From Aircraft Carrier to Wristwatch: How INS Vikrant Lives On

In the vast chronicles of India’s maritime history, few names stir national pride like INS Vikrant: India’s first aircraft carrier and a floating fortress that served the nation with distinction. But this isn't just a story about steel and sea; it's about how a piece of naval legacy found a second life—not in a museum, but on your wrist.

Commissioned in 1961 and originally built as HMS Hercules for the British Royal Navy, INS Vikrant (R11) was purchased by India and retrofitted to serve in the Indian Navy. Over the decades, she carved a formidable reputation, especially during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, where she played a crucial role in enforcing a naval blockade on East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

She was more than a ship. She was a symbol of a young republic asserting its power on the world stage. A marvel of engineering and a bastion of Indian naval pride, INS Vikrant was finally decommissioned in 1997 after nearly four decades of service. For many, her retirement marked the end of an era.

When India’s first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, was decommissioned and later scrapped, much of the nation mourned the silent passing of a symbol that had served with valor and pride. Later, parts of its salvaged metal were used to create a sculpture that now stands at Lion Gate in Mumbai, honoring the aircraft carrier and all who served on it. 

In 2022, the new INS Vikrant (IAC-1) was commissioned as India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier. Designed and built in India, it honors the legacy of the original INS Vikrant and proudly serves the Indian Navy today.

The Admiral watch carries within it a true relic of Indian Naval Aviation and it brings a brand-new story to our Pilot watch collection. Variant under the Mach 1 collection the 70 limited edition watches, Admiral features a dial made from steel recovered from INS Vikrant R11 - the legendary aircraft carrier that served the Indian Navy until its decommissioning in 2014.

The grey-coloured dial echoes the rugged hull of the mighty carrier, blending heritage with craftsmanship. 
 
The Admiral isn’t just a watch - it’s a tribute to India's naval history, appealing to collectors, history enthusiasts, and anyone who holds India's defense forces close to their heart. 

The use of Vikrant’s steel in watchmaking goes beyond sentiment—it represents a shift in how heritage is integrated into modern luxury. By incorporating historical material into horology, this initiative has opened a new dimension in the Indian watch industry. It taps into emotional engineering, as consumers increasingly seek products with meaningful stories—owning a watch made from a legendary warship adds emotional value beyond function. It also promotes sustainable luxury by repurposing existing materials, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. Moreover, it showcases a cultural fusion, blending Indian naval history with high-end watch design, and positioning Indian craftsmanship within the global luxury watch space.