Meeting Recap: Collecting Watches in the Time of COVID-19

Eric Ku, Vintage Watch Expert, San Francisco, California
September 9, 2020

September 9, 2020 Eric Ku, Vintage Watch Expert, San Francisco, California

For the first time in the history of the Horological Society of New York (HSNY), the September 2020 lecture was broadcast via Zoom to more than 400 participants hailing from the continents of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. As the title shows — “Collecting Watches in the Time of COVID-19” — the watch industry is going through a challenging phase.

Vintage watch expert Eric Ku displayed the breakdown of sales from March 2020 to the present and how COVID-19 has affected watch brands such as Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Rolex. The pandemic has also touched upon authorized dealers (ADs), the grey market, and the auction houses of Sotheby’s, Phillips, Christie’s and Antiquorum.

Of the trends resulting from the pandemic, Ku gave the following summary:

• Bored people sitting at home = a lot of watch sales online

• Sellers have been adapting to the “new norm” and have been re-tooling strategies to cater to the needs of their customers

• Finding good watches to sell is not easy for auction houses, authorized dealers and grey market dealers. Restricted supply during this period has further exacerbated demand for watches which is already strong

• Everyone is still waiting for their Aquanauts, Nautilus, Daytona, GMT or Submariner

• People looking for that great “COVID Deal” have been sorely disappointed

To conclude the lecture, Ku gave his thoughts on collecting tips and observing the market. A few gems that were mentioned were “The changes brought to the watch market by COVID are 99% on the seller’s side and only 1% on the buyer’s side” and “There’s no such thing as a good deal. You get what you pay for.”

When it came to Q&A, there were 38 questions on the Zoom queue and Ku got around to answering 15 of them before the lecture had to come to a close. HSNY followed up with Ku to answer a few more on the Society’s Instagram.

HSNY thanks Eric Ku for joining the lecture from San Francisco and for hosting the first virtual lecture in HSNY history!

Tag us @horologicalsocietyofny for a chance to be featured on social!

Submitted by Melody Benloss, Recording Secretary & Associate Librarian

HSNY Welcomes Jaquet Droz as a Sponsor

New York City - September 14, 2020

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces Swiss watchmaker Jaquet Droz has joined as a sponsor. Jaquet Droz was founded in 1738, and today manufactures timepieces of the highest caliber. Through sponsorship, Jaquet Droz joins America’s oldest watchmaking guild in its mission to advance the art and science of horology through education.

Support from Jaquet Droz comes during a time of change, as HSNY adapts to the new normal of virtual classes and online lectures. The sponsorship will allow HSNY to expand and enhance its educational platforms while allowing them to be more widely accessible to enthusiasts and members worldwide.

“We have a lot of respect and are inspired by the work HSNY has been doing during all these years,” said Jaquet Droz CEO Christian Lattmann. “Jaquet Droz is honored to be now sponsoring this mission of education. It is very important for us to share our philosophy as Jaquet Droz has a unique position in high watchmaking, having created the most amazing Automaton in the past and continuing this craft through new works, like the famous Charming Bird, or the Loving Butterfly.”

A master of grand complications fit for (and purchased by) royalty, Jaquet Droz’s horological marvels are known for capturing the beauty of nature, flawlessly merging art and mechanics.

“Jaquet Droz timepieces, such as their Charming Bird, showcase the history of horology with ingenuities like vibrant automata and song packed into mere millimeters,” said HSNY Executive Director Nicholas Manousos. “The result: works of art that tell time in more ways than one. We are honored to have Jaquet Droz join HSNY as a sponsor.”

