FIROZUDDIN IS A MAN OF  few words. While this septuagenarian is quiet in his demeanour, you can’t escape the glimmer in his eyes, the child like inquisitiveness, aplomb and his sincerity. Also, holla, his deep compassion, and zest for life is really commendable.    

 

CORPORATE CZARS in its brief sojourn to Kolkata, manages a one-o-one talk with Mr. Firozuddin, the well-read,  widely travelled illustrious head-honcho of West Bengal’s low-key but top emerging company, and the timeless entity, also   nicknamed ‘the watch people’ of Kolkata - “S.H.MUMTAZUDDIN Group.”

 

RENDEZVOUS WITH THE EFFERVESCENT BUT LOW-PROFILE FIROZUDDIN”

The founding pillars of this timeless group “S.H.MUMTAZUDDIN” was laid in 1922 by late Mumtazuddin associated with his father late Samshul Haque,  who  was later on jointly assisted by his brothers Zia-ul-Haque, Shamsul Arfeen, Md. Sayeed and Zammerul Haque in Kolkata (West Bengal).

 

The year also saw them setting up their 1^st watch showroom during the British Raj. This watch showroom in - 4, Radha Bazar,  stands tallest with old world charm, and carries heritage value, being one of the oldest watch showrooms in India since 1922. This humble enterprise journey is etched in golden words in the annals of history, hailed as extraordinarily ‘big’ daring step, initiated by a small family which had no business lineage! And, these incidents would really make news in those times!  It is only a classic example of their hard work, unwavering devotion and reputation that the group earned themselves the sobriquet of “watch people”, fondly given by the locals, a term which has stuck on them till date...   Their roaring success, has helped the group diversify from watches, into array of businesses ie. mobile, and custom-designed furniture for the niche segment of the society.  And, they have only flourished with time…

 

 CORPORATE  CZARS Reports

Kolkata is a "bustling city," a great place to be and Kolkatans are lively, high on emotional quotient, energetic, and avid readers. Nostalgia apart, there is little that's left of the glory day! But winds of change are blowing across the region, and there is a glimmer of hope that businesses will flourish soon. Kolkata should leverage its own strength rather than following any business model, and it won’t be a surprise, that due to its inherent strength, it can even give run for money to China!

 

After the death of Mumtazuddin, late Merajuddin the only son of Mumtazuddin took over, and in due course of time passed the responsibilities to his son – “Firozuddin” who is overseeing the company affairs. GABA Mobile is their flagship brand under mobile business.

 

S.H. MUMTAZUDDIN Group has always endeavoured to provide the best to their clients, be it in the area of - technology, quality or service. With a planned growth, the objective within the group is to be very dominant, visible and well-accepted leader in India & abroad in near future per se the opportunities available to the group from time-to-time....

Naturally, with a 100 year old legacy the promoters have to lead from the front; to ensure that they keep abreast with the huge local expectations. And, S.H.MUMTAZUDDIN Group (S.H. MUMTAZUDDIN TIMES (P) LTD. has stood the test of time,   never disappointing its people even once…

Today, the names - “Mumtazuddin” & “Gaba” have become buzzwords, and people easily relate to this name as “The renowned watch people.” S.H.MUMTAZUDDIN Group growth trajectory has only fuelled overall growth for the whole group. With a fiery belief in leading a steady trail rather than following one, a calculative yet determined approach; and backed with sensible planning -  the big golden leap for this small giant looks imminent…..

The usually low profile reticent group have for the first time revealed about their Indian odyssey to CORPORATE CZARS publications….

 

THE BEGINING

 

“My grandfather “Mumtazuddin” was a reformer too. He and his brothers formed the initial cradle of entrepreneurship, and my father is a perfect living example of free spirit of enterprise, under whose stewardship the - ‘MUMTAZUDDIN’ flag flutters high today.”   The burning bright lamp of inspiration served well for                                      FIROZUDDIN, who took over from where his father late MIRAJUDDIN had left, and manoeuvred his way to successfully conclude this epic marathon. And, slowly but steadily catapulted this small enterprise into a formidable force. Belonging to the 3^rd generation of Gaba Family, he showed exemplary innovative mind, and his risk taking abilities only paid dividends to him.

