Copyright International Business Times
For Ranbir Chawla, the founder of VardaLux Collections, collecting represents a deep appreciation for art and craftsmanship. "Ninety percent of what we do revolves around watches," he says, "but we also help clients with other high-end assets like cars. The focus is on curating collections and giving people access to things they can't easily acquire or find." What began as a personal passion has evolved into a business built around education, access, and long-term thinking. According to Chawla, many buyers arrive with misconceptions about value. "People spend incredible amounts of money and think they are making an investment, when often they are not," he says. VardaLux positions itself less as a traditional retailer and more as an adviser; it works with the client to find pieces that meet their personal style and goals. Chawla adds, "We especially enjoy helping new collectors undertake their journey, avoiding consumerism while helping them find special pieces that convey their seriousness and help them build trust with clients or peers." Access is a central part of VardaLux's offering, since waiting lists and boutique restrictions can frustrate buyers seeking specific pieces. "We help find the right piece without the years-long wait," he says. That access extends beyond inventory; it includes market insight, knowing when items are being held off market, when supply is tight, and how pricing trends can affect collectors over time. It has the ability to source rare pieces through an international dealer network, helping clients avoid common mistakes and guiding them to build collections that reflect both taste and financial sense. The company also emphasizes managing resources. Many buyers underestimate the immediate depreciation that can come with purchasing at retail. "With most watches, you can walk out the door and be 40–50 percent down the minute you leave," Chawla says. VardaLux aims to mitigate those risks by finding pieces at attractive prices and by offering flexible solutions such as buyback programs. "If someone wants to move to the next watch, we will buy back their current one," he says. "That keeps a collection fluid and prevents clients from getting stuck with pieces they no longer want." Cars receive similar treatment. Whether brokering an exotic automobile or advising on a classic, VardaLux approaches vehicles as alternative assets that can be enjoyed while being managed thoughtfully. "We give clients access to markets, and sometimes financing they didn't know existed," Chawla says. "It's about understanding what makes sense personally and financially." In both watches and cars, the emphasis is on measured decisions rather than impulse purchases. "Our business has been built on referrals," Chawla says. Clients seek insightful guidance and expert advice tailored to their needs. To broaden its reach, the company has begun investing in digital channels while preserving the one-on-one relationships Chawla says remain essential. "Online sales drive relationships, not necessarily profit," he says. "The personal conversation is where the real value is created." A noteworthy part of VardaLux's evolution is the role of family. Chawla's daughter, Marissa, joined the business full-time and now leads product photography, marketing, and sourcing. "Building this with my daughter is the most fulfilling part," he says. "Her involvement has helped the company connect with younger buyers and with women who are increasingly taking the lead in collecting and buying for themselves." Chawla frames the business as a form of stewardship, protecting clients from trends while helping them find objects that bring joy. "Beauty and joy matter," he says. "These items represent human achievement." As the company looks ahead, its goal is to help more people discover thoughtful ways to collect, whether that means a first significant watch, a curated car, or a rare piece that reshapes a collection. "We want people to enjoy what they own while also being smart about it," Chawla says. "For VardaLux Collections, success is measured by the confidence and satisfaction of the people it serves."
