Sunny Bhathela unveils Viani watch company: his vision of heritage and sustainability
Discover a watch company honoring South Asian roots with eco-friendly, fashion-forward design.
Conversation with Sunny Bhathela, founder of VIANI Watch Company, is a fascinating ride through history, fashion, and eco-responsibility. One look at his new solar watch line with Hindi numerals tells you everything you need to know. The timepieces are stylish, eco-friendly, and reflect Sunnyâs pride as a first-generation Asian American. Sunnyâs personal story is reflected in each timepiece.Â
Dr. Sunny Bhathela, a board-certified Optometrist, debuts VIANI Watch Companyâ the only collection of solar-powered timepieces with Hindi numerals on the global market. Swiss-designed, the timepieces combine contemporary style with eco-consciousness and affordability. Each timepiece features beautifully scripted Hindi numerals, embossed in polished stainless steel.
You might wonder how an eye doctor became a timepiece entrepreneur. To understand Sunnyâs unlikely path, we have to rewind the clock a bit.
The story begins with Sunnyâs love for fashion and streetwear from a young age. Sunny comes from a family of generational tailors, a love for textiles was in his blood. As a child, Sunny visited the Bhathela family tailoring business in rural India.
He observed artisans carefully crafting garments, all by hand. Each tailor moved in synchrony and each stitch was made in rhythm. As much as he enjoyed the design process, he couldnât help but notice one important detail.
“My family’s tailoring shop created beautiful pieces, but I couldn’t ignore the mountain of fabric scraps that were piling up,â Sunny explains. âThe amount of waste felt unsustainable. Creativity comes at a cost, especially when it comes to fashion.”
Sunny found alternative, more eco-friendly ways to pursue his creative outlets. Sunny hosted a local college radio show at NC State University, DJ’d for charitable events, freelanced as a graphic designer, and even tailored his own clothes – all while pursuing his doctorate in Optometry.
“Optometry is my way of bringing clarity to the world,â Sunny says with a smile. âIt is important for me to uplift my community in any way I can.â
Fast forward to a couple of years ago, as a token for his fifth year of treating the underserved community of the South Bronx, Sunny decided he would commemorate his hard work with a meaningful timepiece.
âI was settling for a contemporary watch, but asked myself why I was making the purchase in the first place. Does this watch even represent what’s important to me, or is this just a flashy accessory?â Sunny recounts, âI wanted to look for something more personalâ something that I can be proud to own that still represented my background and interests.â
During his studies, Sunny recalled an ancient Sanskrit poem from the year 600 BC, known to be the first literature to highlight the need for zero in the Hindi Numeral System. He realized that the innovations we take for granted, brought to us by math and science, all hinge on this discovery of the number zero.
Sunny explains, âMuch of the world’s technical advancements can be traced back to the Hindi numeral system and the concept of zero. It is the basis for the numbers we use today.â
He continues, marveling, âWe use numbers freely throughout our day. It is one of the first things we learn as children. But we rarely stop to think about how this number system we use came to be.â
Inspired by his time at his family’s tailoring shop in India and the rich history of the Hindi Numeral system, Sunny realized a clear vision. A modern timepiece boasting Hindi numerals to honor his familial roots.
Sunny searched the market for this timepiece but ultimately fell short, so he decided to make a timepiece with Hindi numerals himself. He âFrankenstein-edâ his prototype utilizing thrifted vintage watches, his Illustrator and CAD knowledge, and the help of his close friends.
âWhen I started wearing my Hindi numeral watch, people immediately noticed and even asked to buy it off my wrist. I realized a watch with Hindi numerals resonated with people, it was a new and refreshing conceptâ Sunny shares.
Motivated by the piqued interest in his prototype, he used his early designs and sought the guidance of Swiss watchmakers.
âI presented a design and manufacturing challenge. The timepieces are to my exact specifications, nothing like it existed,â shares Sunny.
The challenges? The embossed Hindi numerals and the date wheel had to be crafted with bespoke tooling. The watch had to be completely solar-powered, with no battery replacements required, ensuring minimal waste and promoting eco-responsibility. And, of course, the watches had to look and feel luxurious.
âThe whole process took over 18 months,â Sunny laughs.
His vision was realized. He created a line of watches that honor his heritage while still being tailored for style and sustainability.
All that was left was to choose a name for the company. His father offered a suggestion that stuck.
âVIANI is a play on a Hindi word that means passionately in love,â Sunny grins. âThis all came about from being passionate in every aspect of my life.â
In November 2023, Sunny officially launched the premier line for VIANI Watch Company. Priced from $340, the line is available exclusively on their website in limited quantity.
When you get to know Sunny Bhathela, you understand why VIANI Watch Company is so special. Each timepiece signifies the ideals and creativity that have made himâ a unique vision that celebrates history, innovation, style, and sustainability.
For more information on VIANI Watch Companyâs premier solar-powered collection with Hindi numerals, visit their website.