Ranbir Chawla, founder of VardaLux Collections, is reshaping the landscape of luxury collecting by guiding enthusiasts towards rare watches and cars. With a focus on educational support and access to exclusive items, Chawla’s approach goes beyond mere transactions, cultivating a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry.
Transforming Passion into a Business
Chawla emphasizes that his venture is rooted in a profound admiration for art. “Ninety percent of what we do revolves around watches,” he explains. “But we also help clients with other high-end assets like cars.” This duality highlights VardaLux’s commitment to curating collections that resonate with individual tastes while providing access to items that are often difficult to obtain.
Many clients enter the luxury market with misconceptions about value. “People spend incredible amounts of money and think they are making an investment, when often they are not,” Chawla notes. VardaLux positions itself as an adviser rather than a conventional retailer, focusing on aligning collections with personal style and long-term aspirations.
The firm takes pride in guiding new collectors through their journey, emphasizing the importance of avoiding consumerism. “We especially enjoy helping new collectors undertake their journey, avoiding consumerism while helping them find special pieces that convey their seriousness,” he adds. This guidance fosters trust among peers and clients alike, establishing a framework for thoughtful collecting.
Access and Insight as Key Offerings
Access plays a crucial role in VardaLux’s service model. Clients often face long waiting lists and boutique restrictions when seeking specific pieces. “We help find the right piece without the years-long wait,” Chawla states. This commitment includes not only sourcing rare items through an international dealer network but also providing insights into market conditions that can affect collectors over time.
Chawla warns of the common pitfalls associated with retail purchases, particularly the immediate depreciation many buyers face. “With most watches, you can walk out the door and be 40–50 percent down the minute you leave,” he cautions. To mitigate these risks, VardaLux offers flexible options, including buyback programs. “If someone wants to move to the next watch, we will buy back their current one,” he explains, ensuring a dynamic collection for clients.
This philosophy extends to the automobile market as well. Whether facilitating the acquisition of an exotic car or advising on a classic vehicle, VardaLux treats cars as alternative assets that can be enjoyed while being managed wisely. “We give clients access to markets, and sometimes financing they didn’t know existed,” Chawla asserts, emphasizing a personalized approach that balances personal enjoyment with financial sense.
VardaLux’s foundation rests on referrals, a testament to the insightful guidance and expert advice the company provides. Chawla notes that his business has flourished largely through word-of-mouth, underscoring the importance of tailored service to client needs.
To expand its reach, VardaLux is investing in digital channels while maintaining the essential one-on-one relationships that Chawla values. “Online sales drive relationships, not necessarily profit,” he observes. “The personal conversation is where the real value is created.”
A significant aspect of VardaLux’s evolution is the involvement of Chawla’s daughter, Marissa Chawla. Joining the business full-time, she now leads product photography, marketing, and sourcing efforts. “Building this with my daughter is the most fulfilling part,” he shares. Her presence has helped VardaLux connect with younger buyers and women who are increasingly taking the lead in luxury collecting.
Chawla views his work as a form of stewardship, guiding clients away from fleeting trends towards items that evoke joy and beauty. “These items represent human achievement,” he states, reflecting on the deeper significance of collecting.
Looking ahead, VardaLux aims to help more people discover thoughtful ways to collect, whether that involves acquiring a first significant watch, curating a car collection, or finding a rare piece that enhances an existing collection. “We want people to enjoy what they own while also being smart about it,” Chawla concludes. For VardaLux Collections, success is defined by the confidence and satisfaction of the individuals it serves.