About Jaquet Droz

Since it was first established in 1738, Jaquet Droz has perpetuated the spirit of innovation and aesthetic refinement of its founder, Pierre Jaquet-Droz. One of the first watchmakers to set up a workshop in Geneva, along with his son, Henri-Louis, this ingenious inventor and man of uncommon vision conquered the royal courts of Europe and China with his stunning creations: fabulous humanoid automata and precious musical watches. Expressing the values of the Age of Enlightenment, this elegant and well-traveled philosophy still forms the core of our identity. Jaquet Droz timepieces have always combined design, materials and expertise with the most unexpected mechanical refinements. Complications of surpassing sophistication are juxtaposed with the purity of enamel or the luster of pearls and precious stones, while made-to-order dials showcase magnificent minerals and finely worked decorations. The manufacture’s exclusive spirit remains intact after nearly three centuries, as attested by its ultra-select collections and its Numerus Clausus limited editions. At Jaquet Droz, we remain true to our time-honored goal, namely, to push back the limits of the art of astonishment.

Official website: https://www.jaquet-droz.com

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.

Official website: http://hs-ny.org

Welcoming New HSNY Members, July & August 2020

HSNY would like to welcome the following new members. It is only with our members' support that we are able to continue flourishing as America's oldest watchmaking guild and advancing the art and science of horology every day. 

• Brad Urani, CA

• Brinton Miller, Washington, D.C.

• Christian Bangert, CT

• Colin Potts, Canada

• Danny Goldsmith, NY

• Faridah Tha Zin Ko, Malaysia 

• Gabriel Reilly, CA

• James Huff, TX

• Jason Osbourne, NY

• Jonathan F. Royston, NC

• Lucas Tortella, PA

• Mark Gallistel, WI

• Michael Loya, NY

• Nesbit's Fine Watch Service, WA

• Thiago Takahashi, NJ

HSNY Lectures Resume Virtually

If this were any other year, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) would be returning from summer break to a sold-out September lecture at The General Society Library. Alas, COVID-19 has changed many aspects of life but some deep-rooted traditions are too tough to break. 

Since 1866, HSNY has met monthly for lectures spanning technical, historical, collecting, business and cultural topics for horological enthusiasts to enjoy. 

To meet today’s demands, HSNY announces it will be hosting monthly lectures virtually for the foreseeable future. HSNY lectures will be streamed live via Zoom Webinars, with no in-person gatherings. Registration will be required but all lectures will remain free and open to the public. 

“Our monthly lectures are becoming increasingly popular,” said HSNY’s Executive Director Nicholas Manousos. “Offering lectures and other events virtually allows us to preserve the health of our members, host lecturers from abroad, and expand attendance capabilities previously limited by venue capacity.”

Recorded lecture videos will be available to members immediately, and to the general public with a two-month delay on HSNY’s YouTube channel. To learn about membership and additional benefits, please click here.

Upcoming Lecture: Collecting Watches in the Time of COVID-19

Join HSNY on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 for a virtual lecture on collecting watches in the time of COVID-19, presented by Eric Ku, Vintage Watch Expert, San Francisco, California.

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Over the course of the last six months, our way of life as we knew it has completely changed. As COVID-19 impacts the world, international travel has ground to a halt, millions have lost their jobs, and we are still facing more uncertainty as there is no timeframe for when things will, if ever, “get back to normal”. Despite all this, interest in watches has never been stronger — waiting lists at authorized dealers are longer than they have ever been, and interest in watch auctions has propelled prices further into the stratosphere. As we adjust to life in the age of “no contact”, what stays the same and what changes? Is now the right time to buy, or the right time to sell? At the September 2020 meeting of the Horological Society of New York, Eric Ku will discuss how to navigate the waters of watch collecting in the time of COVID-19.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

Zoom Webinar to begin promptly at 7:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada).
Webinar registration is required.

HSNY Summer Survey 2020 (NOW LIVE)

The annual HSNY summer survey is now live! Please take a few moments to answer some questions in order to help us with future planning. Your feedback and contact information are confidential to HSNY. 

We wish you a safe and happy summer!

Recap: HSNY Awards $155,000 in Financial Aid (2020)

It has been a turbulent few months to say the least but thanks to the support of our sponsors, benefactors, members and the horological community, HSNY is proud to report that it has awarded $155,000 in financial assistance to watchmaking students, schools and professionals to-date in 2020.

