Gala Recap: The Horological Society of New York Celebrates 159 Years of Tradition & Awards $160K in Scholarships (Pics)

Black Tie Gala Held at The Plaza Hotel

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY), America’s first watchmaking guild, hosted its highly anticipated Gala on March 22, awarding a record-breaking $160,000 in financial aid and raising over $300,000 toward its ongoing mission to advance the art and science of horology.

Held at the iconic Plaza Hotel, the black-tie event brought together 400 of the most influential figures in the watchmaking community, including independent watchmakers, top brands, VIP guests, and leading auction houses to support the future of the industry.

The evening’s Charity Auction, presented by Christie’s, saw unique timepieces and experiences that raised record-breaking funds that will go directly towards expanding the Society’s initiatives, including scholarships for watchmaking students. 

HSNY’s lively bidding war, presented by Christie’s

Items that commanded the largest hammer price included a signed Chronomètre Souverain wall clock signed by François-Paul Journe ($80,000), an omakase dinner experience with Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, donated by Grand Seiko ($24,000), and HSNY’s prestigious Lifetime Membership Card, which sold to “Shark Tank” titan Kevin O’Leary after an intense bidding war ($25,000). Hand-guillochéd by Brittany Nicole Cox, the sterling silver card features an original straight-line pattern inset with a 24k gold wire cloisonné enamel cabochon. The card grants Mr. Wonderful lifetime membership privileges at HSNY, including all aspects of all current and future membership levels.

HSNY awarded a record $160,000 to 28 watchmaking students and four watchmaking schools in the United States.

In meeting with the Society’s year-round mission, HSNY issued a symbolic giant check for $160,000 to Brian Furi (Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, Paris, Texas) and Justin Delano (Veterans Watchmaker Initiative, Odessa, Delaware), two scholarship recipients. In total, HSNY awarded scholarships to 28 students and four watchmaking schools in the United States. The scholarships aim to help watchmaking students succeed in every way and foster the next generation of horologists. (Recipients are included at the end of this announcement.)

VIP guests Kevin O’Leary, Roger Smith, and Linda O’Leary chat about watches.

Notable guests in attendance included famed watchmaker (and HSNY Trustee) Roger Smith OBE; entrepreneur, investor, and watch collector Kevin O’Leary (who surprised guests onstage); and auction houses Christie’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s.

“I’m beyond proud of the success of the evening,” said Nicholas Manousos, Executive Director of the Horological Society of New York. “The funds raised will have a direct and lasting impact on the future of horology, allowing us to support the brightest minds in the industry and ensure that the art of watchmaking continues to thrive.”

The Gala, which featured a lavish cocktail hour and afterparty with live music, top shelf libations, and even a magician, offered the perfect backdrop for guests to network and celebrate the year’s accomplishments.  

“The event underscored the strength of the horological community, its commitment to education, and its role in preserving the legacy of timekeeping,” added Carolina Navarro, Deputy Director of the Horological Society of New York.

HSNY extends its deepest gratitude to all those who attended and contributed to the Gala’s success, as well as to the generous donors and sponsors who made the evening possible. Stay tuned for 2026 Gala details — HSNY’s 160th anniversary!

HSNY’s officers & staff — Back Row (L-R): Brett Walsdorf; Paul Boutros; Robert Younger; Luke Cox-Bien; Nicholas Manousos; St John Karp; Roger Smith; Eneuri Acosta; David Chang. Front Row (L-R): H. Jane Chon; Ellen Sorensen; Carolina Navarro; Brittany Nicole Cox.

HSNY 2025 Financial Aid

  • The Henry B. Fried Scholarship for Watchmaking Students

    • Brian Furi (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program)

    • Aaron Bright (Veterans Watchmaker Initiative)

    • Andrew Claude (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center)

    • Evan McCarthy (Lititz Watch Technicum)

    • Roger Abuanza (North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking)

    • Eric Jo (North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking)

    • Henry Hornbrook (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program)

    • Leo Suarez (Lititz Watch Technicum)

  • The Andre Bibeau Scholarship for Veteran Watchmaking Students

    • Justin Delano (Veterans Watchmaker Initiative)

    • Michel Cornejo (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center)

  • The Charles London Scholarship for Watchmaking Students

    • Oscar Fabian (North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking)

    • Matthew Smith (Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology)

    • Dylan Mark (Gem City College School of Horology)

    • Israel Colon (Veterans Watchmaker Initiative)

    • Kevin Feiock (Veterans Watchmaker Initiative)

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ABOUT THE HOROLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK

Founded in 1866, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) is one of the oldest continuously operating horological associations in the world. Today, HSNY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of horology through education. Members are a diverse mix of watchmakers, clockmakers, executives, journalists, auctioneers, historians, salespeople and collectors, reflecting the rich nature of horology in New York City and around the world. http://hs-ny.org