Indian analog watch startup Rotoris Watches has raised $3 million, around ₹25 crore, in a seed funding round, marking a strong endorsement for homegrown premium watchmaking. The round was led by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath and actor-entrepreneur Vivek Anand Oberoi, with participation from Venture Catalysts, 100 Unicorns, comedian and investor Tanmay Bhat, and several well-known startup founders.
The fundraise comes at a time when Indian consumers are showing renewed interest in analog watches, not just as timekeeping devices but as lifestyle and statement products. Rotoris aims to tap into this shift by building a brand focused on engineering precision, thoughtful design, and limited-edition craftsmanship.
Strong Backing from India’s Startup Ecosystem
Apart from institutional backers, the round also saw support from over 30 founders and angel investors from India’s consumer and technology ecosystem. These include founders of popular brands across beauty, fashion, electronics, logistics, and fintech. This broad base of support brings not just capital but also deep operational experience in building and scaling consumer brands in India.
Investors backing Rotoris believe that the Indian market is ready for a premium analog watch brand that sits between mass-market products and ultra-luxury international labels. With rising disposable incomes and a growing appetite for well-designed Indian brands, the opportunity is seen as timely and significant.
How Rotoris Plans to Use the Fresh Capital
The startup plans to use the newly raised funds to strengthen its manufacturing and assembly capabilities, with a strong focus on quality control and mechanical precision. A large portion of the capital will go towards engineering development, supply chain partnerships, and building initial inventory ahead of its official launch.
Rotoris also plans to invest in hiring across design, product development, and brand marketing roles. Alongside its digital presence, the company is preparing to open its first physical experience store in New Delhi. This space is expected to allow customers to explore the watches closely, understand the craftsmanship, and connect with the brand story in a more personal way.
Engineering-Led Design at the Core
Rotoris was founded by Aakash Anand, Prerna Gupta, Anant Narula, and Kunal Kapania. The founding team brings experience from building and scaling consumer brands, with a shared vision of creating an Indian watch brand rooted in engineering excellence rather than mass production.
The company describes itself as an engineering-first analog watchmaker. Its upcoming watches are expected to feature premium materials such as sapphire crystal glass and stainless steel cases, along with a mix of automatic and quartz movements. The focus is on durability, precision, and clean aesthetics rather than flashy trends.
Launch Plans and Limited Collections
Rotoris is planning its commercial launch in early 2026. The brand will debut with five distinct collections, each designed with a unique identity and produced in limited, numbered editions. This approach is intended to create a sense of exclusivity while maintaining consistent quality across all models.
By keeping production runs controlled, Rotoris aims to appeal to watch enthusiasts and professionals who value design, craftsmanship, and individuality. The startup believes this strategy will help it stand out in a crowded accessories market.
What This Means for Indian Consumer Brands
The funding round highlights growing investor confidence in Indian lifestyle brands that focus on quality and long-term brand building. As more Indian startups move beyond price competition and into premium positioning, Rotoris’ journey will be closely watched.
If executed well, Rotoris Watches could become an example of how Indian brands can compete in categories traditionally dominated by global names, while staying rooted in local ambition and design sensibility.