In conversation with Shaveez Ahmed

Since 1959, Through Three Generations

My name is Shaveez Ahmed, I am the proprietor of West End Watch Company. Our shop is located near 8th Cross, Sampige Road, Maleshwaram. This store was opened by my grandfather in 1959. My father continued the business until he passed away in 1979, after which my mother took care of operations. I joined the business in 1995. Today, with God's grace and customer support, we operate a chain of watch stores in Bangalore.

An Intellectual Community

I was born and brought up in Maleshwaram and know every shop in the area personally. Maleshwaram was always a peaceful area, but the business has grown tremendously over the years. There has been significant economic development, and people's living standards have greatly improved. Maleshwaram has one of the most intellectual communities in Bangalore. Nearly every household has at least one family member residing abroad in a good position.

From 8th Cross to 18th Cross

The changes in Malleswaram over time have been remarkable. Earlier, shopping activities were limited to 8th Cross, 7th Cross, and 9th Cross. Beyond Margosa Road and 8th Cross, Sampige Road was essentially a dead end with no stores. Now, business has expanded to 18th Cross along Margosa Road and Sampige Road. From Sampige Road, 1st Cross to 3rd Cross has become a complete gold market, home to some of the best gold shops in Bangalore. Malleswaram has a reputation for selling the highest quality gold in both quantity and quality.

Traditional Silk Saris and Hot Holige

Traditional products have always been Maleshwaram's specialty. Traditional silk saris have been a mainstay since my childhood. Some stores on 8th Cross have been selling excellent silk saris for 50-60 years, and people come from many places specifically to buy them. Asha Sweets Badam Milk is one of Maleshwaram's most famous drinks. Traditional foods like holige and others are made fresh and served hot, something you'll rarely find elsewhere in Bangalore with this quality and authenticity.

"No" Is Not in Our Dictionary for Service

At West End Watch Company, we specialize in watch repair and servicing for watches, clocks, and timepieces of any brand. Even century-old clocks can be repaired with confidence. When we accept a timepiece, we guarantee to fix it and return it to you. "No" is not in our dictionary for service! If by chance we say no to a repair, it means nobody can do it, and I challenge anyone on that. If someone else manages to repair what we've declined, I'll pay the cost. That's my guarantee.

Twenty-Five Watches from the US and UK

We've been in the industry for decades and understand watches better than ourselves. We serve customers across three generations. I've seen many people tell their children, "I used to come to this shop with my father." Today, those children are 18-20 years old, which makes me very happy. Customers travel 25-30 kilometers, spending ₹500 on petrol for a ₹200 repair job. They pass many watch stores on the way, but prefer our service. International customers who have settled abroad visit once a year with 20-25 watches for battery replacement, servicing, and maintenance. They bring watches from the US, UK, and wherever they're based. We've maintained the same high standard of service for decades, which has earned us this loyal customer base.

A Temple Over 200 Years Old

There's an ancient temple here that's over 200 years old. When you visit, you feel transported to that era. It's incredible that such an old temple still exists in this modern city with its original stone work intact. As a Muslim, I visit all temples. Islam doesn't prohibit this, and no religion should. I've visited temples across India, including ones in Kerala with similar ancient stone work and craftsmanship. There's a particular temple near the backwaters of the Kaveri River, the Venugopalaswamy Temple, that has a similar feel and architectural style.