HSNY Raises Aises $1.2 Million at Its 160th Anniversary Gala
Over 500 Guests Attended the Black Tie Gala Held at The Plaza Hotel
The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) celebrated its 160th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, March 21, 2026, awarding a record $450,000 in financial aid and raising $1.2 million to further the Society’s mission of advancing the art and science of horology. Hosted at The Plaza Hotel, the black-tie event brought together more than 500 prominent members of the watchmaking community, including independent watchmakers, leading brands, VIP guests, and major auction houses to support the industry's future.
The evening’s live charity auction, presented by Sotheby’s, showcased exceptional timepieces and experiences, raising record funds to expand the Society’s initiatives, including scholarships for watchmaking students.
Among the auction highlights were a signed F.P. Journe Octa Réserve De Marche Wall Clock, donated by the brand, which sold for $200,000; a unique C by Romain Gauthier Titanium Wristwatch, donated by the independent watchmaker, which sold for $130,000; and HSNY’s 2026 Lifetime Membership Card, crafted and donated by Joshua Shapiro and Artur Akmaev, which sold for $42,000, which grants its holder access to all current and future HSNY membership benefits
In support of the Society’s year-round mission, HSNY presented a symbolic $450,000 check to Eliza Kurtz, a student at the Rolex Watchmaking Training Center. In total, HSNY awarded 55 scholarships, supported five watchmaking schools, and granted three awards to independent watchmakers, totaling $450,000 and nearly tripling last year’s amount.
Notable guests in attendance included famed watchmaker, HSNY Trustee Roger Smith OBE; entrepreneur, investor, and watch collector Kevin O'Leary; and independent watchmaker Romain Gauthier, all of whom were the evening’s Gala co-chairs.
At this year’s Gala, HSNY recognized two honorees whose contributions to the world of fine watchmaking span generations. François-Paul Journe received the Howard Fass Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Society's highest honor, in recognition of his decades of work advancing the art and science of horology, from pioneering complicated mechanisms to championing emerging talent through his Young Talent Competition. The award was accepted on his behalf by F.P. Journe's North America General Manager, Pierre Halimi, and Laurent Journe, brother of François-Paul Journe and Los Angeles Boutique Director.
The Centennial Recognition Award was awarded to London Jewelers on the occasion of their 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of service to watch and jewelry enthusiasts and their enduring role in fostering appreciation for the watchmaking arts.
“The gala truly showcased the passion and dedication of our community,” said HSNY’s Executive Director Nicholas Manousos. “Raising over $1 million for our mission enables us to continue to preserve, educate, and inspire the next generation of horologists. This funding will have a lasting and meaningful impact on the Society’s mission. One hundred sixty years is a remarkable milestone, and I am profoundly grateful to our guests and supporters for their generosity.”
The Gala, which featured a lavish cocktail hour and after-party with music by DJ Rich Medina, top-shelf libations, and even a magician, offered the perfect backdrop for guests to network and celebrate the year’s accomplishments.
“This gala exceeded every expectation, and that is a direct result of the warmth and generosity of our supporters,” added HSNY’s Deputy Director, Carolina Navarro. “Celebrating 160 years of HSNY alongside so many passionate members of the horological community was an honor. Evenings like this reaffirm our commitment to the mission and remind us of the remarkable people who make it all possible.”
To commemorate the occasion, HSNY produced a short film celebrating 160 years of horological tradition in New York City. Narrated by actor Ben Ahlers, who visited HSNY to research watchmaking for his role in the period drama HBO’s “The Gilded Age”.The film traces the Society's storied history and enduring mission, highlighting the passion and craftsmanship that have defined HSNY since its founding in 1866. The film premiered at the Gala and is now available on HSNY’s YouTube channel.
HSNY expresses its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the Gala’s success, especially the generous donors and sponsors who made the evening possible.
All images coming soon!
HSNY 2026 Financial Aid Recipients
Independent Watchmaker Grant (NEW IN 2026)
Hazemann & Monnin (La Grande Béroche, Switzerland), Bradley Taylor (Vancouver, Canada), Annelinde Dunselman (Zwolle, The Netherlands)
Henry B. Fried Scholarship for Watchmaking Students
Jake Spaeny (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Angel Prado (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), Sedec Irizarry Correa (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), Kaius Lehtonen (The Finnish School of Watchmaking, Espoo, Finland), Campbell Cornett (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), David Roe (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), Christian Hines (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), Xenon Mallari (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), Grant Fryburger (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Jason Tullis (Gem City College School of Horology, Quincy, Illinois), Aaron Van Duren (Gem City College School of Horology, Quincy, Illinois), Fei Qukexin (Contingent Student), Darius Chien (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Victor Tumambing (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Martin Little (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), William Clickard (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Gage Moore (Contingent Student)
Charles London Scholarship for Watchmaking Students
Dylan Mark (North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute, Seattle, Washington), Thomas Lomanno (North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute, Seattle, Washington), Elliott Koschalk (North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute, Seattle, Washington), Gavin Achen (North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute, Seattle, Washington), Josiah Bishop (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), Will Dabrowski (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), Will Chamberlain (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Logan Foch Albert (North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute, Seattle, Washington), Ryan Scott (North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute, Seattle, Washington)
Charles Sauter Scholarship for Innovation in Horology
Sam Wu (North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking, Fort Worth, Texas), John DeRosa (North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute, Seattle, Washington), Henry Simmerman (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Miles Ross (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Bryan Rodriguez (North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking, Fort Worth, Texas), Austin Smith (North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking, Fort Worth, Texas), Vinny Greeley (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Joshua Davidson (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), Dan Coleman (The Finnish School of Watchmaking, Espoo, Finland), Shotaro Abe (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), John Michael Carty (Contingent Student)
Grace Fryer Scholarship for Female Watchmaking Students
A Reum Im (The Finnish School of Watchmaking, Espoo, Finland), Eliza Kurtz (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Samantha Griggs (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Eden MacMillan (Rolex Watchmaking Training Center, Dallas, Texas), Bella Paige (Gem City College School of Horology, Quincy, Illinois), Lesley Harper (North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking, Fort Worth, Texas)
André Bibeau Scholarship for Veteran Watchmaking Students
Benjamin Garcia (North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking, Fort Worth, Texas), Anthony Cole (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), Mark E. Zurbuch (Gem City College School of Horology, Quincy, Illinois), William Winegar (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas), Craig Potts (Veterans Watchmaker Initiative, Odessa, Delaware), Matt Freeman (Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program, Paris, Texas)
Benjamin Banneker Scholarship for Black Watchmaking Students
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)
Oscar Waldan Scholarship for Jewish Watchmaking Students
Brian Stein (Contingent Student), Aksel Ventura (The Finnish School of Watchmaking, Espoo, Finland)
Howard Robbins Award for Watchmaking Schools
Veterans Watchmaker Initiative (Odessa, Delaware), The Finnish School of Watchmaking (Espoo, Finland), Paris Junior College Watchmaking Program (Paris, Texas), North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute (Seattle, Washington), Gem City College School of Horology (Quincy, Illinois)
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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