Scholarship for Black Watchmaking Students

Time does not discriminate, but Black watchmakers are underrepresented to a large degree both in the historic and modern watchmaking industries. A more diverse industry will lead to a stronger industry with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, and in-turn advance the art and science of horology. The Horological Society of New York is committed to ensuring the success of Black watchmaking students in every way.

Benjamin Banneker

Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) was a self-taught mathematician, astronomer and horologist, who built one of the first wooden mechanical clocks in North America in 1753. Banneker’s clock was modeled after an imported pocket watch that he disassembled and studied. The hour-striking clock kept precise time and ran for 50 years before it was destroyed by fire. In addition to his clockmaking work, Banneker wrote a series of almanacs, demonstrating his vast knowledge of astronomy. Today, Banneker is honored with many schools, streets, recreational and cultural facilities named after him. In 1980, the US Postal Service honored Banneker with a postage stamp.

Details

Any Black student who has been accepted or is currently studying at a full-time watchmaking school is eligible for the Benjamin Banneker Scholarship. Prospective students may also apply, with the understanding that the scholarship is contingent on their enrollment at a full-time watchmaking school. The scholarship is awarded every April. Awards up to $5,000 are available.

To apply, students should email a letter in PDF form to the Trustees of the Horological Society of New York that includes a biography, explanation of their motivation to study watchmaking and an explanation of how this scholarship would benefit the applicant. A resume is required, and reference letters are recommended. The application period is January 1 to March 1 of every year.

The Benjamin Banneker Scholarship for Black Watchmaking Students is made possible by a generous donation from an anonymous donor and the Cornell Watch Company.

Awardees

2026

• Whitney O'Banner (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas)

• Hunter Williams (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas)

• Chelsea Jernigan (The Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School, Miami, Florida)

• Chris Book (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas)

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Exempt from the scholarship are board members, trustees, fellows of the Horological Society of New York, and their family members. Grant recipients will be asked to complete a W-9 form before receiving their gift (check) for tax purposes. For more information, contact us.