In April 2020, HSNY launched the Working Watchmakers Grant to assist industry professionals directly during the COVID-19 pandemic. HSNY issued checks for $1,000 to 100 watchmakers and clockmakers across 31 states, totaling $100,000.

Despite the cancellation of the HSNY 2020 Gala & Charity Auction, America's oldest watchmaking guild pushed forward and awarded the Henry B. Fried Scholarship to six watchmaking students. Established in 2017, the Henry B. Fried Scholarship aims to help watchmaking students succeed in every way by helping to cover the cost of watchmaking tools and living expenses while attending a full-time watchmaking school.

New in 2020, the Howard Robbins Award was established as a grant for watchmaking schools in the United States. Howard Robbins (1950-2020) was a professional in the world of timepieces for nearly 40 years and recently passed away in March 2020. This award is intended to foster Robbins’ professional rigor, love of people and belief in education within the watchmaking community. The 2020 recipients of the Howard Robbins Award are the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative in Delaware ($15,000), the only technical school devoted to disabled veterans in the U.S., and Paris Junior College’s Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology in Texas ($10,000), established in 1942 to provide industry job training.

Welcoming New HSNY Members, June 2020

HSNY would like to welcome the following new members. It is only with our members' support that we are able to continue flourishing as America's oldest watchmaking guild and advancing the art and science of horology every day. 

• Aaron T. Davis, NY

• Alexander Kharaz, NY

• Andres Sanchez, NY

• Asher Rapkin, CA

• Bob Gallimore, KS

• Christopher J. Alvarado, NY

• Cole Bryson, NY

• Craig Dean, FL

• David Turner, CA

• Eric Jetter, NJ

• Hamza Masood, WA

• James Angiola, MD

• James B. Gray, NY

• Jason Wu, CA

• Jeffrey S. Lane, NC

• John Murabito, PA

• John Renzi, CA

• Johnathan Epps, NY

• Jonathan Collins, CT

• Kavin Kulamavalavan, MA

• Logan McInerney, WA

• Paula Amato, OR

• Randy Schoelkopf, WA

• Raun Olson, CA

• Richard F. Driscoll, FL

• Richesh Shah, NY

• Ronald Knecht, NJ

• Sean C. Kelly, WI

• Shaun Oriold, Canada

• Todd Levin, NY

• Udaya Kumar Kakarla, AZ

• Vamsi Nadimpalli, IL

• William Buchalter, FL

• Xavier Marti, MD

Save the Date: September 9 Lecture (Live Stream)

HSNY is on summer break for the months of July and August. No lectures are scheduled, but Virtual Horological Tutoring classes will continue. The next lecture will take place on September 9 via live stream and you won't want to miss it! Hint: ♛

Follow HSNY on Instagram for the latest announcements - details to be announced soon!

Aldis Hodge Appointed Trustee of the Horological Society of New York

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces the appointment of actor and horological designer Aldis Hodge as its newest Trustee. Hodge is an award-winning actor, famous for his roles in movies such as “The Invisible Man”, “Clemency”, “Hidden Figures”, and “Straight Outta Compton”. In addition, Hodge is an accomplished horologist who serves on the academy of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. Hodge joins the decision-making branch of America’s oldest watchmaking guild in the midst of a powerful time of change. The Society’s ten Trustees play an important role in the operation of the organization, as they are responsible for ensuring that it continues to uphold the interests of the public.

In addition, Nicholas Manousos (formerly HSNY President) succeeds Edwin Hydeman as Executive Director. Manousos also serves on the Academy of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève and is the Technical Editor for HODINKEE. John Teifert, Technical Manager for LVMH Watches & Jewelry, assumes the role of President and John Davis, Director of Service Operations, Rolex Watch USA, assumes the role of Vice President. Teifert and Davis succeed in their roles as Vice President and Trustee, respectively.

