opportunity for us to express gratitude and thank our loyal customers who’ve trusted us for generations and have believed in our promise of ‘reliable timekeeping at a great price’. We are excited about the launch of the much-anticipated limited edition $1 Anniversary Watch in India and can’t wait to see and join in our customers’ delight”.
1,000 limited-edition watches will be issued worldwide and offered at select accounts globally, ensuring that watch enthusiasts from all corners of the world can join in the celebration. In India, 120 pieces of the $1 watch will be launched on 16 November at Rs 83.
Brands
Kwality Wall’s reports standalone losses following strategic HUL demerger
Ice cream major faces Rs 64 crore Ebitda loss amid commodity inflation and muted Q3 sales
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited (KWIL) has released its first set of financial results as a standalone entity, revealing a challenging start to its independent journey. Following its successful demerger from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on 1st December 2025 and its subsequent listing on 16th February 2026, the company is navigating a transition period marked by structural changes and high input costs.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2025, the company reported revenue of Rs 222 crores. Despite the revenue base, the bottom line was impacted by several factors, resulting in an Ebitda loss of Rs 64.2 crores. When calculated on a Pre-IND AS 116 basis, the Ebitda loss stood at Rs 83.8 crores.
Organic Sales Growth (OSG) declined by 6.5 per cent year-on-year during the quarter. Volume growth, however, saw a marginal increase of 1.2 per cent. The company reported a gross margin of 41.5 per cent. Additionally, exceptional expenses amounting to Rs 94 crores were recorded, primarily linked to non-recurring costs during the transition phase.
Performance across portfolios and channels was mixed. Within the impulse portfolio, brands such as Magnum and Cornetto recorded mid-single digit volume growth, indicating steady demand in on-the-go consumption. However, the in-home portfolio, which includes take-home packs, experienced muted consumption. The company is planning a relaunch of this category with improved offerings ahead of the 2026 season.
Quick commerce (Q-Com) continued to emerge as a strong growth driver, delivering robust double-digit growth during the quarter. Meanwhile, the company also expanded its physical distribution network by increasing the number of company-owned cabinets across markets.
Margin pressure during the quarter was driven by a combination of one-off factors and broader cost inflation. Gross margins were impacted by around 600 basis points due to trade investments made for stock liquidation. Additionally, cocoa price inflation contributed to another 400 basis points of pressure on margins.
Deputy managing director Chitrank Goel attributed the muted performance partly to prolonged monsoons and transitional challenges linked to the GST framework. Operating expenses also increased as the company invested in establishing its standalone supply chain, operational systems and corporate infrastructure following the demerger.
Looking ahead, the management remains focused on a volume-driven growth strategy. To restore profitability, the company has initiated a cost productivity programme aimed at reducing non-consumer-facing costs. It is also working on building regional manufacturing networks to optimise logistics expenses and improve operational efficiency.
The commodity outlook for the near term remains mixed. Dairy prices are expected to remain firm due to tight supply conditions and rising fodder costs. Sugar prices may also move higher following increases in the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). While cocoa prices have moderated recently, currency depreciation has offset some of the potential cost relief for the company.
