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Gen Z Redesigns Iconic HMT Watches in Mumbai Hackathon
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Firstpost•19-10-2026, 14:44
Gen Z Redesigns Iconic HMT Watches in Mumbai Hackathon
- •A five-day design hackathon at Rachana Sansad College in Mumbai challenged Gen Z students to reimagine iconic HMT watches like the Janata and Pilot for modern consumers.
- •Organized by NYUCT Design Labs, the event is part of an ongoing initiative to build public interest and support for reviving India's state-owned watchmaker HMT.
- •Despite many participating students being unfamiliar with HMT prior to the event, they produced innovative designs inspired by Gond art, hibiscus flowers, and the Hindustan Motors Ambassador.
- •Winning student concepts featured Indian scripts on the dial, tribute watches to the Ambassador car, and unique single-hand sundial-inspired timepieces.
- •While brand revivals face challenges such as acquiring rights and modern manufacturing facilities, enthusiasts and organizers hope these designs will help pitch HMT's revival to the government and private partners.
Key Questions Answered
Organized by NYUCT Design Labs, the five-day hackathon challenged applied art students to reinterpret iconic HMT watch models like the Janata and Pilot for contemporary consumers, alongside creating a women's collection and tribute watches.
Union Heavy Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy announced a revival package for Hindustan Machine Tools in 2024, stating in May of this year that the package was in its final stage of implementation.
Watchmaker Harman Wadhwa notes that because HMT has sold off most of its old machinery and factory land, any serious revival would require negotiating with the government, securing brand rights, setting up a new manufacturing facility, and building an entirely new made-in-India movement.