Founded in 1866, HSNY has navigated through world wars, depressions and pandemics, while always maintaining its mission to advance the art and science of horology. As New York City begins to re-open, HSNY’s team is focused on making a positive contribution to horology through its educational and philanthropic programs. To date in 2020, HSNY has awarded $155,000 in financial assistance to watchmaking students, schools and professionals.

“The challenges we face in this tumultuous year have accelerated change across all aspects of the watchmaking industry,” said Nicholas Manousos, HSNY’s Executive Director. “I am looking forward to meeting those challenges head-on with HSNY’s team.”

“It is an honor and a privilege to join the prestigious Board of Trustees for such an impactful organization,” said Aldis Hodge. “It is my hope that, in my time at HSNY, I will be able to be an asset in advancing and enhancing the appreciation, education and love of horology around the world.”

HSNY Raises $30,000 Through Matching Donation Program

Bidding at the Horological Society of New York’s 2019 Gala & Charity Auction. Photo credit Monica Schipper.

With the support of its sponsors, benefactors and donors, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) is pleased to announce that it has fulfilled its Matching Donation Program campaign goal, raising $30,000 to advance the art and science of horology.

With the cancellation of HSNY’s 2020 Gala & Charity Auction, the Society lost more than $40,000 in revenue, not including proceeds from its most highly anticipated auction lot items to date. All proceeds from HSNY’s biggest night of the year assist the nonprofit organization in funding its multiple financial aid initiatives, including the Henry B. Fried Scholarship for Watchmaking Students and the Howard Robbins Award for Watchmaking Schools.

In June, two benefactors made a joint donation of $10,000 and pledged to match future donations dollar to dollar up to $10,000 until the end of the month. In just one week, two HSNY sponsors, Grand Seiko and Vacheron Constantin, and 23 individual donors made HSNY’s Matching Donation Program goal a reality. Grand Seiko and Vacheron Constantin have been HSNY sponsors since January 2019 and October 2019 respectively, supporting America’s oldest watchmaking guild in its endeavor to continue upholding the interests of the horological community.

Spring Drive: A True Expression of Nature and Time, by Joseph Kirk.

Born in 1960 and launched internationally in 2010, Grand Seiko has long had a loyal following in Japan - and now worldwide - and is one of few fully integrated watchmakers in the world, with complete in-house capabilities in every area of watchmaking, from the development of component materials through design and manufacture to assembly and adjustment. Grand Seiko’s June 2019 lecture at HSNY, titled “Spring Drive: A True Expression of Nature and Time”, was given by Brand Curator and National Trainer for Grand Seiko Corporation of America Joseph Kirk and featured special guests Kazunori Hoshino, Seiko Epson manufacturer, (Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, Japan) and Akio Naito, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Seiko Watch Corporation. 

Founded in 1755 in Geneva, Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest watchmaking manufacturers in the world, with 262 years of uninterrupted activity. The men and women of Vacheron Constantin continue to design, develop and produce exceptional timekeepers, remaining close to the three fundamentals of the Maison: perfectly precise methods, harmonious and inspired aesthetics and the highest level of finishing touches. One of HSNY’s newest sponsors, Vacheron Constantin is currently planning a special project with the Society slated for 2021. 

HSNY sponsors Grand Seiko and Vacheron Constantin helped make the Matching Donation Program goal a reality.

“The importance of horology has only grown during HSNY’s existence and yet is often misunderstood or taken for granted,” said one of the anonymous benefactors. “Just imagine not knowing the time for more than a couple of days. Time and time keeping are among the most universal languages and the Horological Society of New York has a prominent place in furthering its understanding and advancement. I encourage other like-minded people to join us in supporting HSNY.”

