ELKA Watch Co.

Back to Basics in Contemporary Swiss Watchmaking

VAQT Horology introduces Elka watches in India, bringing a fresh yet nostalgic perspective to collectors. Hakim El Kadiri, founder of ELKA Watch Co., has carried the nickname “Elka” since childhood. After a long and successful career with leading Swiss watch brands, he always knew he wanted to build something of his own. When the time finally came, the name of his new company was obvious — Elka.

Born in the 1960s, Hakim grew up admiring the products, colours, and design language of that era. Those memories now shape the character of Elka watches, bringing a familiar warmth and charm to every timepiece.

ELKA Watches - Inspired by the Era of Objects Built for Life

Elka timepieces reflect a time when people invested in durability, quality, and individuality. Watches were treasured, repaired, and passed down proudly. This philosophy remains at the centre of Elka’s modern creations.

Elka draws from the bold, expressive style of the 1960s — the space race, iconic music, cultural change, and a spirit of rebellion. Those values of curiosity and creativity still matter today. Whether in the 1960s or the 2020s, boldness and elegance never go out of style.

A New Swiss Watches Brand With a True Story

Elka Watch Co. officially launched in 2022. While searching for a brand name to protect, Hakim discovered that “Elka Watch” had existed decades earlier. This original company — named after Eduard Louis Kiek from Amsterdam — operated through the 1960s and 70s, the very period Hakim uses as his design compass.

Exploring the archives, Hakim found strong aesthetic roots and close ties with well‑known names such as Ulysse Nardin, Heuer, Rolex, and Minerva. This unexpected connection added even more authenticity to his vision for the new Elka Watch Company.

A Design Line That Looks Back to Move Forward

Hakim’s love for the 60s guides the design direction of current and future collections. Each watch blends modern Swiss craftsmanship with vintage character. Clean lines, colourful details, and mechanical purity define the brand.

Elka’s approach asks a simple question: What if we never truly left that decade? These watches encourage us to reconnect with the optimism and creative drive that shaped a generation. They pay tribute to a time of change and continue that story today.

Welcome back to an epic era in this new age with Elka Watches in India by VAQT Horology.

A brand that echoes my vision, ELKA Watch Co. was launched in 2022. How and why? I dreamt of developing my own brand but above all I wanted a brand with a story, truth & credibility. I chose to call it by my nickname, ELKA. Since I love the 60s, the products and the aesthetics of that era I have decided to make it my design line for this and future collections.