Timex forays into health, wellness watches segment

After introducing watches equipped with heart rate monitor in India, Timex is expanding portfolio in the health and wellness category and may launch timepiece that can count calories in the next 6-7 months.

"Earlier, we felt there was no market for such products (health and wellness category) in India but young people are increasingly getting health conscious

And going to gyms. So we feel this is the right time to launch these products," Timex Group India Managing Director VD Wadhwa told PTI.

He said Timex has a presence in health and wellness watch category in other global markets. In India, the company expects around 5-6% of its sales coming from the segment in the next three years.

Last fiscal, the company had a turnover of Rs 170 crore and expects about 25% growth this fiscal.

The company today launched two models of its 'Heart Rate Monitor' range of watches priced at Rs 3,999 and Rs 4,999. It claims that the watch can read the heart rate of a person just by placing the tip of his finger on the screen.

As part of its marketing initiative to promote the 'Heart Rate Monitor' range, the company has tied up with Procam International,

Which organises most of the major marathon events in the country.

"We are also planning to bring more products in the segment. In the next 6-7 months period, we are launching a new product that can tell you the calories that you consume. I'm sure this product will now be well accepted in India," Wadhwa said.

Besides, the company said it plans to consolidate its existing range and does not intend to introduce new designer range in the near future.

In India Timex currently sells watches under brands such as Timex, Marc Ecko, Tarun Tahiliani, Versace, Helix and Salvatore Ferragamo.