Meeting Recap: The History of the Tourbillon; Its Theory and Modern Evolution, by Emmanuel Breguet and Jeffrey Kingston

Emmanuel Breguet, Vice President, Head of Patrimony at Montres Breguet (Paris, France; Vallée de Joux, Switzerland)
Jeffrey Kingston, Editor-in-Chief of Le Quai de l’Horloge (Sun Valley, Idaho)
September 9, 2021

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

After the summer break, the Horological Society of New York’s (HSNY) September 2021 lecture on the tourbillon complication was presented via video by Emmanuel Breguet, Vice President, Head of Patrimony at Montres Breguet, and in-person by Jeffrey Kingston, Editor-in-Chief of Le Quai de l’Horloge.

Emmanuel Breguet covered the historical and philosophical aspects of the tourbillon. His relative, Abraham Louis Breguet, revolutionized watchmaking technically with the self-winding watches, gong spring for repeating watches and improvements on escapements. By 1801, A.L. Breguet devised a way to tell the time by touch, the modern travel clock, the Sympathetique clock and the constant force escapement. Aesthetically, he introduced the neo-classical style of watchmaking via the enamel dials, guilloche dials and thin watch cases. After being forced to return to Switzerland due to the French Revolution, A.L Breguet was ready for a comeback to France under Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule.

E. Breguet contemplated as to why A.L. Breguet named his invention a ‘tourbillon’. Besides its modern interpretation of ‘violent rotation’, A.L. Breguet assembled 18th-century philosophers who deemed watchmaking like the creation of a miniature universe because of the relationship of a planetary system rotating on a single axis or the energy that causes a rotation of the planets around the sun. It took 10 years for A.L Breguet to perfect his invention, and miraculously, 75% of the 40 original tourbillons have survived. A dozen can be seen in museums, three belong to the Breguet Museum’s collection and five are housed in the British Museum and other museums in England. Others can be found in Italy, Switzerland, Jerusalem and New York, with a further 15 pieces in private hands and two recently appearing at auction.

Back to the first live audience at HSNY in 18 months, Kingston spoke about the technical, future and contemporary aspects of the tourbillon and asked the audience to think about the watch as an oscillator. It was from the starting point of oscillation that Kingston pointed out the qualities of the tourbillon.

• Christian Huygens’s insight on

  • Oscillators

  • Pendulums: Key points of restoring force, rate variance with amplitude and isochronism

  • Balance Wheel / Hairspring

• Breguet’s insights led to the tourbillon

  • Anomalies due to different positions of the centers of gravity

  • Distribution of friction over all parts of the circumference of the pivots

  • Friction / Lubrication

• Construction of a Tourbillon

• Evolution – Breguet Overcoil, Silicon Hairspring, Titanium, Extra Thin Construction, Constant Force

HSNY thanks Emmanuel Breguet and Jeffrey Kingston for their fascinating lecture! 

Photography by Atom Moore
Submitted by Melody Benloss, Recording Secretary

HSNY Welcomes Jaeger-LeCoultre as a Sponsor

NEW YORK — October 1, 2021

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces luxury timepiece manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre has joined as a sponsor.

The makers who brought the world timeless timepieces such as the Reverso and the Atmos join in HSNY’s mission to advance the art and science of horology. This includes 155 years of industry lectures, financial aid opportunities for watchmakers and watchmaking schools, and more.

America’s first watchmaking guild welcomes Jaeger-LeCoultre and thanks them for their incredible support!

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ABOUT JAEGER-LECOULTRE

Located in the calm, serene setting of the Vallée de Joux, our Home offers a unique sense of belonging. It is here, inspired by the exceptional landscapes of the Jura Mountains, guided by an unquenchable inner fire, that La Grande Maison gets its soul. With all crafts under one roof within the Manufacture, watchmakers, engineers, designers, artisans work together to give birth to fine watchmaking creations. Driven by a compelling energy and a spirit of collective invention that daily inspires the commitment of each and every member of our family, we cultivate our understated sophistication and technical creativity. This same spirit has powered the creation of more than 1200 calibres since 1833 and made Jaeger-LeCoultre the Watchmaker’s Watchmaker.

https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.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 and around the world.

http://hs-ny.org

HSNY Welcomes Parmigiani Fleurier as a Sponsor

NEW YORK — September 7, 2021

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces Swiss watch manufacturer Parmigiani Fleurier has joined as a sponsor on the heels of their 25th anniversary this month.