       His initial struggle, value for quality and rock solid principles are few of the hallmark beliefs which paved way for the Mumtazuddin clan’s future enterprise quests. It was the indefatigable enterprising spirit of Mr. Mumtazuddin, who ignited the initial small spark of enterprise in the whole family, which is burning quite bright amongst the gen-next today. The young, the restless, the successful and the ambitious third & fourth generation of Gaba’s are themselves in awe of their great grandfather’s rare feats and qualities; as much as their contemporaries. The rich legacy, coupled with strong fundamentals of the group has earned them a great fortune and respect from the people of Kolkata (West Bengal).   

1324-1334:  1O YEARS PERIOD -              25,000 HINDUS CONVERT TO ISLAM

 

FOREFATHERS:  LAXMAN GABA - BECAME ABDULLAH GABA

 

IN 16^TH CENTURY:  64 PUNJABI FAMILIES CONVERT TO ISLAM REACH DELHI ON SHAHJAHAN’S INVITATION

                                                                               

BY 18^TH CENTURY:  THE FAMILIES MULTIPLY ACROSS THE COUNTRY…

 

FIROZUDDIN’S FATHER- Mr. MIRAJUDDIN

GRANDFATHER             - Mr. MUMTAZUDDIN

BECOME  “GABA”  PHONESMART

BRINGING  SMARTPHONE  TECHNOLOGY  WITHIN REACH

On a visit to one of Gaba Mobile stores revealed that the group had long envisaged the opportunity to offer all mobile brands under one roof, even at the time when mobile phone sector was not an organised sector! With decked out interiors, at Gaba Mobile store you will find neatly tucked basic & smart phones ranging from - Sony, Nokia, Samsung, LG, Lenovo, etc. A surprise innovation is the Gaba’s own mobile hand-set! The customers have showed

 

lot of positivity, enquiring about a “Gaba” a branded phone.  The group is the largest mobile phone retailer from the eastern zone in India.   Kolkata is where the company’s mobile phone & accessories action is! No doubt, it is the hub for company’s marketing efforts & business initiatives. Thus, with strong fundamentals in place, the time is just ripe for the company to go full throttle and make noise in the market to capitalise on its goodwill. The group has prepared its future plans, and vision document, anxiously waiting for long with bated breath, amidst their soaring ambitions! Surely, one shall get to hear more from them. It is the vision of Firozuddin, that today customers can get indigenous top quality smart phones at economical prices, i.e.  “Gaba” mobile stores, which are strategically located to meet the burgeoning demands. “Gaba” is competing with world-class technology firms, taking the Indian quality standards few notches higher in Kolkata! Presently, the group maintains 3 retail-outlets that deals in mobile phones, and might go national in next 5 years:  

Location-1: At 13, B.B.D Bag(E), Kolkata-700 001, Location-2: At P-19, Gariahat Road. Kolkata -700 029

Location-3: At 171 Lenin Sarani, Kolkata-13 (Inside New Cinema Hall). The group has envisaged into another exclusive Seiko watch showroom at 4/1 camac street, where one will find all major brands of watches!  The group strategy is three-pronged: The group knows quite well, that Watches, Mobiles and Designer furniture are trendy lifestyle products of desire, as well as status symbol in many cases! Moreover, Mobile phones & Watches not only cater to the masses, but also the brand-conscious youth and affluent class... Also, keeping in view of the footfalls at its mobile phone stores, it has toyed with trickle-down strategy to sync other businesses thereto for conclusive lead generation. Thus, a showroom was conceptualised at  171 A & B Lenin Sarani (New Cinema Hall), and no wonder, this, 7000 sq ft  sprawling showroom, with cool ambience, turned out to be an  instant hit from day one for the young and  old  couples  alike! Considering the overwhelming response, Mumtazuddin group has received for mobiles and designer furnitures; they are encouraged to furthermore plan slew of more showrooms outside Kolkata’s periphery to dominate the market. Mobile Phones have proved themselves to be one of the greatest gifts to the mankind. They have become an indispensible part of our lives. All thanks to cost cutting techniques and innovations over a period of time; mobile phones are now affordable for everyone. With a 

