HSNY Raises Over $80,000 at 2021 Charity Auction

All Proceeds Made in Collaboration With Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo To Help Advance Art & Science of Horology 

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces that it has successfully raised $81,396 at its Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity Auction, presented online by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo from June 7-14. The 2021 figures nearly doubled the $45,000 raised by HSNY in 2019. 

This year, HSNY broke its record for most money raised at auction, and looks ahead to a bright scholarship and award season in 2022. With the help of HSNY’s generous donors, all seven lots sold — either at or above their estimated price — with no reserves across all timepieces. A friendly bidding war ensued over a week’s time, with 60 horological enthusiasts placing bids from around the world. 

Highlights from Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity Auction included HM Horological Society New York, a unique timepiece made especially for HSNY by Arnold & Son. The one-of-one 18-karat pink gold wristwatch with the iconic Manhattan Bridge hand-painted on a luminous mother-of-pearl dial sold for $30,240, more than 300% above its high-end estimate. Additional lots included coveted masterpieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Grand Seiko, Ulysse Nardin and Greubel Forsey. 

“The incredible results from Timepieces for HSNY: Online Charity Auction 2021 will enable HSNY to further expand our annual financial aid programs, including scholarships for watchmaking students and grants for watchmaking schools,” said HSNY Executive Director Nicholas Manousos. “Sincere thanks to the amazing team at Phillips and all the enthusiastic bidders.”

All proceeds from the auction will benefit HSNY in its ongoing mission to advance the art and science of horology, which includes offering financial aid to watchmaking institutions and full-time watchmaking students in the United States. In 2021, HSNY offered four financial aid opportunities, and introduced the Benjamin Banneker Scholarship for Black Watchmaking Students and the Oscar Waldan Scholarship for Jewish Watchmaking Students to continue the Society’s spirit of expansion and inclusivity and serve underrepresented minorities in the watchmaking industry. America’s oldest watchmaking guild awarded $70,000 in scholarships and awards in April 2021 — its most to-date — following its highest volume of applications received. To meet the growing demand, the Society raised its scholarship and award offerings by 32% in 2021 and hopes to continue to expand for years to come.

View Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity Auction highlights & results here.

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About Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is the watch department at Phillips auction house, dedicated exclusively to the world's finest collectors' watches. Launched in November 2014 by Aurel Bacs and his partner, Livia Russo, the department was established in response to the ever-increasing need for today's collectors to easily access scholarship, guidance and quality across the board. Based in New York, Geneva, London, Hong Kong and Japan, the team of specialists at Phillips Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency and client service. With multiple world records, including for a Rolex wristwatch, vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch, and Omega wristwatch sold at auction, Phillips achieved $133 million in 2020, the highest annual sale total ever for any watch auction department. In 2019, the auction house opened Phillips PERPETUAL, a private sale program with physical and digital storefronts that offers a highly curated selection of watches sold at fixed prices.

Official website: www.phillips.com/watches 


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.

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

Welcoming New HSNY Members, May 2021

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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. 

  • Alan Wakim, CA

  • Alby Billeci, NY

  • Aleksandar Pajic, AZ

  • Anthony Wolberg, NY

  • Benjamin Bonnet, NY

  • Benjamin Chang, NJ

  • Benjamin Tan, Singapore

  • Charles DeVore, NY

  • Christopher Dewdney, Canada

  • Clay Learned, WA

  • David Gallant, MA

  • David Lindow, PA

  • David Schor, MA

  • Edward McCarthy, NJ

  • Ekaterina Audsley, United Kingdom

  • Franz Simon, NM

  • Dr. Hamada Makarita, VA

  • Hamed Alaghebandian, MD

  • Jeffrey B. Moore, NJ

  • John Cote, IN

  • John Kim, OR

  • Joseph Chianese, NY

  • Keith Bergin, IL

  • Ken Haynes, TX

  • Ken Michlitsch, PA

  • Kent Parks, AZ

  • Linda Weinmann, CA

  • Luigi Bonifacio, Switzerland

  • Mark D. Covelli, AZ

  • Maximin Chapuis, France

  • Michael Cardenas, CA

  • Mike Kogan, NY

  • Moe Jaber, Canada

  • Robert J. Robertson, NY

  • Steven Rosenberg, NJ

  • William R. Hughes, CA

  • Yazid Sayeh, Saudi Arabia

Upcoming Lecture: A Mechanical Leap Forward: The ZEITWERK by A. Lange & Söhne

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Join HSNY on Monday, June 7, 2021 for a virtual lecture on A Mechanical Leap Forward: The ZEITWERK by A. Lange & Söhne, presented by Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development, A. Lange & Söhne, Dresden, Germany, and Robert Hoffmann Head of the ZEITWERK Assembly Department, A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte, Germany.

June’s lecture will begin at 12PM EDT (GMT -4) to accommodate local time in Germany (GMT +2)

In 2009, A. Lange & Söhne launched the ZEITWERK, a mechanical timepiece with a digital time indication, realized by jumping numerals. “At that time, we thought that it would be a unique piece of our collection”, remembers Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development at the German watchmaker. However, the new concept turned out to be so successful that a new watch family grew out of it, consisting of seven different models today.

