Mumbai: In a first-of-its-kind collaboration that brings together art, history, and innovation, HEFTY.art, renowned sculptor Arzan Khambatta, and prestigious watchmaker Bangalore Watch Company have unveiled a groundbreaking collection paying homage to the legendary INS Vikrant R11.
The new collection, crafted from the reclaimed metal of the revered warship, includes five exclusive sculptures designed by Arzan Khambatta and a limited-edition series of 70 wristwatches mindfully created by Bangalore Watch Company. The creations will be further fortified with HEFTY.art's digital non-fungible tokens (NFTs), infusing them with authenticity and security in the digital realm.
Arzan, the popular Mumbai artist, is recreating his existing sculpture of INS Vikrant at Lions Gate, Mumbai and will sculpt five unique representations of the monumental warship. These sculptures will be designed to attract the essence of the warship's resilience and significance, invoking a deep appreciation for its role in Indian Naval history.
Complementing the sculptures, Bangalore Watch Company's limited-edition wristwatches will incorporate the warship's metal, establishing a tangible connection between heritage and timekeeping. Each of the 70 watches will feature cases made from marine-grade steel, sapphire crystals for durability and a La Joux-Perret Swiss-made automatic movement with an impressive 68-hour power reserve.
This collaboration further marks a revolutionary use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the collectibles sector. The digital tokens, supported by HEFTY.art's technology, will serve as unalterable certificates of authenticity and ownership. Their presence on the blockchain guarantees the perpetual integrity of these cherished creations, preserving their value and heritage.
“The INS Vikrant R11, an emblem of India's naval prowess, served as an essential protector of the nation's seas during its tenure from 1961 to 1997. Notably, it was the first aircraft carrier in Asia, showcasing its significance in history. The collaboration seeks to memorialise this historic legacy by infusing its metal into the uniquely crafted art pieces that exceed multiple mediums,” said HEFTY.art co-founder Kanishq Chhabria on the remarkable feat of unveiling the collection.
Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Arzan said, "The 5 sculptures will create awareness with a wider audience about India's Naval history and the INS Vikrant. As the NFT market continues to grow, it will undoubtedly facilitate a wider reach and open new opportunities to connect with a global audience of art enthusiasts, historians, and collectors."
Bangalore Watch Company co-founder and creative director Nirupesh Joshi voiced, "The watches are made by processing the hardened steel that was recovered from the erstwhile warship to be used as dials. This detailed process took several months to handle the special materials sensitively without damage, and we're proud of what we've been able to achieve."
The exclusive collection will be available for reservations and purchases from the noteworthy historical day for India, i.e. 15 August 2023. The limited-edition wristwatches by Bangalore Watch Company will be priced at Rs 2,12,000/-, while Arzan Khambatta's sculptures can be acquired by redeeming the corresponding NFTs on the HEFTY.art platform, priced at Rs 7,50,000/-.
This collaboration is not only a celebration of artistry, craftsmanship and innovation but a symbolic representation of the endurance and legacy of the INS Vikrant R11, solidifying its impact for generations to come.
