October 24, 2025
A Supersonic Beginning
In the 1960s, India entered a new era of aviation with the MiG-21 FL Type 77. Built under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, this delta-winged fighter became India’s first supersonic jet. Agile, fast to climb, and straightforward to maintain, it served as the backbone of the Indian Air Force for decades. Generations of pilots and engineers trusted the MiG-21 for training, missions, and defense operations. By 2025, the jet retired from service, but its legacy, its speed, discipline, and influence live on.
Carrying History on the Wrist
The Mach 1 watch collection, inspired by Indian Aviation, brings those iconic times to the wrist. Flip any Officer’s Blue, Civilian, or Aviator model, and the caseback reveals three MiG-21s in precise V-formation. Etched into stainless steel, the formation is encircled by text commemorating the aircraft’s years of service. It’s not just decoration; it’s a narrative in miniature, a nod to formation flying, teamwork, and the operational history of India’s supersonic fleet.
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From Metal to Movement
Our connection to the MiG-21 goes deeper than imagery. The first Mach 1X, launched in 2019, featured dials cut from military-grade anodized aluminum reclaimed from a decommissioned MiG-21 airframe. Only twenty-one pieces were produced, each carrying the literal skin of the aircraft. Paired with precise Swiss movements, these watches were a bridge between history and modern watchmaking - functional, legible, and steeped in aviation heritage.
Design Inspired by Flight
Every Mach 1 detail draws inspiration from aviation. From the Fin Flash at 9H to the afterburner-inspired crown, each element references instruments and design cues pilots rely on. The Officer’s Blue reflects the crisp No. 6 Air Force uniform, while Civilian and Aviator models stay true to flieger-style legibility. And through it all, the V-formation of the MiG-21 remains a constant, connecting every watch to India’s supersonic past.
Why the Caseback Matters
The back of a watch often goes unnoticed, but on Mach 1, it completes the story. The engraved MiG-21s transform the caseback into a tactile and visual tribute to India’s aviation history. Each glance is a reminder of speed, precision, and the disciplined artistry of supersonic flight
A Legacy Carried Forward
Though the MiG-21 is retired, its story continues through the Mach 1 collection. On the wrist, the aircraft, its formation, and the history it represents are preserved in steel and movement. Every Mach 1 wearer carries a piece of India’s supersonic era, a reminder of the jet that defined a generation of pilots and the enduring legacy of Indian aviation.
At Bangalore Watch Company™, we carry forward the small details that bring the larger stories of modern India through our collections. From the Aryabhata caseback in the Apogee collection to the cricket stump-shaped cutouts in the Cover Drive, each element adds depth to the design and brings a uniquely Indian story to the world of watches.
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