At the June 2021 meeting of the Horological Society of New York, Anthony de Haas and watchmaker Robert Hoffmann, Head of the ZEITWERK Assembly Department, will talk about the synergy between dial and movement design, the power of constant-force escapements and how tradition inspires today’s watchmaking.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

Zoom Webinar to begin promptly at 12:00pm EDT (GMT -4).
Webinar registration is required.

HSNY Announces 'Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity Auction' Presented by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo

Online June 7—14 Featuring a Unique Timepiece Inspired by the City That Never Sleeps

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity Auction, presented online by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo from June 7-14, 2021.

What once took place during HSNY’s annual Gala — a tradition that dates back to the Society’s start in 1866 — this year’s Charity Auction will take place online via Phillips' Gallery One, a next generation auction experience that allows collectors to bid virtually from anywhere in the world.

Bidders worldwide can expect to see horological marvels from top Swiss and Japanese brands. With a ‘No Reserve’ policy across all timepieces, HSNY invites auction-goers to bid enthusiastically. All proceeds will benefit HSNY in its ongoing mission to advance the art and science of horology, which includes offering financial aid to watchmaking institutions and full-time watchmaking students in the United States.

Through Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity Auction, HSNY will offer watch enthusiasts, collectors and aficionados alike the opportunity to bid on seven incredible timepieces, including a unique wristwatch created for HSNY, a coveted limited edition release and a first known model of its kind to be offered at auction.

Highlights include HM HSNY (Lot 7), a one-of-one timepiece created specifically for HSNY by Arnold & Son. The HM HSNY depicts a vanishing-point projection of emblematic New York buildings, with the Manhattan Bridge sprawling across the East River in the background. The dial is a miniature painting just a few square centimeters in size. During the day, the bridge is displayed against a mother-of-pearl sky. At night, certain windows in the red-brick buildings, the street lights and Manhattan Bridge are illuminated by the addition of Super-LumiNova to the hand-painted scene, lighting up the nocturnal display. The HM HSNY is assembled on a hand-stitched brick-colored alligator leather strap, echoing the dial’s miniature painting.

Further highlights from Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity Auction include:

  • Rolex Ref. 5500; inside caseback stamped 1002. An interesting and rare stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, “Pool-Intairdril” logo, and presentation box, c. 1979. LOT #1
    Estimate: $2,000 to $3,000; donated by Eric Ku, 10 Past Ten.

  • Ulysse Nardin. A fine silver chronometer deck watch made for the British Hydrographic Service with brass case, wooden box, and extract from the archives, 1942. LOT #2
    Estimate: $2,000 to $4,000; donated by Ulysse Nardin.

  • Patek Philippe Ref. 3589. A very fine, rare, and unusual white gold cushion-shaped wristwatch with blue Roman-numeral dial, 1973. LOT #3
    Estimate: $4,000 to $6,000; donated by John Reardon, Collectability.

  • Rolex Ref. 1500. A beautiful and well-preserved yellow gold wristwatch with date, c. 1980. LOT #4
    Estimate: $3,000 to $5,000; donated by Eric Wind, Wind Vintage.

  • Greubel Forsey. A very rare and historically significant metal mechanical Double Tourbillon 30° model celebrating the brand’s 10th anniversary, with pamphlet and presentation box, 2014. LOT #5
    Estimate: $1,000 to $2,000; donated by Greubel Forsey.

  • Grand Seiko Ref. SBGM239. A brand new, very fine, attractive, and limited stainless steel dual time-zone wristwatch with date, bracelet, certificate, and presentation box, 2020. LOT #6
    Estimate: $3,000 to $6,000; donated by Grand Seiko in partnership with HODINKEE.

  • Arnold & Son Ref. ALCAPD05A. An exceptional, brand new, and unique 18-karat rose gold wristwatch with miniature hand painted, luminous mother-of-pearl day and night “Manhattan Bridge” dial made for the Horological Society of New York, with certificate of guarantee, and presentation box, case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed. Case marked HSNY 2021. LOT #7
    Estimate: $5,000 to $10,000; donated by Arnold & Son.

“The Horological Society of New York is grateful for the support of our friends who have donated exceptional items to our auction, Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity Auction,” said Nicholas Manousos, HSNY’s Executive Director. “We wish to thank Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo for hosting our 2021 Charity Auction. I invite everyone to take advantage of the No Reserve lots and bid with confidence for a great cause.”

While HSNY’s Charity Auction was canceled last year due to the pandemic, America’s first watchmaking guild raised more than $45,000 towards its mission of horological education at the 2019 Gala. Through the support of its sponsors, donors and members, HSNY awarded $70,000 in financial aid to U.S. watchmaking schools and students in April 2021.

Download the Phillips app to browse, track, save and bid on Timepieces for HSNY: 2021 Charity
Auction. Images courtesy of Phillips.

MEDIA AND PRIVATE PREVIEWS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

# # #

About Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is the watch department at Phillips auction house, dedicated exclusively to the world's finest collectors' watches. Launched in November 2014 by Aurel Bacs and his partner, Livia Russo, the department was established in response to the ever-increasing need for today's collectors to easily access scholarship, guidance and quality across the board. Based in New York, Geneva, London, Hong Kong and Japan, the team of specialists at Phillips Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency and client service. With multiple world records, including for a Rolex wristwatch, vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch, and Omega wristwatch sold at auction, Phillips achieved $133 million in 2020, the highest annual sale total ever for any watch auction department. In 2019, the auction house opened Phillips PERPETUAL, a private sale program with physical and digital storefronts that offers a highly curated selection of watches sold at fixed prices.

