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Inside the sprawling 2,000-sq ft Dior store at New Delhi's DLF Emporio, a dainty timepiece sparkles from afar. "I am eyeing the candies," winks designer Anju Modi, strapping on the Dior VIII Grand Bal "Resile" 2013, a pink-gold and ceramic watch, part of a limited edition of 88 pieces. The shimmering timepiece is the luxury brand's recent bauble to hit the Indian market. And Modi, who is in the capital to prep up for the upcoming Delhi Couture Week, has a task at hand: to pass judgement on Dior's much-awaited offering.
Dior, famous for its high-end handbags - the Lady Dior is one of the highest selling luxury handbags in the country - is now trying to woo the Indian buyer with glitzy watches. Another limited edition piece, the Dior VIII Grand Bal "Plume", we are told, was recently picked up by a minister for over Rs 21 lakh. Men too, says the store manager, are warming up to the flash and bling.
Dressed in one of her trademark ensembles in black and gold, this one from her latest Fall/Winter 2013 collection, Modi thinks it wiser to try on the black bracelet timepiece first. "I like the black strap. While some might feel it's a 'safe' choice, the diamonds add the much-needed glamour," she says. One thing is evident - the watch is out to cash in on the Indian love for bling. After all, it is laden with 22-carat diamonds - 131 of them - that sit pretty on an oscillating weight made from feathers. This also explains the price: Rs 16 lakh. Modi is instantly impressed by the sparkling dial. The black strap, she admits, complements her skin tone and enhances her outfit.
But what catches Modi's eye is the oscillating weight decorated with feathers. And there is a reason for it too, she smiles. For the upcoming Delhi Couture Week organised by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), Modi, one of the founder members of FDCI, is working on a theme of Hindu mythology. "The oscillating weight reminds me of the sudarshana chakra, a powerful motif in Hindu mythology, used for the ultimate destruction of an enemy." Modi has used similar rustic influences while designing costumes for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming period drama, Ram Leela.
Part of the Dior VIII Grand Bal collection launched in 2011, this automatic timepiece has a unique feature: unlike other pieces wherein the oscillating weight is behind the watch, the Grand Bal is animated by the "Dior Inverse" calibres, developed by Les Ateliers Horlogers Dior, and the Swiss manufacture Soprod. Each little complication took over 18 months to be manufactured.
Its sway and swirl, says Modi, is akin to the fantastical gowns that are a trademark of the brand. For that matter, it is also reminiscent of many of Modi's own traditional weaves - dramatic angarakhas, saris and anarkalis - which have found favour among a wide clientele across Dubai, London, the US, Singapore and Hong Kong, besides India. The House of Modi has two labels under it: Anju Modi and am:pm, the latter a brainchild of her children Ankur and Priyanka Modi.
Will Dior's flashy timepiece find favour with all age groups? "It's a ladylike watch but it is expensive, so you have to arrive in life to be able to own it," she admits. As an after-thought, she adds, "But if you're a pampered child or your fiance wants to woo you, then this is the perfect gift!"
DIOR VIII GRAND BAL "RESILE"
Price: Rs 16 lakh
Dial: White mother-of-pearl, pink-gold hour and minute hands
* Diamond-set bezel decorated with a white mother-of-pearl ring
* Dior Inverse 11 ½ calibre, a functional oscillating weight on the dial
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While Modi is suitably impressed by Dior's latest offering, our mission isn't over yet. We have another watch to check out: the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Bi-color, launched exclusively in India for women. Made in gold and steel, the sleek watch has an eye-catching dial with 1930s-inspired hour numerals. "Now this is a no-nonsense watch," admires Modi. "It will be loved by any woman who wants to look stylish in a board meeting as well as while going for a drink with her friends," she says. "The brand is famous for its keen attention to detail," she adds. Priced at Rs 7,71,500 (almost half of the Dior watch), the Rendez-Vous Bi-color is as exclusive as it gets - it is available only in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai at luxury watch retailers Johnson Watch Company, Time Avenue and Helvetica respectively.
Interestingly, it was in India in 1931 that one of Jaeger-LeCoultre's iconic timepieces, the Reverso, was born. Modi agrees that the watch is feminine and elegant. The Rendez-Vous Bi-color, created in the Vallee de Joux - the cradle of fine Swiss watchmaking - is "functional, reliable and will suit all occasions," she says. "I also love their brand ambassador," she points to the poster of a radiant Diane Kruger. The Rendez-Vous Bi-color makes a powerful statement on her wrist. "She is a ballerina. Ballet is all about precision and balance - two things that this watch also epitomises."
So what will it be for Modi, the Dior Grande Bal Resile or the Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Bi-color? "It's difficult to pick one," she admits. While the Dior stands out as a stylish, glamour-heavy accessory, Jaeger-LeCoultre's watchmaking is known to be superior. "Those who can will probably buy both for different occasions," Modi laughs.
JAEGER-LECOULTRE RENDEZ-VOUS BI-COLOR
Price: Rs 7,71,500
Dial: 1930's inspired hour numerals
* A sleek date window
* Hand-guilloche dial encircled by a diamond-set bezel
* Gold and steel bracelet