Spearheaded by its founder Michel Parmigiani, the fine watchmaking brand produces timepieces at its own watchmaking center in Val-de-Travers, ensuring complete control over all aspects of the production process from creative freedom to assembly.

Support from Parmigiani Fleurier directly aids HSNY in its mission to advance the art and science of horology which includes 150+ years of lectures, financial aid for watchmakers and institutions, and more.

“We are proud to support the Horological Society of New York and their wonderful mission of advancing the art and science of horology,” said Gustavo Calzadilla, Managing Director Parmigiani Fleurier Americas. “Their invaluable contribution is very much in line with Parmigiani Fleurier’s desire to safeguard and perpetuate years of watchmaking expertise to preserve the best level of Haute Horlogerie craftsmanship.”

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

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ABOUT PARMIGIANI FLEURIER

Taking its name from its founder, watchmaker and restorer Michel Parmigiani, the fine watchmaking brand was founded in 1996 in Fleurier, in the Swiss valley of Val-de-Travers. With its own watchmaking center ensuring its independence, the brand has both full control over the production process and unique creative freedom. For over twenty years, the Parmigiani Fleurier signature has resided within timepieces that command the utmost respect, in harmony with watchmaking traditions. They are the labor of a lifetime – that of Michel Parmigiani, the talented individuals who assist him, and the special relationship between the Manufacture and the masterpieces of the past, enabling it to invent a bold future. 

https://www.parmigiani.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 and around the world.

http://hs-ny.org

Welcoming New HSNY Members, July & August 2021

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. 

• Aalok Kacha, IL

• Ajay Pillay, WA

• Alexander Mace, MO

• Alexander Zaiken, VA

• Andrew Harris, NY

• Bennett Hudson, NY

• Bernard Bieger, SC

• Blake Buettner, NY

• Blake Humphrey, NY

• Bryan Cayes, NC

• Cassidy Atkins, PA

• Dr. Charles B. Watson, OK

• Chris Hiett, TX

• Christopher Rodie, TX

• Donald Jones, CA

• Gabriel Johnston, NY

• Gerard Jameson, NJ

• Gregory Pessin, NY

• Hirotsugu Oba, CA

• Isaac Dupes, MA

• James Papastavros, FL

• Jason Sarkoyan, NV

• Jonathan M. Susser, PA

• Karthik Annadorai, TX

• Lance Oslinker, NY

• Laurent Malfaire, Belgium

• Leung Wai Chung William, Hong Kong

• Luis Miguel Torres, FL

• Luis Solis, TX

• Michael Kin Ming Woo, Canada

• Nhat Nguyen, NY

• Nicholas Harris, PA

• Niraj Pant, CA

• Omar Chahill, IL

• Patrick Kim, VA

• Sgt. Paul Manning, NY

• Peter Coutsourides, South Africa

• Peter Sorrentino, Washington, D.C.

• Philip Golia, CT

• Samuel Elkabas, Belgium

• Stephen Franke, WI

• Thomas Hare, Canada

• Tom Walsh, NJ

• Vassili Kotlov, CA

• Walter Nolan, NJ

• Yuncong Yang, VA

Upcoming Lecture: The History of the Tourbillon; Its Theory and Modern Evolution

Join HSNY on Thursday, September 9, 2021 for our first hybrid in-person/virtual meeting of 2021 — The History of the Tourbillon; Its Theory and Modern Evolution, presented by Emmanuel Breguet, Vice President, Head of Patrimony at Montres Breguet (Paris, France; Vallée de Joux, Switzerland) and Jeffrey Kingston, Editor-in-Chief of Le Quai de l’Horloge (Sun Valley, Idaho).

Jeffrey Kingston will lecture in person. Emmanuel Breguet will lecture via video from Switzerland. Doors open at 6PM and lecture begins promptly at 7PM. The lecture will be live-streamed and recorded. All HSNY lectures are free and open to the public. RSVP is required to attend in-person, as well as proof of vaccination. Masks must be worn at all times.

