Titan Raga Mother of Pearl Ladie's Watch Ref. 2251
Ladies' Dress Watch · Titan Company Limited (Tata Group). Titan is India's largest watchmaker and the fifth-largest integrated watch manufacturer in the world, known for mid-range to affordable luxury timepieces.
Period: Modern Luxury/Neo-Vintage (1990s-2000s). The design features a jewelry-inspired aesthetic characterized by slim dimensions, ornate lugs, and elegant dial materials typical of the early Titan Raga collection.
Type
Ladies' Dress Watch
Brand
Titan Company Limited (Tata Group). Titan is India's largest watchmaker and the fifth-largest integrated watch manufacturer in the world, known for mid-range to affordable luxury timepieces.
Movement
Japanese or Indian Quartz (likely a Citizen/Miyota-based caliber or Titan in-house quartz). High accuracy, low maintenance, featuring approximately 2-3 years of battery life.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 24-26mm; Thickness: 6-7mm; Lug-to-Lug: 30mm; Lug width: 8-10mm. Highly diminutive, designed to fit like a piece of jewelry.
Description
This Titan Raga is a classic example of the brand's 'Raga' collection, which was launched to celebrate femininity through jewelry-like timepieces. It features a petite circular case with unique t-bar lugs that allow the thin strap to drape elegantly on the wrist. The Mother of Pearl dial provides a shimmering backdrop that changes color in the light, making it a versatile dress accessory.
Key Features
T-bar ornate lugs, Mother of Pearl dial, minimal four-point indices, and the slim silhouette intended for formal or daily feminine wear.
Dial Description
Iridescent white Mother of Pearl (MOP) dial. It features four crystal or polished dot indices at the cardinal hours (12, 3, 6, 9) and gold-toned baton hands. The Titan 'T' logo is applied below the 12 o'clock position.
Case Material
Gold-plated (PVD) stainless steel or brass. The case features a fully polished finish with rounded, coin-edge style circular architecture.
Crystal Type
Mineral glass. Flat profile. Shows slight surface wear consistent with age.
Bezel Details
Fixed, stepped bezel with a polished gold-plated finish; integrated into the rounded case design.
Crown & Pushers
Small, knurled push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, gold-plated, without guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Slim tapered burgundy/dark brown leather strap with decorative gold-toned t-bar lugs. Features a standard gold-plated tang buckle.
Caseback Details
Snapshot stainless steel caseback. Usually contains the Titan logo, reference number (2251 or similar), and water resistance rating.
Movement Type
Japanese or Indian Quartz (likely a Citizen/Miyota-based caliber or Titan in-house quartz). High accuracy, low maintenance, featuring approximately 2-3 years of battery life.
Water Resistance
30 Meters (3 ATM). Splash resistant only. It should not be worn while swimming or showering, as the gaskets and gold plating are not designed for immersion.
Origin & Provenance
India. Components may include Japanese movement parts, but assembly and design are centered in Hosur, India.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2005. The design language, logo style, and Raga branding placement suggest a production date from this peak era of Titan's expansion.
Cultural Significance
Titan revolutionized the Indian watch market in the 1980s and 90s, moving the public away from mechanical HMT watches toward stylish, reliable quartz 'lifestyle' pieces. This watch represents that shift toward fashion-forward horology.
Condition Notes
Good-to-Fair. Significant wear on the leather strap and age-related oxidation/fading of the gold plating on the lugs and case. The dial and crystal appear well-preserved.
Value Estimate
Market value: $20-$50 USD. While the monetary value is modest, the sentimental value as a family heirloom (‘mother’s old watch’) is the primary worth of this piece.
Care & Maintenance
Replace battery every 2 years to avoid leakage. Wipe the case with a microfiber cloth after use to prevent sweat from corroding the gold plating. The leather strap should be kept dry and replaced if it becomes brittle.
Similar Watches
Timex Chelsea, Fossil Carlie Mini, or vintage Seiko Ladies' Tank models. Titan Raga models are unique for their specific ornamental lug designs.
Interesting Facts
The Raga collection is one of the most successful ethnic-wear watch lines in history, specifically designed to complement traditional Indian attire like Saris, though it became a global fashion staple.
Notes
my mothers old watch