In a breathtaking fusion of ingenuity and cosmic exploration, Bangalore Watch Company (BWC) boldly propelled its Apogee watch beyond the confines of Earth’s atmosphere, returning with a new recognition. The Bangalore Watch Company has triumphantly trialed its Apogee wristwatch in the vast expanse of space, making it the first Indian watch brand to do so!
In early 2024, a lightweight carbon-fiber spacecraft was launched, carrying a custom Apogee wristwatch. Lifted by a high-altitude balloon, it reached 114,000 feet, nearly four times higher than Mt. Everest. Exposed to extreme conditions, including -60°C temperatures and no oxygen, the watch returned safely via parachute after a brief space journey. And it didn’t just return, but proved that the watch works in space, and during its flight back home, which is usually undertaken at a very fast speed.
Nirupesh Joshi, Co-Founder and Creative Director of the brand, said, “We called this the Karman Line Project; it took two years of planning and execution. The first challenge was flight dynamics, weather, launch location, but the larger challenge was testing the watches on the ground as best as we could, so they don’t fail in Space.”
Celebrating this milestone, BWC has launched the new Karman Line timepieces, restricted to a production of only 50 Apogee units, featuring a distinct meteorite sourced from Muonionalusta, situated on the border between Sweden and Finland.
This historic achievement not only solidifies BWC’s legacy as trailblazers in horological innovation, but also pays homage to humanity’s unyielding quest to explore space. Since its inception in 2018, the company has captivated enthusiasts worldwide, boasting a fervent following across more than 30 countries. With the Apogee watch, they’ve once again pushed the boundaries of possibility.
The Apogee Karman Line watch is priced at INR 2,40,000 and is available for purchase through the brand’s website at bangalorewatchco.in.