plethora of basic mobile phones to the smart phones flooding the market, they  are  not  a  necessity  but  act  as status symbols for many.

               With mobile phone penetration increasing four-fold, Firozuddin says, “Due to mobile phone’s utility value, people’s aspirational quotient, and need to upgrade continuously, all this has fuelled tremendous growth, and, due to this growing trend, the demand is here to stay atleast for next-15 years!” Today, when a customer has all the information about the high-end mobile phones available at even the remotest corner of the world, the likes of our Indian ‘Gaba’ brand giving run for money to the MNC brands, coupled with customer euphoria, speaks volumes about this entity! Also, it surely makes for an appropriate case study in the ever evolving mobile market about - how to win the customer, retain the customer & keep them satisfied so that they keep coming back, asking for more!

The average purchasing power in West Bengal is quite low, if you see the demographics, almost 60% of the younger lot (skill & semi-skilled) is forced to work out of West Bengal due to the continuously eroding business sentiments of the companies, coupled with trade unionism and labour issues. Mostly, the affluent populace in the 40-65 yr age group are either migratory population or permanent ones. And, are based out of Kolkata (70% living abroad). Recently, Jessop & Co (The 250 Year old concern) involved in manufacturing Railway wagons, tools, ancillary Services, etc had asked permission for closure from the Mamata govt. Unfortunately, the agenda of development is lost somewhere in the scheme of populist agenda coupled with nil involvement of respective governments in West Bengal.    In the absence of clear business policies till date, it is highly commendable how the likes of century old, S.H. MUMTAZUDDIN group have bravely faced barrage of issues in West Bengal, and carved out a niche for themselves in the market place. Even though the facilities available here is not up to the standard benchmark. The people in Kolkata are accommodative, contended and have been used to a particular routine life here! 

 

 

 I am non-alcoholic, non-diabetic. And, I give full credit to green tea. As milk tea damages the liver – Firozuddin

BLAST FROM THE PAST:

Flipping back pages of history, his gleaming eyes show the passion that rubs on to you! And, it seems like a flash, wherein yesteryears images start dancing to the fore! He reminisces, “This company was started 100 years back by my grandfather, he belonged to Delhi. in 1857 Delhi was crushed, Bahadur Shah Zafar was taken away by Britishers, also the people supporting the independence movement were literally crushed by the British Empire. By this time British forces had managed to get a firm foothold in India. 100 years back our whole family had their origin in Delhi, Kolkata was nowhere in our radar.”

             In 1657, Delhi was under the influence of plague. Thus, emperor Shah Jahan called 64 selected Punjabi families who had got converted to Islam to reorganise Delhi as a business place.  He reminisces, “Our entire family did not migrate to Kolkata, it was only my grandfather (they were 5 brothers), who was quite enterprising, and his risk taking abilities, coupled with sharp business acumen brought him to the shores of Kolkata in the beginning of 19^th century. Three brothers of my grandfather went to Pakistan, and two stayed in India! That time Kolkata was the capital of India.  Kolkata is approximately 300 years old, and, was nowhere on the map in 16^th century. It only came into existence by 17^th century.“

 

S.H.MUMTAZUDDIN GROUP:   SNAPSHOT

“THE INSPIRE TO EMPIRE STORY”

 

Journey in brief:

 

19^th  Century: Started business

1922:    S.H. MUMTAZUDDIN 

             ESTABLISHED IN KOLKATA

             (Busines environment not

             appropriate, social unrest) 

1967:    NOT MUCH IMPROVEMENT

1983:    ON FATHER’S EXPIRY, SH.