Official website: www.phillips.com/watches

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.

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

Meeting Recap: The Worlds of Jaquet Droz: Horological Art and Artistic Horology

Dr. Sandrine Girardier, Historian and Museum Curator, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Grégoire Boillat, Montres Jaquet Droz Museum Curator and Watchmaker-Rhabilleur, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
May 3, 2021

Video recordings of lectures are available to members immediately (using your membership password), and to the general public with a two-month delay.

For the May 2021 lecture of the Horological Society of New York (HSNY), Dr. Sandrine Girardier, Historian and Museum Curator, and Grégoire Boillat, Montres Jaquet Droz Museum Curator and Watchmaker-Rhabilleur, discussed the works of Pierre Jaquet-Droz (1721-1790) and his son, Henri-Louis Jaquet-Droz (1752-1791).

Jaquet-Droz had workshops in London, Geneva, La Chaux-de-Fonds and collaborated with the likes of Jean-Frédéric Leschot (1746 – 1824) and Henri Maillardet (1745 – 1830). If nothing else, Jaquet-Droz is well-known for creating the automatons that were built in the second half of the 18th Century: The Writer, The Draughtsman and The Harpsichord Player. The ‘automatons’ are described as such due to their human form. To see the movements of the androids and for further information on their restoration, check out the video on YouTube titled ‘Restauration des automates de Pierre et Henri Louis Jaquet Droz’.

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The Writer

  • Considered to be one of the first computers in history because of the pre-programmed text that it writes such as, “Les automates Jaquet Droz a Neuchatel”

  • Form of a child on a stool writing on a mahogany desk

  • Can write up to 40 characters of the Latin alphabet

The Draughtsman

  • Contained three sets of interchangeable cams (like The Writer)

  • Had the capability to draw the portraits of Kings George the III and Louis the XV, a dog and a butterfly pulling a chariot with a cherub

The Harpsichord Player

  • Young girl sitting at an organ where the fingers activate the levers and exert pressure on the keyboard

  • The automaton can play five unique tunes on the instrument

Of interesting note, a fourth automaton was created in the form of a grotto, but it was not preserved. The sole known proof of existence is from an etching by Balthasar Antoine Dunker (1746 – 1807). In addition to the automatons, Jaquet-Droz created watches, clocks, birdcages, snuff boxes, flasks and rings.

Concluding the lecture, Grégoire Boillat gave a live demonstration of the following timepieces that are either signed or attributed to Jaquet-Droz:

  • Dead Beat Second Pocket Watch (circa 1775)

  • Enamel Pocket Watch that plays three distinct musical tunes and what Boillat playfully calls the ‘18th Century iPod’

  • Chiming Bird Watch that was released in 2015 and embodies the legacy of singing birds from Jaquet-Droz

HSNY thanks Dr. Sandrine Girardier and Grégoire Boillat for their fascinating lecture! 

Submitted by Melody Benloss, Recording Secretary

HSNY Establishes a Partnership With the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers

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Championing Like-Minded Nonprofits in the World of Horology

In its effort to champion like-minded nonprofit organizations, the Horological Society of New York has established a partnership with the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers (‘The Alliance’). The new partnership aims to further the mutual interests of both organizations and continue the conversation on horology.

Launched in November 2020,  the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers is a trade body founded to encourage and guide the resurgence of British watch and clock making. Their mission is to promote British watch and clock making around the world and to encourage British supply-chain, jobs and technology. So far, nearly 60 British watch and clock brands have already joined the Alliance which offers them the opportunity to participate in working groups on specific sector issues, showcase their business on the Alliance’s platforms and partake in promotional opportunities in partnership with U.K. government export trade initiatives.

Like HSNY, individual members also make up the Alliance’s community. One of the most notable members is its Chairman, Dr. Roger W. Smith OBE, a former George Daniels apprentice and a man who needs no introduction in the world of watchmaking.

As partners, HSNY and the Alliance will work in tandem to bring their members access to special events and educational opportunities, including HSNY’s monthly lectures and exclusive brand presentations, and the Alliance’s Open Dial events. 

“The state of the U.S. and British watchmaking industries today is very similar,” said HSNY Executive Director Nicholas Manousos. “Both industries have incredible horological histories to draw from and an exciting future to look forward to. HSNY is committed to advancing horological innovation and developing meaningful financial aid programs for watchmaking students and schools. We look forward to working with the Alliance to encourage positive change internationally through collaboration.

“We are delighted to announce this partnership with one of the world’s oldest watchmaking associations,” said the Alliance’s Chairman, Roger W. Smith OBE. “Our horological nations have much in common and a great deal to share as we define the next stage of our journeys to an exciting horological future. It’s also hugely beneficial for a new organization like ours to be able to share this journey with such an esteemed partner as HSNY.”

Learn more about the Horological Society of New York here.
Learn more about the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers here.

