Hidden Gems: Meet Sunny Bhathela of VIANI Watch Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunny Bhathela

Hi Sunny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Yes thank you for asking! I am a first generation Indian American and the founder of VIANI Watch company. I founded this company quite serendipitously, as I was once a customer looking for this exact timepiece. After collecting watches for over 10 years, I was in the market for a timepiece that would represent my South Asian Heritage. More specifically I was in the market for a Hindi Numeral timepeice

Unable to find the Hindi Numeral watch I was looking for, I decided to make one myself with the use of a CNC machine, laser etcher, and components sourced from vintage timepieces. I proudly wore my first “prototype” watch around as a way to fulfill this desire to have cultural representation on my wrist.

I quickly received rave reviews of my “Frankensteined” Hindi Numeral timepiece, and was surprised at how many people were interested in buying the prototype off of my wrist. A Hindi Numeral timepiece resonated not only with the South Asian community, but people interested in the fascinating origin stories of the numeral system we use today.

This excitement and enthusiasm led me to create a team to design and manufacture the only Hindi Numeral Timepeices on the market. I recruited a watch manufacturer based out of Switzerland, and designed our timepieces completely from the ground up. Every component from the bracelet, to the hands, to the date wheel was customized and drawn myself

To make the watch actually tick, we sourced a solar watch movement from Japan, as a way to be eco-forward. It’s also our way of “shedding light” on the history of the Hindi Numeral System, one of the oldest numeral system still used to this date and credited for the introduction of the number 0

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We definitely hit many roadblocks and “No’s” along the way. I interviewed with over 15 watch manufacturers, a majority of which said that this could not be done.

Since the Hindi Numeral System has not been embossed on a watch at this level, custom tooling and instrumentation were made for this watch to be produced. The date wheel, also made in Hindi Numerals – was also a big challenge that was overcome by the VIANI manufacturing team. The Hindi Numerals, embossed in stainless steel were delicately made placed on the dial face with absolutely zero glue. Case holders were made with stainless steel, instead of traditional plastic.

Persistence played a key role in bringing this idea to light. My goal was to make the best timepiece I could make, without compromising quality or craftsmanship along the way.

So as much as I was told “No” by manufacturers, I also held a high standard in saying “No” when things were not done to the level that I had envisioned.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about VIANI Watch Company?
VIANI Watch Company is an independent and First Generation South Asian owned watch company that proudly boasts the Hindi Numeral System. VIANI is founded by Raleigh NC native Sunny Bhathela with a design and manufacturing team based in Switzerland. With a premiere line of Solar TimePieces, VIANI expands South Asian representation in the luxury watch space by being the only watch company to use Hindi Numerals, one of the oldest numeral systems in existence. Additionally, all VIANI Timepieces are powered by indoor and outdoor light energy.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Starting a watch company after practicing Optometry for over 5 years was quite surprising to my patients. The entire VIANI watch was designed and envisioned by myself in my free time. I commonly get asked, “wait, you made this entire watch?” This company is a labor of love. VIANI is a play off the Hindi word “Diwani” which loosely translates to: passionately in love. This all came about from being passionate in every aspect of my life and loving what I do.

Pricing:

• VIANI Solar – Midnight Black $380
• VIANI Solar – Raleigh Red $380

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vianiwatches.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viani_watches/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VIANI.Watch.Company/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@viani_watches