HSNY wishes to thank the benefactors, sponsors and donors who helped make the Matching Donation Program a reality and a success. All donations directly aid HSNY’s mission of Advancing the Art and Science of Horology. All donations are tax-deductible. The Horological Society of New York is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, federal tax identification number 13-6139887. To donate, please visit https://hs-ny.org/donate. 

HSNY Introduces a Matching Donation Program (Through June 30)

The Society that has been there for watchmakers since 1866 has introduced a Matching Donation Program to keep horology running on schedule. 

In May, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) made the difficult decision to cancel its 2020 Gala & Charity Auction set for August 5th due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Gala tables were sold out, menu items had been finalized, and table decorations were ordered for what would have been HSNY’s 154th celebration.

HSNY quickly refunded all attendees, totaling $40,000 in ticket sales, and will now be unable to receive any proceeds from the charity auction for 2020 following its cancellation. (HSNY raised more than $45,000 from last year’s charity auction alone and this year’s lot proceeds were projected to top those of 2019.)

In addition to celebrating with members and friends, the Gala & Charity Auction was an opportunity for America’s oldest watchmaking guild to generate funds to pay expenses, cover daily operation costs and fund multiple financial aid initiatives for watchmakers, watchmaking schools and students.

Immediately following news of the Gala & Charity Auction cancellation, two very generous donors made a joint donation of $10,000 and are now pledging to match any future donations dollar to dollar up to $10,000. This new matching donation program will run until June 30, 2020, and will greatly assist HSNY in mitigating the cancellation of its 2020 Gala & Charity Auction. 

If you are able, please consider supporting HSNY by donating your Gala ticket cost or any amount you are comfortable with. No donation is too small. Together, we can make a positive contribution to horology.

All donations to HSNY are tax-deductible. HSNY is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, federal tax identification number 13-6139887.

HSNY Member Exclusive: A Detailed Study of H4 (film)

We may not be able to meet in person lately but HSNY is working hard to continue offering exclusive benefits to our HSNY members. This month, we're happy to share "A Detailed Study of H4", a film about John Harrison’s successful Longitude timekeeper and its reconstruction project spearheaded by Derek Pratt.

Never before available in a digital version, this film is made accessible with kind permission from producer Barbara Darby, and is exclusively intended for members of the Horological Society of New York. (Use your HSNY member password to access.)

Welcoming New HSNY Members, May 2020

HSNY would like to welcome the following new members. It is only with our members’ support that we are able to continue flourishing as America's oldest watchmaking guild and advancing the art and science of horology every day. 

• Aidan Lee Saccucci-Bryan, NY

• Ankur Jhunjhunwala, Nepal

• Arne Ruhnau, Germany

• Carl Oberg, MN

• Frank Sprow, TX

• Hans Sprecher, NY

• Hien Nguyen, MA

• James D. Kloiber, NY

• James Muldoon, NY

• Jeffrey Feirman, NY

• Joe Zanini, MA

• Jonathan Bresler, Washington, D.C.

• Kyle McEvoy, NY

• Mark S. Macdonald, MD

• Michael Chapman, NY

• Michael Griner, FL

• Michael Russell, FL

• Michael Woods, Australia

• Patrick Wood, VA

• Raymond Vickers, NY

• Robert E. Friedman, NJ

• Romel Campbell, NJ

• Sam Levinger, TX

• Scott Schenker, WA

• Steve Zlotnick, NJ

HSNY 2020 Gala & Charity Auction Cancelled

Dear friends of HSNY,

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to shroud our community with uncertainty, HSNY has decided to cancel the Gala & Charity Auction on August 5th.

It was a difficult decision for HSNY to make, but the health and wellbeing of our members is our top concern. While we are no longer toasting in person this year, please know that HSNY is working hard to continue supporting watchmakers and our community financially with initiatives such as the Working Watchmakers Grant, the new Howard Robbins Award for Watchmaking Schools and the Henry B. Fried Scholarship for Watchmaking Students.

Gala guests will receive refunds by July 1 and have priority access to purchase tickets for HSNY’s 2021 Gala & Charity Auction once a date is set.