Welcoming New HSNY Members, April 2021

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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 M. Cunningham, SC

  • Ahmed Rahman, United Kingdom

  • Antonio Ledbetter, TX

  • B Joseph Touma, WV

  • Bill Woods, SC

  • Brian Ralofsky, Canada

  • Chae No, NY

  • Charles Love, NJ

  • Christopher C. Carver, PA

  • Christopher Clarke, United Kingdom

  • Christopher Kae, NY

  • Daniel Sokal, CT

  • David A. Jacobs, OR

  • David Duszynski, WA

  • David Northway, CA

  • David Schor, MA

  • Diana Ellis, PA

  • Dick Davidson, IA

  • Elie Hindy, United Kingdom

  • Eric S. Francis, MD

  • Ezekiel Ernst, TX

  • Franz Simon, NM

  • Gabriel Grimalt, CT

  • George Xue, NY

  • Gig Morris, NJ

  • Howard M. Seigerman, NJ

  • Jaewon Kwon, NJ

  • Dr. Rev James Gales, OH

  • Jason Pileggi, NY

  • Jaywon Yang, NY

  • Jean Pujals, PR

  • Jennifer Perkell, CA

  • Jeremy Schirra, OH

  • Jessie Anderson, WA

  • Kevin D. Gunn, MO

  • Kevin Knaus, DE

  • Matthew Scarpa, NY

  • Milton Datta, MN

  • Mojdeh Pishyar, NY

  • Nicolas Macchiavello C., Chile

  • Norman Pearlstine, NY

  • Paul Croughton, NY

  • Philip Vranic, Canada

  • Puneet Mehta, CA

  • Ricardo Sime, NY

  • Robert Frost, NJ

  • Roger Ruegger, NY

  • Roger Smith, United Kingdom

  • Sameer Hirji, Canada

  • Sara Glaser, MD

  • Shah Buyuk, NY

  • Shahyan Dastur, Duabi

  • Siamak Okhovat, CA

  • ST Lee, IL

  • Walid Khalifeh, FL

  • Wayne A. Pritts, IL

  • William Humphres, NJ

  • Zach Roberts, MO

  • Zach Thigpen, CA

Upcoming Lecture: The Worlds of Jaquet Droz: Horological Art and Artistic Horology

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Join HSNY on Monday, May 3, 2021 for a virtual lecture on The Worlds of Jaquet Droz: Horological Art and Artistic Horology, presented by Dr. Sandrine Girardier, Historian and Museum Curator, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, and Grégoire Boillat, Montres Jaquet Droz Museum Curator and Watchmaker-Rhabilleur, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

May’s lecture will begin at 1PM EDT (GMT -4) to accommodate local time in Switzerland (GMT +2)

Jaquet Droz has an incredible history that includes more than just timepieces. Founded in 1738, the Swiss manufacture is well-known for its prodigious androids, fashionable birdcages and pocket watches with animated scenes. Jaquet Droz's amazing automatons complement their watch and clock expertise, making their work very desirable for collectors around the world.

Pierre Jaquet-Droz was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1721. Jaquet-Droz founded a watchmaking workshop and grew it through a combination of technical, artistic and commercial skills enabling it to reach international markets. His son Henri-Louis further developed the family business and diversified production. At this time, a significant portion of the manufacture's work found its way to Chinese dignitaries.

At the May 2021 meeting of the Horological Society of New York, Dr. Sandrine Girardier will discuss the main phases of the careers of Pierre and Henri-Louis Jaquet-Droz during the second half of the 18th century. Dr. Girardier's lecture will be enhanced by live demonstrations of special collection pieces currently at the Jaquet Droz Maison with Watchmaker-Rhabilleur Grégoire Boillat.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

Zoom Webinar to begin promptly at 1:00pm EDT (GMT -4).
Webinar registration is required.

HSNY Awards $70,000 in Financial Aid for 2021

New York - April 14, 2021

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Furthering Watchmaking in the USA With New Scholarship Opportunities 

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces today the recipients of its 2021 scholarships and award programs, totaling $70,000 to help further the art and science of horology. This year, America’s oldest watchmaking guild received 37 scholarship and award applications — the most to date — and broke its record for most money awarded towards scholarships and awards. 

In early 2021, HSNY introduced the Benjamin Banneker Scholarship for Black Watchmaking Students and the Oscar Waldan Scholarship for Jewish Watchmaking Students, to continue the Society’s spirit of expansion and inclusivity and serve underrepresented minorities in the watchmaking industry. HSNY also opened applications for its first scholarship created in 2017, the Henry B. Fried Scholarship for Watchmaking Students, and the Howard Robbins Award for Watchmaking Schools. 

Watchmaking schools are vital to realizing HSNY’s mission of advancing the art and science of horology. In 2021, HSNY doubled the number of Howard Robbins Award recipients compared to 2020. Four out of the nine full-time watchmaking schools in the U.S. received the financial aid. HSNY remains committed to the preservation of these American institutions and is proud to support the following with the Howard Robbins Award:

  • Paris Junior College (Paris, Texas) — A branch of Paris Junior College, The Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology has been teaching the art of watchmaking since 1942. Today, it offers a state-of-the-art classroom with a small faculty-to-student ratio, ensuring individualized training that sets students up to enter a demanding job market.
    Award: $10,000

  • North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute (Seattle, Washington) — Adopting the Swiss American Watchmakers Training Alliance (SAWTA) curriculum developed by Rolex, North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute aims to address the industry’s need for qualified watchmakers dealing with high-end timepieces. Students can expect rigorous courses in micromechanics, as well as ample training with simple and complicated watches.
    Award: $10,000

