For Pranav Saboo, the journey into the intricate world of timepieces began not in a boardroom, but in the cherished moments of childhood, inspired by his father's collection. Today, as the 38-year-old Managing Director & CEO of Ethos Limited, he is steering one of India's leading luxury watch retail chains, capitalizing on a rapidly growing market while planting seeds for a greener future.
From Childhood Fascination to Horology Vision
Based in Gurugram, Saboo's initial foray into technology was always accompanied by a deep-seated wonder for watches, a passion carefully nurtured by his father. "My father taught me about watches, that's where the fascination began," Saboo recalls. He was captivated by the blend of design, narrative, creativity, and history embodied in each piece, with a special love for the mechanical movement. His earliest memory is of a pocket watch featuring a chiming minute repeater—a complex mechanism that audibly tells the time.
This early passion has now translated into a formidable business presence. Over the past decade, Saboo has observed a swift expansion in the Indian luxury watch sector, noting a significant surge in demand for jewellery timepieces as well. Under his leadership, Ethos Limited has grown to operate approximately 85 boutiques spread across 26 Indian cities. The company is strategically looking to deepen its roots in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets in the coming years. "Our vision is to bring fine horology to every major emerging market in the country over the next decade," he states, outlining an ambitious roadmap for growth.
More Than a Timepiece: Emotion, Investment, and Sustainability
For Saboo, a luxury watch transcends its monetary value. He views it primarily as an emotional investment, a source of happiness and personal connection, rather than merely a financial asset. This philosophy extends beyond commerce into a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Driving this commitment is the Million Tree Project, a sustainability initiative championed by Ethos. "Since 2021, Ethos has planted a tree for every watch sold. Over the next 10 years, we've pledged to plant one million trees in partnership with responsible organisations," Saboo explains. This endeavor reflects his belief in contributing to a sustainable world while building a legacy brand.
Leadership, Mentorship, and Personal Routines
In a conversation about his approach to leadership, Saboo delves into the essence of mentorship. He defines it as the act of helping people grow and adding value to their lives. Whether inside the office or outside, he prefers to lead by example, encouraging his colleagues to think proactively about their own development paths.
His personal discipline is evident in his daily routine, which includes spending time with his dogs, going for a walk, and enjoying black coffee, while typically skipping breakfast as part of an intermittent fasting regimen.
When it comes to productivity, Saboo adheres to principles focused on incremental progress and empowerment. "Some of the productivity principles I believe in are getting 0.1% better everyday towards a larger vision, creating a big, clear goal, and enabling others with the right resources," he says. He emphasizes that empowering his team naturally elevates the entire organization.
A key lesson reinforced during the pandemic was the importance of visible leadership during crises. "The one positive routine I strengthened during the pandemic was leading with motivation and leading from the front," he notes. He believes a leader must be present, steady, and supportive during challenging times, while stepping back to let the team shine during successes.
For those interested in mentorship and growth, Saboo recommends the classic business book Good to Great by James C. Collins. To unwind, he indulges in his love for history through books and documentaries and has recently taken up golf lessons as a new hobby.
Through a blend of inherited passion, strategic business acumen, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and leadership, Pranav Saboo is not just telling time but is actively shaping the future of luxury retail and conscious capitalism in India.
