(May 13, 2024) Entrepreneur Sunny Bhathela believes that just as ‘you don’t have to be from Rome to wear a Roman numeral watch,’ the same principle should apply to watches featuring Hindi numerals. Hence, he launched watches with Hindi numerals last November in the US. His watch company, VIANI, is an ‘ode to the 6th and 7th centuries’ mathematicians of the South Asian region’. Sunny’s design choice highlights the historical impact of the Hindi Numeral System, credited with introducing decimal-based numbers and significantly influencing the global landscapes of mathematics and science.
“It provides representation,” the Global Indian said, adding “It hits close to home for anyone in the South Asian world, and also sheds light on the history of the numerals.” Apart from the historical perspective, VIANI watches operate on solar energy which adds to its distinctiveness.
Sunny Bhathela
Stumbling upon the idea…
Sunny Bhathela was in search of a new watch to add to his collection. Drawing inspiration from his Indian heritage, he sought a timepiece that would reflect his background, but found none that fit the bill. This prompted the second-generation Indian American to create his own brand. After a year and a half of prototyping, he launched VIANI, a solar-powered watch startup.
To create the prototype, Sunny initially used a CNC (computer numerical control) machine and a laser printer. However, he now collaborates with a Swiss manufacturer. “I designed the watches from the ground up,” he remarked.
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Sunny was always inclined towards designing. In fact, he developed his design skills early on, learning Photoshop in his second grade itself. His passion for design ignited when he created a calendar in Photoshop when he was a schoolboy – it still adorns his parents’ house at Raleigh where he grew up.
When Sunny wore his prototype to social gatherings, he started getting compliments and inquiries of where he had purchased it. This interest shown by others, bolstered his confidence to pursue the idea of the Hindi numeral watches more seriously. Since its launch in last November, Sunny is dedicated to his new venture. “The sales so far have mainly been from word of mouth and trade shows,” he shared. The entrepreneur is working towards getting his product into stores soon.
A global brand
Since VIANI’s launch Sunny has been working hard to keep up to the growing demands. He is also focused on conducting research on innovative features, expanding the product range with different sizes and designs, and present his brand internationally.
VIANI watches are marketed as unisex and intended for a broad audience beyond the South Asian community. Just two minutes of direct or indirect light charges the watch for an entire day, while six hours of light can sustain the watch for six months. Light penetrates through the dial face, where it reaches a solar panel.
Sunny calls his watches ‘design focussed’. The numerals on the watches protrude above the dial face and are crafted from stainless steel to create a distinct visual impact.
Apart from collaborating with a Swiss manufacturer, Sunny procures materials for the solar panel from Japan. Currently, there are eight models available on the VIANI website, priced between $340 and $380.
Sunny Bhathela
“Designing this watch really was a work of love or a work of passion,” remarked Sunny who calls himself Chief Creative Officer (CCO) at VIANI Watch Company. “I really feel like this came out of me being super-interested, loving the details, loving the process and loving the history behind this,” he added.
Sunny credits his approach to design and innovation to his alma mater North Carolina State University. He looks at his venture as a result of the skills that he cultivated during his time there. “During my time at NC State, I was exposed to many avenues of individualised thinking and creative design” Sunny said. Events and opportunities on campus, such as College of Design’s Art2Wear and Entrepalooza, developed his interest in design and entrepreneurship. These experiences played a crucial role and gave him the confidence even after years of graduation to dip his toes into business, even though he had studied something very different at the university.
Beyond the world of watches
The second-generation Indian in America earned degrees in biochemistry and genetics from NC State in 2014. He then pursued a doctorate degree in optometry from New York, and is practicing at South Bronx, a New York neighbourhood.
Sunny finds inspiration in his father, an Indian immigrant who owns a paint store in South Raleigh, and his mother, who inherits a legacy of tailoring creativity. “So, I believe those two aspects also came together to help me create and pursue what was kind of written for me,” he remarked.
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Sunny’s passion extends beyond optometry and VIANI watches. He also finds great joy in being the DJ at gatherings for friends and family.
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