In late 2021, the cricket world was rocked by reports that Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya had a watch seized by Customs officials at Mumbai Airport, with the value initially reported at a staggering ₹5 crore. The initial headlines were explosive, leading to widespread speculation.

The ₹5 Crore Controversy: The Full, Unbiased Story of Hardik Pandya's Airport Watch Seizure

In luxury, the price of entry is often the price of public scrutiny.

The Watch, The Claim, and The Truth

In late 2021, the cricket world was rocked by reports that Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya had a watch seized by Customs officials at Mumbai Airport, with the value initially reported at a staggering ₹5 crore. The initial headlines were explosive, leading to widespread speculation.

The Initial Claim: News reports stated that a watch, claimed to be a Patek Philippe, was seized due to lack of proof of customs duty payment. The reported value quickly inflated in the media to ₹5 crore.

The Reality Revealed: Hardik Pandya quickly issued a statement clarifying that his watch was not seized. He stated the timepiece was a Rolex Day-Date valued at approximately ₹1.5 crore, and that he had voluntarily approached Customs to declare the item and ascertain the required duty. The “seizure” was an overblown mischaracterization of a voluntary customs verification.

Why Did This Happen? Understanding Luxury Watch Regulations in India

For collectors in India, this incident highlights the critical importance of understanding customs laws when acquiring luxury watches abroad.

Declaration is Mandatory: Any item purchased outside of India that exceeds the duty-free allowance must be formally declared to Customs.

The Valuation Challenge: Customs duty is assessed based on the Indian Customs valuation, which can lead to disputes or lengthy verification processes.

Proof of Purchase: You must carry the original receipt, warranty card, and proof of payment for the watch to ensure a smooth valuation process.

The Watch That Started the Fire: A Closer Look at the Rolex Day-Date

While the reported ₹5 crore Patek Philippe was incorrect, the actual watch involved—a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date—is a legitimate masterpiece. Known globally as the “President’s Watch,” the Day-Date is exclusively crafted in precious metals. Depending on the specific reference and details, its value could easily be in the ₹1 to ₹2 crore range.

The controversy may have been a misunderstanding, but it shone a huge spotlight on the incredible value and collectibility of Hardik Pandya’s timepieces.

To explore his full collection in detail, read our Ultimate Guide to Hardik Pandya’s Million-Dollar Watch Collection.