  • Veterans Watchmaker Initiative (Odessa, Delaware) — A previous recipient of the Howard Robbins Award, the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative is the only technical school devoted to disabled veterans in the U.S. The focus is to teach veterans the highly skilled art of watchmaking, in hopes to repay them for their sacrifice and service by teaching them a high-demand, well-paying skilled profession.
    Award: $5,000

  • York Time Institute (York, Pennsylvania) — The York Time Institute is dedicated to preparing students for entry into, and advancement in the practice of the art and science of horology. It endeavors to maintain long-established horological knowledge and encourage new frontiers of research, with courses spanning horological conservation, restoration and repair.
    Award: $5,000

For 155 years, HSNY has created educational programs and opportunities to ensure the future of horology is bright. This year, the Society awarded $40,000 in total to eight watchmaking students across the country, with each receiving $5,000. While tuition at many watchmaking schools is free, students are still responsible for covering the cost of tools and living expenses. HSNY wants to help watchmaking students succeed in every way and kickstart their journey to become accomplished watchmakers. HSNY 2021 scholarships recipients are:

Benjamin Banneker Scholarship

Oscar Waldan Scholarship

Henry B. Fried Scholarship

“Although we are unable to celebrate HSNY’s scholarship recipients in-person at our annual Gala, we were moved by their stories and motivation to pursue a career in watchmaking and we can’t wait to follow them on their journeys,” said HSNY Executive Director Nicholas Manousos. “HSNY remains committed to the continued expansion of its financial aid programs. We were especially pleased to double the number of schools receiving the Howard Robbins Award in 2021, and to introduce the Benjamin Banneker and Oscar Waldan Scholarships.”

In 2020, HSNY awarded a total of $55,000 to six watchmaking students and two watchmaking schools. Through the support of its sponsors, donors, and growing membership, HSNY raised its scholarship and award offerings by 32% in 2021. HSNY wishes to thank all the students and schools who applied and congratulates all the recipients.

To learn more about HSNY’s financial aid opportunities, visit https://hs-ny.org/scholarship.

Images available upon request.

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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: https://hs-ny.org

Meeting Recap: The Ideal Watch Size: A Curious Case of Misperception and Missed Opportunity

Mark Cho, Co-founder of The Armoury, Co-owner of Drake's, Over-Enthusiastic Watch Enthusiast, Hong Kong
April 6, 2021

Video recordings of lectures are available to members immediately (using your membership password), and to the general public with a two-month delay.

For the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) April 2021 lecture, Mark Cho, co-founder of The Armoury and co-owner of Drake’s, examined his survey on what constitutes an ideal watch size.

A common phrase that Cho hears on a consistent basis from his customers is, “I have small wrists.” Why? So, from August 2018 to March 2021, Cho retrieved a survey sample from Instagram and mailing lists from The Armoury, Drake’s and friends from the watch industry. The factors considered in the survey are: age, gender, watch brands, modern or vintage and residence/ethnicity.

  • Question 1: I consider my wrist to be — small, average, large?

  • Question 2: What is your wrist size? (in inches)

  • Question 3: What is your ideal watch size? (primary watch and secondary watch)

Cho detailed the answers and analysis on how they applied to watch size preferences by using some behavioral economics i.e. heuristics and substitution.

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He discovered findings on:

  • Wrist size perception

  • Measured wrist size

  • Perceived wrist size versus measured

  • What if…? scenario with +/- 1 mm from the primary watch diameter

  • Perceived and measured wrist size versus ideal primary watch size

  • Perceived and measured wrist size versus ideal secondary watch size

  • Analysis One: Wrist size perception

  • Analysis Two: The under-served 36mm audience and the problem with averages

  • Analysis Three: Preference is dependent on wrist size

To conclude the lecture, Cho posits where to go from here and his theory on how the ideal watch size issue came to be in the first place. He is currently working on the second version of his survey and plans to have it available within the next two months.

HSNY thanks Mark Cho for his fascinating lecture!

Submitted by Melody Benloss, Recording Secretary

HSNY Offers Complimentary WatchTime Magazine Subscription With Membership

A magazine that needs no introduction, WatchTime has joined the growing list of publications offered to HSNY members worldwide. 

New and existing North America-based HSNY members with a recurring membership plan who choose to opt in will receive a complimentary All Access subscription to WatchTime magazine for one year. This includes six issues, available in print and digital, plus access to WatchTime's archive of issues dating back to 2000.

HSNY international members can enjoy WatchTime anytime, anywhere, with a complimentary digital subscription for one year (six issues), plus access to WatchTime's archives. 

Launched in 1999 as a small watch magazine, WatchTime has evolved into one of the world’s leading media platforms for watch collectors. Today, the New York City-based company is a large multi-channel media brand that hosts highly-anticipated events drawing in crowds of watchmakers and enthusiasts alike.  

A complimentary subscription to WatchTime magazine is valid for one year from the opt-in date. Opt-in plans differ based on member location.

View all HSNY membership benefits here and join today! 

*By opting in, members allow WatchTime access to personal information for mailing and marketing purposes. HSNY members must have a recurring membership plan to opt in.

Already a member? Click here to opt in (using your HSNY membership password).

Welcoming New HSNY Members, March 2021

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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. 

