Time beyond Boundaries: Titan's Tribute to Rakesh Sharma's Historic Space Journey with the 'Unity Watch'

On a summer morning in 1984, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s voice echoed across the vast expanse of space, marking a moment that would forever change India’s place in the cosmos. Aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11, as he gazed down at Earth from a vantage point that only a few have ever known, Sharma was asked, “How does India look from space?” With a sense of awe and pride, he responded, “Saare Jahan Se Accha.” His words, carried on the wings of history, not only captured the essence of Earth from above but also symbolised the indomitable spirit of a unified India, one that transcends borders and embraces the future with limitless possibilities.

As India celebrates four decades of that momentous achievement, Titan Watches has crafted a tribute to this unparalleled legacy. In a ceremony that brought together the worlds of space exploration and watchmaking, the brand launched the Unity Watch, a celestial-inspired limited-edition timepiece designed to commemorate Rakesh Sharma's iconic journey and the profound perspective he gained from space.

In an intimate gathering at Lupa in Bengaluru, Titan presented the first Unity Watch to Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. Surrounded by admirers and guests, Sharma shared riveting stories from his space journey — recollections of the serene beauty of Earth seen from the far reaches of space, where all borders blur and humanity’s shared existence becomes breathtakingly clear. The evening was a celebration of not just a remarkable feat of engineering but the shared values of unity, peace, and progress that space exploration symbolises.

Features of the Watch

The Unity Watch draws from this celestial perspective. Its dial, a stunning midnight blue, features a detailed rendition of India as seen from space, capturing the awe and majesty of the planet below. Vibrant tricolour hour markers — saffron, white, and green — pay homage to the nation that Sharma carries in his heart, no matter how far he ventures. And, in a symbolic touch, the second hand is designed to resemble a rocket, an homage to the vessel that carried him beyond our world.

Titan’s design team poured precision and passion into every detail of this tribute, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and engineering that both space exploration and watchmaking demand. The Unity Watch is also a first for Titan — a concealed automatic timepiece that marries elegance with innovation. Paired with a premium deep blue leather strap, the watch exudes sophistication and pride, making it not just a timepiece but a celebration of India's journey to the stars.

At the heart of the watch lies an engraving of Sharma's iconic words, “Saare Jahan Se Accha”, a timeless reminder of the unity and dreams that bind the nation together. With this tribute, Titan is not just commemorating a historical space journey; it is honouring the limitless potential of every Indian to dream big and reach for the stars.

As Rahul Shukla, Vice President and CSMO of Titan Watches, aptly put it, “For four decades, Titan has woven the soul of India into every timepiece we create. The Unity Watch, crafted by our in-house team, embodies the innovation and artistry of ‘Make in India’, and celebrates the spirit that has propelled our country forward.”

In a world that often feels divided, the Unity Watch stands as a reminder that time, like Earth from space, knows no boundaries. It is a tribute to a man who saw no limits to India’s potential and a symbol of a future united by shared aspirations.

The Unity Watch, available in a limited run of 300 pieces, is more than just a collector’s item — it is a piece of history. For those who wish to own a part of this extraordinary journey, the timepiece will be available at select Titan stores and online, offering enthusiasts and dreamers alike the chance to wear a piece of India’s proud legacy.

As Rakesh Sharma said on that unforgettable day in space, "Time takes on a different meaning when you view our planet from space." With the Unity Watch, Titan has captured that very essence — a timeless tribute to a moment that still resonates 40 years later.