The Horological Society of New York Announces 2026 Global Financial Aid Opportunities for Watchmaking Students

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New Independent Watchmaker Grant Joins Expanded Scholarship Portfolio

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces its 2026 financial aid opportunities for watchmaking students and professionals. With HSNY’s scholarship budget tripling in 2026, thanks to the generous support of the Vogt Foundation, this is the first year applications will be open globally, expanding access to financial aid for watchmaking students worldwide. The comprehensive portfolio includes 10 scholarships and awards, highlighted by the newly established Independent Watchmaker Grant, which supports practicing independent watchmakers in advancing their craft and businesses.

About the New Independent Watchmaker Grant

The HSNY Independent Watchmaker Grant supports emerging independent watchmakers by providing funding for essential tools and startup expenses. This program is designed to encourage innovation and craftsmanship at the highest level of horology. Grant recipients are selected based on criteria that include originality of concept, quality of finishing, and excellence in design, with special emphasis placed on projects that explore complications and novel mechanical movements. Through this initiative, HSNY advances its mission to support technical skill, artistic expression, and independent creativity within the watchmaking community.

Independent watchmakers who are developing original timepieces are eligible to apply for the HSNY Independent Watchmaker Grant. Awards of up to $50,000 are available. 

2026 Financial Aid Opportunities

In addition to the new Independent Watchmaker Grant, HSNY is offering nine scholarships to support watchmaking students and institutions globally. Veterans, students, and practicing watchmakers interested in applying can find detailed information on HSNY's website at www.hs-ny.org. 

Last year, HSNY awarded a record $160,000 in scholarship funds to 28 students and four watchmaking schools.

The application period is from January 1 to March 1, and financial aid is awarded in March. 

• Independent Watchmaker Grant (New for 2026)

• The Henry B. Fried Scholarship for Watchmaking Students

• The Andre Bibeau Scholarship for Veteran Watchmaking Students

• The Benjamin Banneker Scholarship for Black Watchmaking Students

• The Charles London Scholarship for Watchmaking Students

• The Charles Sauter Scholarship for Innovation in Horology

• The Grace Fryer Scholarship for Female Watchmaking Students

• The Howard Robbins Award for Watchmaking Schools

• The Oscar Waldan Scholarship for Jewish Watchmaking Students 

• The Simon Willard Award for School Watches

To download the official press release, click HERE.

For media requests, please email Nick Roberts at nick@lawrencepr.co or Carolina Navarro at carolina@hs-ny.org.

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.