  • Ajit Naidu, NJ

  • Alex Croteau, Canada

  • Anibal Scuadroni, NY

  • Benjamin Woods, Australia

  • Bona Nasution, TX

  • Brandon Moore, WA

  • Brian Contos, CA

  • Bruce Kanagaki, TX

  • Christian Schneider, Germany

  • Christopher V McNew, NY

  • Danny Gauthier, Canada

  • DJ Edades, CA

  • Doug Woods, NJ

  • Dylan Carrick, Ireland

  • Eric Roberts, MO

  • Eric Wolak, NC

  • Faraz Rahman, NY

  • Hassan Akhras, Dubai

  • J Niessen, MA

  • Jairo Cano, NJ

  • Jamal Khan, NJ

  • James E. Girard, VA

  • Javier Zylberberg, FL

  • Jonathan H. Brown, OH

  • Jonathan Leffert, CA

  • Jordan Vojta, NY

  • Justin Little, CA

  • Kevin Chaitoff, MD, FL

  • Mathieu Aussermeier, NJ

  • Matthew Soldo, CA

  • Michael Cheung, AZ

  • Michael Sumy, MD

  • Mitch Freedman, NJ

  • Norman Siegel, MO

  • Paul C Wittekind, NJ

  • Paul Duggan, NH

  • Rishi Narang, Hong Kong

  • Saeed Alserkal, Dubai

  • Scott Kloster, CT

  • Stephen Levick, PA

  • Tai Sione, CA

  • Tariq Jahshan, NY

  • Taylor Kaar, OH

  • Ted Friedland, NE

  • Thomas LaCour, TX

  • Tinashe Mukogo, NY

  • Trevor Neal Roten, NY

  • Virginia Simmons, MA

  • William von Isser, NY

  • Yiyuan Zuo, Hong Kong

HSNY Appoints Deputy Director

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The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces the appointment of Carolina Navarro as Deputy Director. Formerly HSNY's Director of Public Relations & Marketing, Navarro will help manage the day-to-day operations of the nonprofit alongside Executive Director Nicholas Manousos. She will continue to spearhead HSNY's public relations and marketing campaigns.

Since joining HSNY in 2018, Navarro has helped establish a growing global membership and raised awareness of America's first watchmaking guild.

HSNY Celebrates Its 155th Anniversary Today

Dear friends, 

March 26, 2021 marks the 155th anniversary of the Horological Society of New York. Reflecting on this year’s message reminds me of a story that will hopefully convey my thoughts on the past year. Dear reader, please bear with me. 

A dozen years ago, my wife and I walked into an antiques store in Vermont. The owner, Egan, was in his 70s and immediately made us feel welcome to browse the many treasures he had accumulated as a byproduct of decades in the local auction business. By the end of that first visit, we ended up sharing stories and becoming friends. Since the world is a very small place, we realized that Egan had attended school with my wife’s uncle at Cambridge University six decades earlier. Egan also shared that he had, from a very early age, always had the motivation to make sure that any time he ran into someone older than himself he would make sure to ask them to share a story about their youth because in his words, “They were there, and I was not.” I had passively done this in my life and have since made sure to proactively ask people for their stories for reasons you are about to see. 

Egan went on to tell us that as a young man he remembered meeting his great aunt. She told him that when she herself was a young girl her father took her to see the president because he was coming to their town. She recounted that in person, he was a “great tall man, with a high squeaky voice.” The hair on my arms stood up! Egan explained that his great aunt had seen Abraham Lincoln in person and here I was standing there in rural Vermont hearing the story. 

HSNY was founded the year after Lincoln’s assassination. While 155 years can seem like an eternity, if you hunt for these stories – if you make a point of giving people the chance to share their perspective – then you will find, as I have, that even a century and a half can be a deceptively short amount of time. 

One of Albert Einstein’s collaborators, John Archibald Wheeler, said, “Time is nature’s way of keeping everything from happening at once.” This phrase landed with me at some point in high school and never let go. Time is so fleeting, and permanent, and difficult to describe that this definition became an instant personal favorite. Writing this in 2021 after a year of pandemic quarantine seems almost comical because nature can also make sure that nothing happens at all. Nature can freeze time, can’t she? I wonder what you think time may feel like on the moon, or Mars. 

In a normal year, I would be making this address in person at our annual gala to a room of joyful supporters. Instead, reality has delivered a year that has both stood still and flown by. I hope, deeply, that this year has not been too difficult for you and that this letter finds you in good health. I also hope that HSNY has been an anchor of sorts. For me, HSNY has been a place of community and stability during a year without any parallel in my life – but one that humanity has seen time and again. 

If all goes well, I will see you in person soon at a lecture or at the next gala. In the meantime, I hope you are all enjoying the virtual lectures we have been offering, and the recorded lectures we have online. I will also say we are excited that Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will be hosting our annual Charity Auction online, allowing our members and supporters to bid from anywhere in the world. I hope you have luck bidding, or fun spectating. The money raised will support HSNY’s mission of education.

Last and not least – a hearty congratulations to all of this year's HSNY scholarship recipients. The scholarships are the function of HSNY that brings the most pride. This is all possible because of the support of our growing number of members, donors and sponsors. Thank you all. 


Sincerely,
John Teifert
President, Horological Society of New York

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Upcoming Lecture: The Ideal Watch Size: A Curious Case of Misperception and Missed Opportunity

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Join HSNY on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 for a virtual lecture on The Ideal Watch Size: A Curious Case of Misperception and Missed Opportunity, presented by Mark Cho, Co-founder of The Armoury, Co-owner of Drake's, Hong Kong.

