New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- "I can't take any credit for it. It was the India team that made the selection there," laughs Tobias Reiss-Schmidt, president and CEO of American watch manufacturing company, Timex Group. Schmidt is commenting about the brand signing up actor Ananya Panday as its India brand ambassador. "lt was a big decision, obviously, but I have to say that I was super impressed with her. She has a unique personality that really fits well with our brand," notes Reiss-Schmidt who has been at the helm of the 170-year-old company since 2015.

For a long time, it seemed as if the brand was stuck to its image as "an affordable" brand. If you wanted a good-looking watch that was easy on your wallet, it was Timex. But that was all. Under...