             FIROZUDDIN TOOK OVER 

             BUSINESS REINS FROM HIM

1985:    INTRODUCED WATCH BUSINESS                   

            (Popular As Kolkata’s Watch People)

 

CORPORATE CZARS in a tete-a-tete with the ‘FIROZUDDIN’ himself, the quiet doyen of Kolkata’s century old group, who single-handedly scripted S.H.MUMTAZUDDIN Group’s success story, and took the great legacy forward... We decode group’s ambitious growth plans with the warm, suave yet highly astute FIROZUDDIN GABA, Chief, S.H.MUMTAZUDDIN Group S.H.MUMTAZUDDIN TIMES (P) LTD.

 

Q: We ask him how he manages to look good and remain physically fit too?

A: He shares, “I am non-alcoholic, non-diabetic. And, I give full credit to green tea. As milk tea damages the liver. I want to admit that, one habit I am getting rid of now is, that I was a chain smoker.”

 

Q: Why are there not many examples of businessmen from your community emerging as an organised entity on nationa level?

A: After 1947, many Muslims left for Pakistan, when Mughals ruled, people had lot of money, but when Britishers ascended the throne, they looted en masse… One of our relative Waziruddin Gaba had come to Delhi with 64 families, he was a elected legislative member in the court of Shah Jahan, and their families officially served Mughal’s consecutively for 200 years till the last emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. It ended only after the Britishers arrived on the scene! In 1800, Jama Masjid and Delhi Fatehpuri mosques were taken by Britishers, although they were public properties, but it was converted into horse stable. You can imagine that during this time, Rs. 7,50,000 lacs were spent to restore the mosques by muslims in that era. 

 

Q:  How did you come across the title “Gaba”?

A: I got Gaba’s title 25 years ago in a Delhi Directory, so I thought to use this title as my family had its roots in it.  When I came to know that our forefathers surname was “Gaba”, and according to history we belonged to this community! Our name, and religion had changed in 1364 so we were suggested not to invite Mughal’s ire, and dispose off “Gaba” as our surname.  If you go to Arab countries, and ask about the origin of “sheikhs” & their “titles”, it would be known that Islam came in to existence around 610, before that not Islam, but Christianity & Hinduism prevailed. That means all of them were convertees in those times. After Mughals departed from the centre stage, still the title of “Sheikh” continued. But, when I came to know that Gaba” was an original surname, so, I started using it, there is no harm in using it! So, I floated a company called - “GABA TIME PVT LTD. In 1995”, wherein, the other company name was Mumtazzudin (old company). Even my inner voice, said that “Gaba” name should not be dumped or buried…

 

Q: Sir do you go to Delhi now?

A: Yes, my relatives are there in Delhi too. We have watch, pearl and allied businesses there…  Many of our community people are residing there.

 

Q:  You are an inspiring role model for the future generation (also muslim community members, ironically large no. of them are still uneducated). You have held the Mumtazuddin group (Gaba) flag fly high for long?

A: The fact is that, today’s generation have a mind of their own, and many of them do not wish to listen to others. The world has become fast - Young guys want fast cars, fast money, fast success, etc. But, without a past, one can’t move fast, coz the more you need to grow vertically, the more you need a wider pyramid base. One needs to inculcate discipline, and an iron will to succeed in life! And, our past works as a stepping-stone to our future belief, temperament and attainment of success. In 60’s-70’s, I remember we were taught 2 history subjects in school – Indian history & general history (Hitler, Napolean, etc). It is sad that today many schools started feeling that the inclusion of history subject is irrelevant. Curriculum apart; history teaches us many facets about evolving human life, education means turning into a civilized and responsible person, and not otherwise! Does today’s education teach us to become good human being? Many do not understand the true essence of their religion, which teaches us to be compassionate, and mindful of other’s sensitivities…

 

Q: You still have that old world warmth, sincerity and cultural values, which are becoming extinct now?