April’s lecture will begin at 9PM EDT (GMT -4) to accommodate local time in Hong Kong (GMT +8)

Is there such a thing as an ideal watch size? How many people really think they have small wrists? What is the relationship between perception and preference?

In his career as a clothier having watch-related conversations with his customers, Mark Cho, Co-founder of The Armoury and Co-owner of Drake's, noticed more than half of his clients uttered the same phrase: "I have small wrists". It was a curious phenomenon, which prompted Cho to conduct a survey from 2018 to 2021 called "The Ideal Watch Size Survey" to try and understand what was going on. For the Horological Society of New York’s April 2021 lecture, Cho will present his findings to these questions and more.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

Zoom Webinar to begin promptly at 9:00pm EDT (GMT -4).
Webinar registration is required.

Meeting Recap: Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy: A Watch's Story

Ann Micklos, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Engineer, Merritt Island, Florid
March 1, 2021

Video recordings of lectures are available to members immediately (using your membership password), and to the general public with a two-month delay.

For the March 2021 Horological Society of New York (HSNY) lecture, retired NASA engineer Ann Micklos shared her personal connection to the Space Shuttle (SS) Columbia and the history of watches in the United States space program.

The most demanding environment a watch can experience is in space flight since the pressures and temperatures are extreme. For example, gravitational forces can be up to six times greater than the Earth’s atmosphere. The first timepiece to experience the conditions of space was the Heuer stopwatch and the Breitling 24-Hour Navitimer, worn by American astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter, respectively. However, since Carpenter’s timepiece was not waterproof it was damaged by seawater when he left the capsule after splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean at the end of his space mission.  

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During the Apollo program, the timepieces had to be designed to enter the vacuum of space and for temperature fluctuations from 80 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6667 to 65.5556 degrees Celsius). The timepiece that met that expectation and was certified by NASA was the Omega Speedmaster.  

In the time of the Space Shuttle program, the role of watches took a different meaning. In order to conduct experiments, the shuttle crew would wear multiple watches (as well as their personal watches) — and since the shuttle could now carry more payload, watches became a significant nostalgic piece to be flown in space. It is at this point where Micklos shared her story.

Micklos had a personal relationship with astronaut Dave Brown who was one of the SS Columbia crew and remained close friends prior to the shuttle mission. Before Brown went on the mission, he told Micklos he had bought her a gift and it was coming in from Connecticut. When she received the package, it was a box from Tourneau. When she opened it, the box was empty with the note, "HELP! I’m being held hostage aboard the Space Shuttle.”

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After the 17-day mission, SS Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry. The debris field was scattered in the area of eastern Texas. She had thought about the watch but let it go. While attending Brown’s funeral, she was told by his brother that the watch had been found — Micklos asked for the watch to be sent to her. When it was received the strap and sapphire glass were gone, the case was singed and the dial's color was a dirty light blue. The time was frozen at 9:07 AM, the time mission control confirmed the disintegration of the shuttle. Incidentally, there was a debate on whether the watch should be kept as part of the SS Columbia investigation, but since it was a personal item and not listed on the crew’s official manifest, Micklos was able to keep the piece.

HSNY thanks Ann Micklos for her fascinating lecture!

Submitted by Melody Benloss, Recording Secretary & Associate Librarian

HSNY Welcomes Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo as a Sponsor

New York City - March 8, 2021

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces today Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo has joined as a sponsor. Support from the Phillips auction house watch department further strengthens HSNY’s mission to advance the art and science of horology by nurturing the Society’s 155-year-old lecture tradition, watchmaking education programs, and financial aid initiatives for watchmaking schools and students. 

In addition to a sponsorship title, Phillips will present HSNY’s Charity Auction slated for later this year. With planning already underway, this year’s lots will include a bespoke timepiece, limited-edition (and limited-production) releases, and other surprises. All Charity Auction proceeds will benefit HSNY’s ongoing education initiatives.

“Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is delighted to support the Horological Society of New York,” said Paul Boutros, Phillips’ Head of Watches, Americas. “We’re honored to join the many distinguished brands, retailers, and organizations as sponsors, helping HSNY’s noble mission of advancing the art and science of watchmaking through their numerous educational initiatives. We look forward to hosting their 2021 Charity Auction event, which raises funds for HSNY’s international traveling and virtual education programs, scholarships for students of watchmaking, and awards to watchmaking schools.”

America’s first watchmaking guild welcomes Phillips and thanks them for their incredible support!

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About Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo

Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is the watch department at Phillips auction house, dedicated exclusively to the world's finest collectors' watches. Launched in November 2014 by Aurel Bacs and his partner, Livia Russo, the department was established in response to the ever-increasing need for today's collectors to easily access scholarship, guidance and quality across the board. Based in New York, Geneva, London, Hong Kong and Japan, the team of specialists at Phillips Watches is dedicated to an uncompromised approach to quality, transparency and client service. With multiple world records, including for a Rolex wristwatch, vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch, and Omega wristwatch sold at auction, Phillips achieved $133 million in 2020, the highest annual sale total ever for any watch auction department. In 2019, the auction house opened Phillips PERPETUAL, a private sale program with physical and digital storefronts that offers a highly curated selection of watches sold at fixed prices.