We thank you for your understanding and look forward to making next year’s Gala the best one yet. In the meantime, HSNY wishes you good health and we hope to see you again soon.

Best wishes,
Horological Society of New York

Welcoming New HSNY Members, April 2020

HSNY would like to welcome the following new members. It is only with our members’ support that we are able to continue flourishing as America's oldest watchmaking guild and advancing the art and science of horology every day. 

• Aldo Halim, CA

• Alfred Toussaint, NJ

• Blaze Short, AL

• Brad Crafton, CO

• Charles Flanagan, FL

• Erik Barrios, NY

• Hannah Ware, Australia

• Mark Chou, NY

• Nicholas Glasnovich, NJ

• Samuel M. Brower, NV

• Thomas Cardenas, France

• Vaughan Pearce, Australia

• Wesley Salem, TX

HSNY Launches Virtual Horological Tutoring Program

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces today the launch of its Virtual Horological Tutoring program. The nonprofit organization, whose mission is to advance the art and science of horology, thrives on educating watch enthusiasts on a global scale. To adapt to the changing landscape, HSNY is going virtual with more educational options and topics than ever before.  

Via virtual tutoring, HSNY’s team of professional watchmakers will bring the Society’s award-winning classes to the comfort of students’ homes in the form of small group theory classes and one-on-one tutoring. Certified instructors are available to work with students on watch and clock making techniques and theory, even going beyond the scope of HSNY’s in-person classes. 

HSNY’s virtual horological education syllabus will include live 60 to 90-minute Online Curriculum courses for groups of up to four students. Classes will cover HSNY’s 101 through 104 curricula, but with a focus on a theoretical approach. Instructors will share material slides in real-time and demonstrate the disassembly and reassembly of a mechanical movement live at their home workbenches.

Students who have completed HSNY’s 101 through 104 courses - or participated in Traveling Education classes - can enroll in One-on-One Tutoring on horological topics never covered before by HSNY, including:

• Tool dressing and maintenance

• Quartz battery replacement

• Glass crystal replacement

• Acrylic crystal replacement

• Observation of movement disassembly and discussion about movement service

• Timing machine results and general timing principles

Last but not least, HSNY’s team of instructors will lend their expertise on Advanced Topics. Recommended for watchmakers or those craving more technical lessons, topics include:  

• Boring and bushing worn holes in bridges/mainplates

• Turning down worn posts and fitting a new bushing

• Lathe work

• Fitting a balance staff and poising the balance

• Escapement adjustment

• Chronograph adjustment

• Clean oiling techniques

All courses will be offered by the same dedicated instructors that teach HSNY’s classes worldwide. To get started, HSNY will offer its Basic Movement Theory class free to HSNY members. To enroll or inquire, simply fill out the form located on HSNY’s Virtual Horological Tutoring page. Upon review, HSNY’s instructors will reach out to tailor each session including availability, pricing and content covered. Select classes will be offered in French upon request.

HSNY Establishes the Working Watchmakers Grant

Since 1866, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) has been helping watchmakers succeed in every way. What started as a guild with medical and employment benefits - by watchmakers for watchmakers - has evolved into a nonprofit organization with scholarship and award opportunities for students and institutions. Now, in light of the coronavirus pandemic that has drastically changed the way we live and work, HSNY is establishing the Working Watchmakers Grant aimed to assist industry professionals directly.

Made possible through generous donations, HSNY’s Working Watchmakers Grant will allocate $100,000 to support America’s watch and clock makers during this time of need. Payments of $1,000 will be made to 100 watchmakers on a first-come-first-served basis. Applicants must include proof of their employment (or prior employment if applicable), along with information on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected their business or income.  