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Patented in 1801 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the tourbillon is one of the most revered and enduring horological inventions of all time. The story behind the invention is fascinating and leads to many questions. What were Breguet’s insights that led him to create it? What were the significant timepieces featuring his invention that left the Quai de l’Horloge workshop during his lifetime? Today, the name “tourbillon”, which Abraham-Louis Breguet gave to his invention, is known universally in the watch world. Less well known are technical reasons which led to its creation. At the September 9, 2021 meeting of the Horological Society of New York, Emmanuel Breguet and Jeffrey Kingston will explore these topics as well as the modern evolution of this now-iconic mechanism.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

RSVP is required.

HSNY Resumes In-Person Lectures and Classes (Plus Safety Protocols)

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces today that it will resume in-person monthly lectures and weekly horology courses in New York City beginning September 2021. 

A tradition since the Society’s start in 1866, HSNY’s monthly lecture series will return to the historic General Society Library, beginning with a presentation on the tourbillon mechanism by Emmanuel Breguet and Jeffrey Kingston on Thursday, September 9. Breguet will lecture remotely from Switzerland while Kingston will take to the podium in person once again. During this transitional period, all in-person lectures will be livestreamed to allow HSNY members and friends to tune in from around the world. Lectures will be a mix of in-person and livestreamed formats for the foreseeable future due to travel restrictions and availability of speakers. Guests attending in-person lectures will need to provide proof of vaccination and will be required to wear masks at all times.

HSNY’s world-renowned horology courses are also returning to NYC beginning Tuesday, September 7. HSNY’s classroom has been reconfigured to allow more space between watch benches and rigorous cleaning protocols will be followed by all instructors. Students will be required to provide proof of vaccination and masks will be required for the duration of the class. Traveling education courses are now live with San Francisco announced for October 9 and 10.

“The last time HSNY met in-person was on March 2, 2020, shortly before the world shut down,” said HSNY Deputy Director Carolina Navarro. “We welcomed a full house for a lecture by François-Paul Journe and Osama Sendi. It’s been a long journey since then and we look forward to welcoming our members and friends once again with health and safety being our top priority. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who supported HSNY throughout the past 18 months.”

Click HERE to RSVP for the September 2021 lecture and enroll in horological education classes.

HSNY Introduces Its Chronometer Certification Program

HSNY’s Rigorous Testing Protocol Exceeds International Standards

Simply put, a chronometer is a particularly precise watch. Throughout history, watchmakers have utilized the services of independent testing facilities to certify that their watches are indeed chronometers. Today, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces the launch of its Chronometer Certification Program, a new testing service for watchmakers and watch manufacturers that wish to have their watches certified as a chronometer by a third party. HSNY’s rigorous testing protocol exceeds the international standards outlined in ISO 3159, and reflects HSNY’s 150+ years of dedication to advancing the art and science of horology.

Testing is conducted in a range of temperatures and positions over a 15 day period. The conditions used are designed to represent extreme environments that a watch may experience during wear. Only a visual rate testing procedure is used. Traditional watch timing machines use microphones to listen to a watch as it is running and quickly give a rate. In contrast, a visual rate testing procedure takes longer to complete but gives more reliable results. Watches that pass the testing requirements are issued a physical certificate with specific test results.

“Independent chronometer testing and certification is a valuable service for both watchmakers and watch collectors,” said Nicholas Manousos, Executive Director of HSNY. “With a certificate from HSNY, watchmakers can advertise their chronometers with confidence, and watch collectors can be assured that their watch is indeed a chronometer. I look forward to welcoming many brands from around the world to test their watches in New York.”

The first brand to offer a HSNY Certified Chronometer for sale is Massena LAB. Launched today, the Habring² x Massena LAB ERWIN LAB03 is a new timepiece with a hand-wound movement entirely developed, manufactured and assembled in-house by Habring², complete with a bronze dial designed by William Massena and created by dialmaker and watchmaker Joshua N. Shapiro. The Habring² x Massena LAB ERWIN LAB03 is a combination of classical design and proportions, skilled craftsmanship and a precise movement — a testament to the creative watchmaking process and the friendships that are created along the way.

“We are proud and honored to partner with the Horological Society of New York to offer the first timepiece to be officially certified under its new Chronometer Certification Program,” said William Massena, founder of Massena LAB. “HSNY plays a pivotal role in expanding and educating the public on the artistry and craftsmanship that is fine watchmaking. This new program continues the organization's mission of providing best-in-class resources for both watchmakers and watch collectors alike.”

