'Digital is the Key to Bridging the Generation Gap'

Ulhas K Udayakumar, E-commerce Head, Seiko India, shares how the heritage brand that introduced quart watches to the world is attracting new-age customers while maintaining its legacy

- Mannu Mathew

With over a decade of experience in the e-commerce realm, Ulhas K Udayakumar's professional journey began as a project coordinator at Tapmi-Brandscan. In addition to this, Ulhas has worked with companies like Snapdeal, Wildcraft, and Fossil in the areas of e-commerce and marketing. Currently, the e-commerce professional serves as the Business Head of e-commerce at Seiko Watch India Pvt. Ltd., a role he has held since April 2021.

At Seiko Watch India Pvt. Ltd., he leverages his expertise in e-commerce to spearhead strategic initiatives that redefine the brand's online presence and drive sales. He actively champions initiatives aimed at reducing the company's environmental footprint and giving back to the community, aligning Seiko's values with his commitment to corporate citizenship.

With a legacy dating back to 1881, Seiko has been at the forefront of watchmaking innovation, introducing numerous groundbreaking advancements in timekeeping technology. From the development of Japan's first wristwatch in 1913 to the introduction of the world's first quartz watch in 1969, Seiko has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking.

In an interaction with Phygital, Udayakumar, E-commerce Head, Seiko India shares how the heritage brand that introduced quart watches to the world is attracting new-age customers while maintaining its legacy. Edited excerpts...

How has the e-commerce journey of Seiko been in India?

Over the past three years, Seiko's e-commerce journey in India has been transformative. Traditionally, Seiko has been a retail-heavy brand, with customers preferring to experience and purchase our products in physical stores, which aligns with our brand's positioning, price point, and category.