Official website: www.phillips.com/watches

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: www.hs-ny.org

HSNY Offers Complimentary iW Magazine Subscription With Membership

Did you think you would get another HSNY membership benefit so soon? Well, here it is!

New and existing HSNY members with a recurring membership plan who choose to opt in will receive a complimentary two-year digital subscription to iW Magazine, complete with access to the entire archive of previously digitized issues.

For 31 years, International Watch (iW) has been an authority for all watch-related matters, providing in-depth reports on all aspects of horology, from established Swiss watchmaking firms to independent houses of horology, product reviews, technical stories, wrist trends, the unique culture of collectors and more. 

iW offers a global perspective on all watch-related matters, aptly fitting into the context of readers’ horological interests by exposing the expertise, craftsmanship and history of timepieces, and engaging in brand storytelling and celebrating the mechanical acumen of the industry’s finest brands.

A complimentary subscription to iW is valid for two years from the opt-in date and is available to HSNY members worldwide.

View all HSNY membership benefits here and join today! 

*By opting in, members allow iW Magazine access to personal information for marketing purposes. HSNY members must have a recurring membership plan to opt in.

Already a member? Click here to opt in (using your HSNY membership password).

HSNY Welcomes Breguet as a Sponsor

New York City - March 1, 2021

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces famed Swiss watch manufacturer Breguet has joined as a sponsor. Founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the House is endowed with an exceptional heritage and know-how, and embodies horological excellence. Today, the brand’s iconic “Breguet hands” are instantly identifiable.

Breguet’s sponsorship supports HSNY’s mission to advance the art and science of horology by contributing to an enhancement of its educational programs - including 155 years of lectures, funding of future financial aid opportunities for watchmakers, and more. 

America’s first watchmaking guild welcomes Breguet and thanks them for their incredible support!

About Breguet 

The House of Breguet, founded in 1775 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, holds a unique position in the world of watchmaking. Today, the Breguet artisans continue to make unique works of art that bear witness to the brand’s rich history. The year 2021 marks the 220th anniversary of one of the greatest watchmaking complications of all time: the Tourbillon. Developed in 1801 by Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747–1823), it continues to flourish at the House of Breguet, its custodian. 

Breguet is the epitome of excellence in watchmaking. Its distinguished patrons include some of the greatest figures in history: Queen Marie-Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte, Tsar Alexander I and Winston Churchill, to mention but a few. In 1815, King Louis XVIII of France would go on to appoint Breguet as Chronometer-maker to the Royal Navy. This marked the beginning of a long tradition of putting the House’s expertise to work for navigators, first for those in the navy and then for aviation. 

Official website: www.breguet.com

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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.

Official website: www.hs-ny.org

Welcoming New HSNY Members, February 2021

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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. 

  • Abdul Hannan, NY

  • Albert Zhou, NY

  • Amir Philobos, PA

  • Anthony Gesualdo, NY

  • Benjamin Tan, Singapore

  • Brian D. Murphy, NJ

  • Bruce March, FL

  • Catherine Dickey, IL

  • Colin Gardner, NY

  • Curtise Devrick Brown, MI

  • Daniel Clark, PA

  • Darren Dworkin, CA

  • David Werchen, NY

  • Dennis Chugh, NY

  • Ercan John Bastug, MA

  • Erica Barth-Naftilan, CT

  • Erwin W. Grose, CA

  • Fabio Storelli, CA

  • Francisco J. Cerezo, FL

  • Franklin Williams, NJ

  • Gus Gill, TX

  • Harold Liu, Canada

  • Henry Sohn, CA

  • Ian Mathias, United Kingdom

  • Iris P. Ko, CA

  • Izzy Alsafa, NY

  • Jason Tong, PA

  • Javier Pimentel, Germany

  • Jefta Vitosoeharno, Indonesia

  • Joan Valerie E Castro, Philippines

  • John Gaczewski, NY

  • Joseph Naggar, NJ

  • Joshua Paul Mason, NC

  • Justin D. Latorre, NY

  • Kristin Rosenbloom, CA

  • Kyle Chiang, MA

  • Lauren Washington, NY

  • Mairi Stevenson, NJ

  • Marco Iacono, CA

  • Mario D. Martucci, TX

  • Mark Donald White, NY

  • Matthew Zur, NJ

  • Mauricio Lustgarten, FL

  • Michael Zielinski, WI

  • Nader Shakibai, NJ

  • Nick Diieso, NY

  • Oliver P. Glover, CA

  • Peter Fodor, NY

  • Ralf Peppekus, NY

  • Ranjit Sufi, CA

  • Ritche Redondo, FL

  • Ron Queck, Canada

  • Samee Deen, United Kingdom

  • Sean Flynn, NY

  • Sikk Mu, VA

  • Sriniketh Sundar, DE

  • Stanley McMahan, TX

  • Stefan Lakmer, Austria

  • Stephen Dadekian, NJ

  • Stephen Shum, NJ

  • Steve Alomia, NY

  • Thomas Igoe, NY

  • Tianlun Zhang, NY

  • Tommy A. Smith, TN

  • Tyler Fazakerley, CA

  • Vihar Patel, India

  • William Murdock, Washington, D.C.

  • William Salas-Gonzalez, NY