After a year of concept and design development, 19-year-old Josh Squire has launched his unique single-hand watch brand, Halley.
The teen, from Noosa in Queensland, says he combined his passion for both minimalistic design and watches to create a brand that celebrates simplicity and quality. He also wanted to encourage Australians to step away from their smartphones and slow down a bit.
“With smartphones, instant messaging and social media on 24/7, we’ve lost that laidback spirit we were once known for,” says Squire. “I wanted to change that.
“Watches were intended to bring a sense of joy, a sense of freedom. At Halley, we aim to bring that back. Our watches are stylish, light, comfortable and unisex and you can tell the time at a glance.”
Squire believes Halley is the only single-handed watch brand in Australia, and says it won’t take long for customers to learn to use the style.
“The sweeping hand shows the rotation of the hour and minutes all in one,” he says. “If it’s pointing at the fifth hour mark, it’s five o’clock. If it’s pointing at the sixth hour mark, it’s six o’clock. If it’s halfway between the five and six, it’s 5.30.
“Instead of operating in exact numbers, your brain will subconsciously register a ‘feel’ for what the time is. It might take a day or two to retrain your brain but you’ll love the simplicity and uncomplicated style of Halley.”
To help support the young brand Squire has recruited popular Instagrammers as brand ambassadors and is looking to expand into more bricks and mortar and online stores.
By Ruth Cooper