A: Islam teaches us about humanity, to become a good human being first! Our old wise men used to say affectionately that “listen to your father, if not father, then do listen from your grandfather – about adhering to basic teaching of religion.” They said, “do learn true meaning of what religion is? What it teaches? Everybody has to live, and everybody has to eat to live! One has to accept that the almighty has given different resources to each one so that people can fend for themselves, and we can’t keep complaining every time why I have been given less? Somebody is poor, somebody is extremely rich! But, biggest thing is - did you care to check if your next door neighbour has taken his meals or not!”                                            

        The biggest essence of any religion is compassion, brotherhood & love! Our prophet, and many other spiritual leaders emphasise the need of  being compassionate and warm towards your fellow beings, if people are not humane anymore, it simply means lack of teachings or the end of teachings…          

        A man living on the street would still ask his compatriots about their well being, but will high-profile people like ‘Mukesh Ambani’, who have their heart’s fill, ask their neighbour about their well being? When the world is divide between – ‘have’s’ and ‘have-nots’, is it not the responsibility of rich business-class to cater to the deprived lots of the society?…               

 

Q: What are your achievements? What area are you diversifying into? What are your plans? 

A: It was during 2000, that we started diversifying (it was almost 14years), in 2002 I entered into Garment business, even before shopper’s stop had arrived! I entered into selling top branded perfumes in retail outlets, and sourcing choicest products from Mumbai. In 2004, I started importing furniture from China. When I went to China, I discovered that dealing in sunglasses and perfume was quite lucrative. But, somehow, it did not suit me. And, I recommended it to Bhaskar Bhat (Now, M.D, Titan), we had instantly struck a chord, and he was a dynamic guy, who would keep tab on the market, also usually take my opinion too. Today, he is one of my closest friend. 

         Bhaskar Bhat promised me, to have a dekko on it, after they complete its viability study. I remember, Tanishque was not introduced during that time. I had almost forgotten our talk, but as we are talking, I am glad to see Titan introducing all these products, in their bouquet of offerings!! And, I feel extremely satisfied that my vision was correct. Infact, we were not big players, so we could not do it on a lavish scale. And, I was a small businessman, who was trying his luck in his best optimum capacity, and my sons were also small. So, I had to do all the running... 

But, one thing I was quite clear that the Indian market will get refined, and the demand for lifestyle products will take a huge jump. Look at the trend how the market for – perfumes, sunglasses, garment, etc has grown!

 

Q: Your entry into launching your own brand “Gaba” is also an interesting one, pl comment?

A:  “Mobile business is growing by leaps and bounds. Initially I was sceptical, thinking that, if everybody will own a mobile, then saturation will crop up..In 2003, my 4 sons (who support in this business) were quite gung-ho about entering into our own mobile business. Thus, I went to China, to study its viability, and we launched our own brand “GABA” (A title taken from our 13^th century ancestor’s name - “Lakshman Gaba” (when our family was hindu, and till then not converted to Islam). Initially, my sons shared with me that it doesn’t sound good for a mobile brand name, but I assured them that – no harm in carrying a name which had been famous in our grand old days, it is short, and with time it will catch up. And, there was no looking back from then onwards. I am now sure that atleast for 15-20 years there will be no saturation in the mobile business.  After a shift of consumer’s choice from - landline phone - to a pocket phone, what more revolution can one see in next 15-20 years.” Sharing Nonchalantly, he says, “But, that won’t stop innovations. i.e. watch phone (Samsung introduced) has introduced now. 50-100 years back, watches, pens, tie-pins, cuff-links, etc were man’s essential jewellery. The latest addition is – mobile phone.”

 

Q: could you elaborate about yourself,  family & interests?

