Every weekend we have been trying to do something different, be it visit a new store for our grocery shopping or a club. That weekend, we knew heading to HMT museum was on the cards [ something we had discussed earlier the week] There’s something about long drives and old watches that just feels right. Maybe it’s the sense of nostalgia, the quiet tick of time wrapping around memories both old and new. Last weekend, we decided to give into that feeling and make our way to the HMT Heritage Centre and Museum, nestled in the quieter outskirts of Bengaluru. And what an afternoon it turned out to be!
The HMT Heritage Centre and Museum is India’s only notable watch museum, offering an incredible journey into the history of Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT), a pioneer in manufacturing watches, machine tools, and more.
The Drive: From Buzz to Breeze
We set off on what turned out to be a good one-hour drive [the Museum was 43kms from home], weaving our way out of the city’s everyday chaos and into a calmer part of town. The sun was kind, the playlist just right, and our excitement built steadily with each passing kilometre. There’s something comforting about these drives — unhurried conversations, a shared sense of discovery, and the little debates over directions that always end in laughter.
First Glimpse: Watches by the Car Park
As we pulled into the museum parking area, a small retail kiosk caught our eye — the HMT Watch Shop. Tucked away right near the entrance, it was simple, unassuming, and felt like a little treasure chest. Inside, rows of gleaming dials looked back at us — some familiar, some rare, all charming in their own way.
And in true impulsive-lovebug fashion, my partner spotted a stunning green-dial HMT with a leather strap and bought it within minutes of arriving! It was one of those instinctive decisions that made complete sense — a souvenir, a symbol, a slice of legacy on the wrist. Watching his face light up as he strapped it on was easily one of my highlights of the day.
A Legacy Carved in Time
Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) was established in 1953 by the Government of India and soon became a symbol of industrial pride. Though most people know it for its watches — especially those classic mechanical pieces that once graced almost every Indian wrist — HMT was far more than just a watchmaker.
At its peak, HMT was manufacturing everything from machine tools to tractors, printing machines to CNC systems, and of course, watches that became heirlooms. In 1961, HMT, in collaboration with Japan’s Citizen Watch Co., launched its first wristwatch — a moment that marked the beginning of India’s love affair with timekeeping.
Whether it was the elegant Janata, the reliable Pilot, or the classic Sona, HMT watches have stood the test of time — literally. Even today, these models continue to be worn, passed down, and collected by those who appreciate fine Indian engineering and timeless design.
Strolling Through Time
The museum itself is housed in a stately old building that was once part of HMT’s original campus. Inside, the exhibits are thoughtfully laid out, taking visitors through the journey of not just HMT watches, but also the broader industrial legacy of the brand. Vintage machinery, watchmaking tools, mechanical components, and old blueprints sit side by side, telling stories of ambition, craftsmanship, and quiet excellence.
Tractors, Trees, and Trails
Stepping outside, we found ourselves amid HMT’s iconic tractors and other industrial equipment — models that once helped shape rural and urban India alike. There’s a certain joy in standing next to these hulking machines under the generous shade of big, old trees, soaking in both the scale and the serenity of the place.
We strolled around the paths, paused to take in the details, and found ourselves smiling more than we expected to. There’s peace in places like this — still, storied, and wrapped in leafy green nostalgia.
A Memory for the Years Ahead
Since moving to this city, we’ve made it a point to explore spaces like this — places that are steeped in history, that offer more than just a checklist moment. The HMT Museum wasn’t just an afternoon outing. It was a chapter in our story — a day that combined discovery, nostalgia, laughter, and shared love for the small but significant things.
Here’s to watches that tick softly, trees that stand tall, and quiet afternoons that linger long after they’re over.
And yes — every time he glances at that gorgeous green dial on his wrist, we’ll be reminded of the day we time-travelled through a legacy that still beats strong [go show some love on his insta post]. I must mention he had gifted me a HMT watch few years back, lovely orange dial.
HIS 😀
Mine 😀
Address:
HMT Colony, HMT Estate, Jalahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560013
Info: The museum is at a 15 minute drive from the Goraguntelpaya metro station (green line) and is at a 15 minute walk from BEL circle. The Yeswanthpur sub urban railway station is at a 20 minute drive from the museum. 10:00 a.m. 06:30 p.m.
Entry fee- For car it was Rs20, and for individuals to enter the museum it was Rs30 each