“It took us looking at HSNY’s history to realize what our next steps should be,” said HSNY President Nicholas Manousos. “New York watchmakers came together in 1866 to ensure their colleagues were taken care of. The Working Watchmakers Grant is today’s version of the altruism that led to the founding of HSNY. The application process is simple and grants will be paid quickly.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are roughly 2,700 watch and clock repairers in the country. HSNY’s Working Watchmakers Grant is made possible by generous donations from individual donors interested in the well-being of watch and clock makers. To learn more about HSNY’s Working Watchmakers Grant or to apply, please visit https://hs-ny.org/working-watchmakers-grant.

5 HSNY Officers Appointed to Newly Formed GPHG Academy

The Academy of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) announced today its new list of 350 Academy members responsible for selecting the year’s top creations in the world of watchmaking. The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) is pleased to share that five HSNY officers have been appointed to the Academy. This year’s members include HSNY President Nicholas Manousos, HSNY Vice President, John Teifert, and HSNY trustees William Massena, John Reardon and Kiran Shekar. As the GPHG list expands, so does involvement from HSNY, marking the most officers on board to date. 

According to the GPHG, Academy members will participate in two rounds of voting to determine this year’s watch models deemed worthy of awards such as best in “chronometry”, “jewellery”, “artistic crafts”, and more. The awards ceremony will be held on November 12, 2020. To learn more about the GPHG and its new Academy, please visit https://www.gphg.org/horlogerie/en. 

HSNY Awards $55,000 in Financial Aid to Further Watchmaking in the United States

New York - April 1, 2020

Established in 1866 by a small group of German emigres, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) is America’s oldest watchmaking guild. Today, HSNY operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to advance the art and science of horology.

Throughout its 154-year existence, HSNY has created educational programs and established scholastic awards to ensure that the future of horology is bright. As the world battles the coronavirus pandemic and the watchmaking industry faces uncertainty, HSNY is investing in the future with $55,000 in grants - its largest pledge yet. 

HSNY now introduces the Howard Robbins Award, a grant for watchmaking schools created to complement the Henry B. Fried Scholarship for watchmaking students. Howard Robbins (1950-2020) was a professional in the world of timepieces for nearly 40 years and recently passed away in March 2020. The Howard Robbins Award is intended to foster Robbins’ professional rigor, love of people and belief in education within the watchmaking community.

The 2020 recipients of the Howard Robbins Award are the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative in Delaware ($15,000), the only technical school devoted to disabled veterans in the U.S., and Paris Junior College’s Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology in Texas ($10,000), established in 1942 to provide industry job training.

Additionally, HSNY awards $30,000 to six watchmaking students through its Henry B. Fried Scholarship. Named after a former HSNY president and a prolific author in the field of watchmaking once described by The New York Times as “the dean of American watchmakers”, the Henry B. Fried Scholarship was established in 2017 and aims to help watchmaking students succeed in every way. This year, HSNY received applications from more than half of all watchmaking students in the U.S. and is doubling the number of scholarship recipients from 2019. Six watchmaking students will each receive $5,000 to help cover the cost of watchmaking tools and living expenses. The 2020 recipients of the Henry B. Fried Scholarship are:

• Brandan Cloos (Lititz Watch Technicum, Pennsylvania)

• Gordon Hyde (Veterans Watchmaker Initiative, Delaware)

• Brian Kruppenbacher (Paris Junior College - Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, Texas)

• Raluca Markow (Patek Philippe Institute, New York)

• Nichelle Nguyen (North American Institute of Swiss Watchmaking, Texas)

• Jared Troy (Paris Junior College - Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, Texas)

Class of 2020

“The Henry B. Fried Scholarship aims to alleviate costs associated with horological education,” said Nicholas Manousos, HSNY president. “We are thrilled to have received so many applications and personal stories about what horology means to future watchmakers.”

Award recipients are usually honored at HSNY’s annual spring Gala & Charity Auction which helps the nonprofit raise funds to advance the art and science of horology. This year’s gala has been postponed to Wednesday, August 5 due to the coronavirus. Many of the scholarship winners will be present at the gala to join in the celebration.