The warmth in Mr. Handa’s voice as he greets us dispels the wintry chill we’ve just walked in from. The elegant showroom in the heart of Boston, at Harvard Square reflects the perfection and sophistication Handa brings to his business. Having earned himself a formidable reputation with his chain of stores (eight in the area), Alpha Omega’s name is synonymous with watches in New England and majority of the people thinking of buying a watch make it a point to visit his showrooms. “We believe in service and that's why we have devoted an entire floor to it,“ says Handa at the offset. “Our satisfied customers are testimony to our success.” Intrigued by the simplicity and sincerity of this remarkable businessman, we sit down at his flagship store in Harvard Square for a chat. His daughter Nidhi, clearly someone he relies on a lot, joins us.

The new store has several unique elements. First, there is Alpha Omega Express, an individual store that stands adjacent to the Harvard Square subway station. This 375-square-foot retail space will sell only watches priced under $1,000. Alpha Omega Express opens into the main store, which has a 2,600-square-foot Swiss watch and jewelry space on the first floor. The second floor houses luxury brands, and a 1,000-square-foot service area comprises the lower level.

Lokvani- Alpha Omega has won best of Boston 7 times in a row now. To what do you attribute your success as one of Boston’s finest businesses?
Raman Handa- (Laughs) Hard work and lots of luck! Our focus on quality, honesty and service has served us in good stead all these years. I started my first store in Harvard Square; I sold many Seikos there. When I started dealing in diamonds, we had our first taste of success. Even today, I make myself available for any one who wants to consult with me. Our in store experts work with our clients on a one to one basis to assist them. Whether it’s a watch you want or the perfect diamond, our staff will consult with you to ensure that you get the best service.

Lokvani-Do you see any changes in the purchasing habit of buyers today? Has the perception of jewelry as an investment changed? Do you sell a lot of jewelry during the Valentines Day hoopla?
Raman Handa- I have observed over these many years that folks who buy jewelry here are not merely thinking of it as an investment. It usually is something they have saved up for or have always wanted. It is usually a life long dream. We are busy, very busy all through the year, Valentines Day gifts are usually chocolates and flowers right? It’s good to see that diamonds are always popular.

Lokvani- Who’s your clientele? Do more men shop here than women?
Raman Handa- When we first started I noticed that most of our customers were men, you know for the watches. But now, increasingly, women are coming in to purchase items like one of our popular his and her Rolex Watches. We do have some Indian customers but 98% of our clients are American. For me, every one of my clients is important. I make it a point to personally greet and address my Indian customers; I really enjoy getting to know their tastes and am always willing to advise them about their purchase.

Lokvani- What is your most popular best selling watch?
Raman Handa- I would have to go with Rolex. To safeguard its reputation for quality and reliability, Rolex has created a global network of dealers. It is a great honor for us to carry Rolex watches here and every year we sell several of them. But I also want to mention that every customer who walks in that door is valued and important. Whether it is a $10 purchase or one that is over $60,000 our credo is always the same.

Lokvani- Can you tell us about some of your famous clients who have patronized the store?
Nidhi- We are bound by certain rules and cannot divulge the names, of most celebrities who have purchased from us. Pedro Martinez, Ben Affleck, Michael J Fox are some famous folk who have.
Raman Handa-I don’t remember famous names! My son, Amit does though. The other day he looked out of the window and said to me “ Dad, that’s Ice Cube!” I had no idea that the young man he was pointing to was a popular rapper!

Lokvani- Please tell us something about yourself – your schooling, professional background, how you came to be involved with horology and marketing.
Raman Handa- I assisted my father in his business in India, dealing with precious stones and then we moved to London. I moved to the Boston area in the late 70’s and have been here since. Due to our credibility we have been able to carry the best name brands in watches like A. Lange & Söhne, Blancpain, Breguet, Christian Dior, Ebel, Glaschütte, Gucci, Longines, Montblanc, Movado, Omega, Panerai, Raymond Weil, Rolex, TAG Heuer and Zodiac.
Harvard Square is the second largest point-of-traffic in the entire country after Grand Central in New York City. Everyone who comes to Harvard Square has to pass by the new store. The attention is tremendous.

Lokvani- You are also involved with many charity events are you not?
Raman Handa- I believe in giving back to the community. We have always supported area charities and also area businesses. They have, in turn, helped us in many ways. Alpha Omega Jewelers will be holding many events at the new store over the next several months, including charity events, in-store chef cookouts and boutique launches. For example we support The Anthony Spinazzola Foundation whose mission is to provide food and care for the hungry, homeless, and ill. It also provides education, opportunity, and hope for the young and unemployed. We also support Community Servings Greater Boston's meals program for people ill with AIDS, to make sure that free, hot, nutritious meals are provided for men, women, and children infected with or affected by AIDs. We support Nantucket Wine Festival, The Boston Wine Festival and the Boston Ballet among other organizations.
We have been fortunate to associate with really wonderful people since we began this business.

Lokvani- Are you a collector yourself?
Raman Handa- (Laughs) Yes I do collect watches. Recently, my wife bought me an A. Lange and Sohne watch, I cherish that.

Lokvani- How about your family?
Raman Handa- My wife Nilma, I would say, is the force behind my success. She is a beautiful person, inside and out side. My son and daughter assist me in the store. (Points fondly at his daughter) She graduated from Columbia last year and I have begun to rely on her greatly! She will tell you about the grand event that we are planning.
Nidhi- Well, we are organizing a grand chef event to benefit ‘ Cambridge cares about AIDs program. The event, which will be held on March 10, will feature some of the most talented and popular chefs in the Cambridge area. We promise a sumptuous feast from these great artists!

Lokvani - Good luck with all your endeavors. Thanks for talking with Lokvani.

As we leave we see father and daughter deep in conversation. It comes as no surprise that Alpha Omega has done so well. Even as we were talking with him we got some glimpses of Raman Handa’s personality, as customers came over to thank him personally. A smile here, a pat there, he seemed to connect with everyone, giving them his total attention when he spoke with them. Truly a remarkable man who has achieved so much in life.

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