A:  In 1967, at the age of 17 years (born: 24^thAug’1951), my father pushed me into business. I got married in 1979.  After spending some good time in business with my father, I got a huge setback, as I lost my big support: “my father” in 1983 (My age was 32 years). During that time watches like - HMT, Allywn, etc ruled the market (JRD was involved with titan). I have total 4 sons, and very happy to get such obedient, & friendly sons! The youngest son is both - sweet and mischievous, it might be because he is a bachelor (All other 3 sons have got married),” he adds with a dash of humour.

 

Q: Could you share your group turnover?  

A: Infact, the total turnover is approximately 80 crores. 60 crores  from – mobile segment, and 15-20 crores from – Watch business. We are pondering whether we should go in for franchisees or not!!!

 

Q: What are your views on politics?

A: Any govt. which comes at centre will be formed in coalition. Mamata Banerjee is trying her best for industry, If she supports BJP, the minorities would not intend to support her, and vice-versa. Parodoxically, on the other side she is against congress too. We should have an effective leader who understands the problems of people by large...

 

Q: Do you think if Narendra Modi comes to power, there will be an effective change?

A: But, even he will not be able to come in majority, in India there will always be coalition!

 

THE HISTORY OF WATCHES

 (Source: Agencies)

 

Early BC: Most ancient civilizations rely on the movement of celestial bodies to determine time broadly defined by planting seasons and harvest times.

Circa 2000 BCE: Stonehenge; Ancient Egyptian Sundials

1500 BC: The Chinese and Egyptians develop simple sundials; easy to build, so a huge variety evolves all over the world during this time period.

1400 BC: Some cultures measure time by burning oil, candles, or incense, and tracking how fast the substance burns away.

 325 BC: Water clocks are invented by the Greeks.

 

Through the 16th Century

 

1275: The mechanical clock is invented in England.

1300–1364: Three mechanical clocks are built to be displayed in public areas in Italy. An astronomical clock is introduced by Jacopo di Dondi in Padua in 1334; another clock, with a mechanism that strikes a bell to mark the hours, is completed in 1335 in Milan; and a third, which tracks hours, the sunrise, and the days of the month, 

is built by Giovanni de Dondi in Pavia in 1364.                      

1370: The first mechanical striking clocks appear in France and England.

1400: Blacksmiths begin making clocks with loud bells in them to ring the hours, for use in the hallways of large mansions.

16th Century: Iron, a key element in clock design, is pushed aside in favor of brass, bronze, and silver; development of spring-powered clocks.

1541: The Swiss watch industry is born. Reformer John Calvin of Geneva bans people from wearing jewelry, altering the future of Switzerland. Geneva's jewelers are forced to learn another craft and are taught the art of watchmaking by refugees from France and Italy.

1574: The first known pocket watch is created, but the inventor remains unknown. The watch, crafted in bronze, depicts Saint George slaying a dragon on the front and the Crucifixion on the back.

 

17th-19th Centuries

1656: The first pendulum clock is patented by Christian Huygens.

1680: The first minute hands are added to clocks.

1690: The second hand makes its first appearance on clocks, though the novel idea does not become common practice.

1700: Clock ownership becomes widespread; manufacturers design clocks in all sizes and styles: ranging from grandfather type clocks, called 'longcases', to decorative table clocks adorned with enamel paintings.

1715: Englishman George Graham invents the deadbeat escapement, a new type of mechanical escapement that offers greater precision.

1770: Abraham-Louis Perrelet invents a self-winding mechanism. 
–and– Jean-Antoine Lepine creates a thinner movement, called the Lepine calibre, enabling watchmakers to make flatter watches that can be carried in "fob" pockets to conceal them from potential thieves. The Lepine calibre is still in use today.

1795: Abraham-Louis Breguet invents the tourbillon escapement.

1812: Breguet creates a watch to fit on a wrist (the first wristwatch), for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples.

