The Bangalore Watch Company achieved an impressive milestone with the launch of the Apogee Karman Line series, known as the “Indian Space Watch”.
Unlike other space-inspired models, this watch was rigorously tested and qualified to withstand the challenges of space travel as part of the ambitious Karman Line Project.
Over two years of development and testing, the brand tested prototypes under extreme conditions, including high pressure and vacuum, to ensure the Apogee’s ability to withstand space.
In early 2024, the company partnered with a UK-based space engineering firm to send the watch on a stratospheric flight. Transported by a lightweight carbon fiber spacecraft lifted by a high-altitude balloon, the Apogee ascended to 35 km, enduring temperatures as low as -60°C. At an altitude of 114,000 feet, the watch was exposed to extreme conditions and returned to Earth intact and fully functional, demonstrating its durability and precision.
This achievement faced challenges such as flight dynamics, weather, and pre-flight testing, with the Apogee showing total resilience, without issues in timekeeping or condensation, even under severe pressure and temperature changes. Notably, the watch was exposed outside the spacecraft and reached speeds close to 350 km/h during free fall.
Inspired Design and Space Functionality
The Apogee Karman Line series features a robust and functional design, with a 40mm black Cerasteel Unibody case, combining high-grade steel with a ceramic coating for enhanced durability.
The watch also has two crowns: a crown with a globe image at 2 o’clock for adjusting the internal time zone bezel and a second crown at 4 o’clock, adorned with the brand logo, dedicated to winding and time setting. The domed sapphire crystal with a dual-layer AR coating ensures clarity under any lighting condition.
The back of the watch is adorned with a 3D relief image of India’s first satellite, launched in 1975, celebrating the country’s space heritage. The dial is made of meteorite with a blue PVD coating, while a rotating bezel displays a second time zone along the edge.
Technical Specifications – Bangalore Watch Company Apogee Karman Line
- Case: 40mm diameter x 12mm thickness, black Cerasteel, sapphire crystal with AR coating, dual crown (push-pull for movement and screw-down for internal bezel), screw-down case back, water resistance of 100m
- Dial: Meteorite with blue PVD coating, applied markers and hands with Super-LumiNova, date window at 6 o’clock
- Movement: La-Joux Perret G100 automatic, 28,800 vibrations/hour, 68h power reserve, hours, minutes, seconds, and date, internal rotating bezel for second time zone
- Strap: Leather with steel pin buckle
- Availability: Limited edition of 50 pieces, available on the brand’s website
- Price: USD 2,850
With advanced specifications and a successful track record in space testing, the Apogee Karman Line represents a technological achievement and tribute to space exploration.
Photos: Instagram @bangalorewatchco. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.