Rise in raw material costs hits watch units

The surge in raw material prices has hit watch case and dial manufacturers in the city.

Vinodbhai Ramani, president, Rajkot Watch Case and Ancillary Association, said there has been a 20 per cent increase in prices of raw material like steel, brass and other metals used in the manufacture of cases and dials in the last three months. "The import of watch case dials from China and Hong Kong has worsened the situation for local units," he added.

"The surge in raw material prices has hurt the Rs 500 crore watch dial and case manufacturing industry and it is now the right time to take steps to save this cottage industry," Ramani said. "Proper attention needs to be given to introduce new varieties of watch cases and dials. Moreover, the government should assist by offering loans and providing technical help," he added.

Jayeshbhai Boghra, secretary, Rajkot Watch Case and Ancillary Association, said there are more than 100 watch case and dial manufacturing units in Rajkot. About 200 to 300 units, employing over 4000 workers, are affiliated to the industry for miscellaneous jobs.

Rajkot is famous for supplying watch case dials to manufacturers of wrist watches across India. This watch dial industry of Rajkot has been in existence for 40 years and it has developed several hand made tools for making watch dials. Bangalore is other city in the country which has such units. These products are also exported countries in the Gulf and Africa.