1820: The keyless clock emerges, doing away with the need to use a key for winding or setting.

1822: Nicolas Rieussec files a patent for a "timekeeper or device to measure the distance traveled, called a seconds chronograph". This is the birth of the era of the chronograph, or stopwatch.

1830: Breguet introduces watches equipped with a button for setting the time.

 

20th Century

1904: Santos-Dumont orders wristwatch from Louis Cartier. The original watch is on display at the Paris Air Museum next to the 1908 Demoiselle, the last plane Santos-Dumont built.

1914: By the end of World War I, wearing a wristwatch is the preferable form of timekeeping.

 

20th Century

1904: Santos-Dumont orders wristwatch from Louis Cartier. The original watch is on display at the Paris Air Museum next to the 1908 Demoiselle, the last plane Santos-Dumont built.

1914: By the end of World War I, wearing a wristwatch is the preferable form of timekeeping.

1927: Charles Lindbergh completes the first transatlantic solo flight, from New York to Paris, in 33 hours and 30 minutes while wearing a wristwatch by Longines, the official timekeeper of this historic journey. Shortly after, Longines and Lindbergh develop the Lindbergh Hour Angle watch.

1929: Antoine LeCoultre unveils for the world the smallest mechanical watch movement, the Caliber 101. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

1930: Breitling Watch Company patents the first stopwatch.

1955: The first Caesium atomic clock, which keeps accurate time to within a few seconds every 100,000 years, is invented by Dr. Essen of the National Physical Laboratory.

1957: America's Hamilton Watch Company produces the first successful electric watch.

1960: Bulova Watch Company builds the Accutron tuning fork watch, which uses an inch-long tuning fork instead of an escapement to power the oscillating circuit.

1962: Rado becomes known as originator of the scratch-proof watch with the release of the DiaStar I, made of hard metal.

1963: Seiko develops quartz-crystal, battery-powered chronometers.

1969: Astronaut Neil Armstrong wears an Omega Speedmaster on his spaceflight to the moon. 
–and– Seiko introduces its first quartz-crystal analog wristwatch.

1970: Hamilton Watch Company introduces the world's first solid-state digital quartz-crystal wristwatch prototype. Named Pulsar, it uses LED (light-emitting diode) technology and has a bright red digital readout.

1979: The Delirium is introduced as the thinnest watch in the world, measuring 1.98 mm.

1983: Swatch introduces its first plastic Swiss quartz watch, marketing the line as affordable fashion items.

1989: Patek Philippe creates the Calibre 89 to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The watch is deemed the most complicated in the world, with 33 complications, or special features.

1996: The Breitling Emergency watch—equipped with a transmitter that broadcasts a distress signal to rescuers—helps save the lives of the crew of the Mata-Rangi expedition when their reed raft breaks up in a storm off the Chilean coast.

1997: Guinness World Records announces the Tourneau TimeMachine, on 57th Street at Madison Avenue in New York City, as the world's largest watch store.

1999: Watch brands turn to space-age materials such as titanium and carbon fiber. TAG Heuer launches the Kirium T15, the first sports watch crafted in grade 5 titanium.

 

Most Recently...

 

2000: Watch companies such as Ulysse Nardin and Patek Philippe begin using high-tech materials like silicon and ceramic in their movements.

2005: Guinness World Records recognizes the Tourneau Time Dome Las Vegas, as the world's largest watch store.

 

2005-2014: New watch companies set shop, mix of innovative technological innovations advancements ie. Samsung introduces a watch-cum-mobile phone..

Award Announcement:

S.H.MUMTAZUDDIN GROUP is included in Top emerging groups from West Bengal – 2014. Also, Sh. Firozuddin is being bestowed “corporate Excellence – Leadership Award” by CORPORATE CZARS publications for - being a role model leader, entrepreneurship skills and promoting the cause of business community – in overall contribution to the Indian business cause.   • cz