Omega has kicked off the year with quiet confidence—balancing modern innovation with enduring appeal. The newly launched Pilot shows off the brand’s stripped-back, tool-watch edge, while icons like the Speedmaster ’57 continue to hold their ground among collectors and enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to the legacy or the mechanics, Omega’s current lineup makes a compelling case for both.

It was against this backdrop that Omega and Time Avenue hosted an intimate evening in Mumbai—an occasion that blended horological excellence with sporting legacy. Guests were treated to a hands-on look at the latest Omega pieces, followed by a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most iconic athletes.

Smriti Mehra, the first Indian woman to compete on the LPGA Tour, was the evening’s guest of honour. A pioneer on and off the green, Mehra’s career spans victories across the LPGA, LET, and Asian tours. She led the LPGA in driving distance in her rookie year, secured a Top 5 finish at the British Open in 1998, and represented India at the 2008 World Cup in South Africa. Beyond the course, she co-founded the Women’s Golf Association of India, mentored a new generation of players, and continues to support grassroots initiatives with deep social impact.

In this conversation, she reflects on her journey, the state of the game, and why—whether it’s in golf or watchmaking—timing is everything. Excerpts:

As the first Indian golfer to qualify for the LPGA Tour, how do you see the sport evolving today, both for Indian men and women?

We are getting a lot more media coverage than we did, both men and women. From the players’ and parents’ point of view, it’s definitely going to be big. But what needs to change is the people who are in charge of growing the sport.

The people in charge of growing the sport need to be people who have skin in the game—you know what I mean? They need to have a personal investment, like a kid or a family member playing the sport, or they should have played the sport themselves at a high level. And we don’t have that.

We have a bunch of administrators who, you know, capture… It’s not just motorsport—every sport. To give you an example, we have retired generals or army officers who come and become the president of the Indian Golf Union. Why? What are you bringing to the table? Okay, fine, you’re an Army person, there are a lot of Army golf courses in India, but you’re retired. And most people, when they’re retired, want to relax and take a bit of a backseat.

So how are they going to be involved in growing the sport? They’re not. They’re not going to spend their sweat and blood to grow the sport. We need young people who played the game at a high level, because only a person who’s been to the party knows what’s happening at the party. You can’t read about it and make decisions. You have to have been to that party—and that’s the change that needs to happen.

In recent years, there’s been a rise in junior development programs, especially for underprivileged children. What has your experience been like in that space?

That is the first thing I actually got involved with when I first came back, after making it onto the LPGA tour. I partnered with the British High Commission in Calcutta. We did an auction where whatever money we collected, the British High Commission would match it to create safe homes for discarded children. You won’t believe it—my golf hat sold for more than Rani Jhansi’s sari at the auction. We got together and built a safe home for kids in Calcutta. 

I also teach all the caddie kids in Calcutta—whoever comes to me, I teach them for free. In Delhi, we have the Ultimate Golf Foundation. I’m not formally a part of it, but I’m always there whenever they need me—they know they can count on me. The Ultimate Golf Foundation does everything—from A to Z. They collect the money, teach the kids, teach them English, school—they’re 100% hands-on. Both are doing really, really well. We just need more people involved. The people involved in growing golf need to be committed to growing golf.

Are there any young Indian golfers you’re keeping an eye on right now?

There are some really good golfers, but I don’t yet see what it takes to make it. I think there’s scope for another one coming up sometime. From the current girls, I think they’ll be very successful. But to make it in America—that’s a whole different ball game.

What’s your favorite golf course in the world, and why?

Probably Columbia Edgewater in Portland, Oregon. I think everything about the golf course is beautiful. The people who ran the event did a fantastic job. Safeway, the grocery store chain, sponsored the event and took really good care of everything. The people, the place—everything.

Is there a course you’ve always wanted to play but haven’t yet?

No, I only like courses I’ve played.

Omega has had a long association with sports. Do you have a favorite timepiece from their collection?

The one my wife put on my wrist—it’s a Constellation.

When are you playing next?

I’m back playing in America on the US Senior Tour. I leave in the first week of May and come back in the first week of October. So I’m in America for five months, playing on the US tour.