A MAN OF THE OCEAN

This collection stands as a testament to the man who inspired it and the two timepieces that bring to a close our journey through the Snowy Monaro region—an area that marked the beginning of our venture into creating exceptional timepieces. When we launched our company in 2021, our first collection featured watches named after local legends, with one in particular standing out: the “Harro” timepiece. It wasn’t just its striking silver sheen that made it special, but the powerful story behind it.

At the heart of the Snowy Monaro region lies Jindabyne, a vibrant hub for travelers, a welcoming home for locals, and a stronghold of community culture. As winter approaches, the town’s residents and tourists alike head toward Crackenback, on their way to the Ski Tube or Thredbo, Harro’s Snow Sports has been a cornerstone of the local experience for nearly three decades. For decades, Harro, his family, and his team have served the thousands who flock to the slopes each season, offering equipment to families, first-timers, and seasoned skiers alike. No matter who you were, Harro’s approach was always the same—helpful, welcoming, and full of genuine hospitality.

From the time my brother and I were old enough to ski, Harro’s was our destination. Like thousands of others, we felt like regulars—welcomed by his familiar face and made to feel as if we had been coming for decades. Some of our fondest childhood memories were made on those trips. Harro was, without a doubt, the heart and soul of the community, and we’ll forever be grateful for his warmth and unwavering kindness.

Harro’s legacy extends far beyond Jindabyne. As an esteemed Australian canoeist, Harro competed around the world, becoming a master of his craft. He famously appeared in the iconic "Solo Man" advertisement of the 1970s as the canoeist. In 1992, he and his wife Sue founded "Harro’s Snow Sports," starting his journey to becoming a local legend. But their legacy didn’t stop there—Harro’s also expanded internationally to Japan, with locations in Niseko and Furano, where Sue worked for over a decade, bringing the same exceptional gear and hospitality to locals and tourists alike. “Harro treats everyone like family” is their motto—and it’s one they lived by.

Harro was a man of many admirable qualities—integrity, strength, kindness, patience, honor, and resilience. He was someone others could learn from. Our Blessington community stretches far and wide across Australia, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Great Britain, and even America. While many may not have a direct connection to the Snowy Mountains or even Australia, they share a bond with a man who embodies these traits. This man doesn’t have to be a father, brother, or leader. He could be anyone—a person who, no matter who you are or how long they’ve known you, treats you with respect and kindness, based on the substance of your character. In a world full of falsehoods, this man tells you the truth. He understands your needs and desires, offering his time and support, often without seeking anything in return. He shows strength and resilience in the face of adversity, never chasing accolades, even though he truly deserves them.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, a bridge at Lake Crackenback Resort, where Harro’s Snow Sports resides, was named in his honor—a fitting metaphor for his role in bridging the gap between the community’s needs and the solutions he provided. He was the bridge between a nervous first-timer and a seasoned veteran on the slopes, embodying the essence of service, community, and respect. This collection, named in his honor, celebrates Harro—a "Man of the Mountains, Man of the Ocean, and a man loved and respected by all whose lives he touched." These words are etched into his memorial at Lake Crackenback, and they will forever be etched into history.

Thank you, Harro.

Harro’s legacy lives on through his family, with his youngest son, Mitch, leading the way. Mitch is now overseeing the daily operations of Harro’s Snowsports, and we’ve been in contact with him throughout this process. We’re proud to announce that Mitch will soon be carrying a selection of these beautiful timepieces. All proceeds from his stock will go directly to him, so we encourage our community to support Mitch and his business—especially if you’re planning a trip to the slopes!

Design Notes:

Both timepieces feature a 316L stainless steel case with a Gunmetal finish, inspired by the alpine landscape of the area. This distinctive color is commonly seen throughout the town, reflected in the corrugated roof and wall cladding of many local buildings, including Harro’s Snowsports. We chose this finish as a tribute to the region’s natural aesthetic.

The case design is inspired by our special edition anniversary timepieces released in June 2024, which we felt was a fitting reference for these models, as it celebrates the essence of our brand. The watches also feature a matching black sub-style bezel, harmonizing with the "ocean" element of the design.

Powered by the Miyota 8215 automatic movement, this marks our second automatic timepiece to date. The 15-variant model includes a date function, instead of a day-date, allowing for a cleaner and more spacious dial layout.

The "A MAN OF THE OCEAN" dial features a deep, rich blue texture, with oceanic ripples and bright tips that represent choppy waters—symbolic of waters where Harro showcased his canoeing skills and his love for the ocean .