HSNY’s Chronometer Certification Program is available to all watchmakers and watch manufacturers worldwide. Only new, cased-up mechanical watches with a spring balance oscillator are eligible for testing. Watchmakers and watch brands that sell HSNY Certified Chronometers may advertise this fact, and are allowed to include a mark on the dial or movement of their watch indicating that it is a HSNY Certified Chronometer. HSNY offers no guarantee that any watch submitted will pass the testing requirements. 

For more information, including complete details on the testing protocol, visit chronometer.org.
HSNY Chronometer Certificates designed and printed by Hoban Cards in Chehalis, Washington.

William Wood Auctions Watch To Benefit 9/11 Foundation

September 11, 2021 will mark 20 years since the day that changed the United States forever. Although lives were lost on U.S. soil, British watch company William Wood Watches has created a unique timepiece to commemorate 9/11’s first responders and is partnering with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, another wonderful New York City nonprofit, to honor and give back.

Assembled in the Jura Mountains in Switzerland, the timepiece thoughtfully features dials inspired by a fire engine cab, hands mirroring water pressure pump gauges, a crown made from an original melted down 1920’s British brass Firefighter’s helmet, a one-of-a-kind caseback and upcycled fire hose straps. The winner of the auction will also receive a private tour of the 9/11 Museum in New York City hosted by a retired distinguished FDNY firefighter.

100% of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Fallen First Responder Program, which supports the nation’s first responders, veterans and their families by providing these heroes and the families they leave behind with mortgage-free homes.

To learn more about the watch and register to bid, please visit https://williamwoodwatches.com/collections/t2twatchauction

Learn more about William Wood Watches here.
Learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation here.

The Alliance Publishes Findings From Bellwether Survey On British Watchmaking Sector

Spoiler alert: “Britain is most definitely back!”

Our friends — and more recently partners — at the Alliance of the British Watch and Clock Makers (The Alliance) have some exciting news to share regarding the state of the British watch and clockmaking industries. In their first-ever Bellwether sector survey by KPMG, findings reveal over 100 watch and clockmaking brands are producing over a million watches per year and contributing to the further development of the British supply chain. 

The survey offers insights into the approximately 100 British companies ranging from microbrands to multi-million-pound businesses claiming a slice of the horological industry. 

“Britain has a unique heritage of invention in watch and clock making, but in the twentieth century, our sector almost disappeared,” said Alistair Audsley, co-founding director of the Alliance. “What this Bellwether survey shows is that, while we’re a small sector at an early stage, we have exciting potential. Britain is most definitely back!”

Learn more about the Alliance here.

HSNY is a partner of the Alliance of the British Watch and Clock Makers.

Welcoming New HSNY Members, June 2021

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 Werner, PA

• Achal Dhruva, TX

• Albert Friend, UT

• Alexander Jaffe, NJ

• Andres Nicholls, NJ

• Andrew Canter, United Kingdom

• Andrew J. Topp, IL

• Andy Russo, NY

• Behram Daboo, IL

• Blake William Feinstein, CA

• Bosko Milekic, Canada

• Brent A. Senior, NC

• Brett Austin, NY

• Brian Feldman, NY

• Brian Stern, NJ

• C. Griffin Bartsch, RI

• Charlton McArdle, NY

• Chris Powell, DE

• Christopher Chisholm, TX

• Curtis Fischer, IN

• Derek Gabaldon, FL

• Filippo Maria Stiatti, Italy

• Firas Mussa, NY

• Gabriel M. Tai, MA

• Gaganjeet Gujral, India

• Gerald Senior, FL

• Howard Grodman, NY

• James Elbaor, TX

• Jehan Mustafa, FL

• John Ehrling, NY

• Jordi Aristot, Andorra

• José Romeu, FL

• Joseph III Geronimo, Philippines

• Josh Christian, IL

• Kamran Ziaee, NJ

• Ken Paul Nikaidoh, TX

• Kevin Rabsatt, NY

• KJ Nana, FL

• Konstantinos Koutroumpas, NY

• Lombardo Perez, FL

• Marc Alberts, VA

• Matthew D. Zinski, WA

• Matthew Darula, MA

• Michael Brisky, WI

• Mukul Naik, CT

• Narjis Ramdani, France

• Paul Hanchin, TX

• Pedro Escobar, Puerto Rico

• Dr. Peter Shoemaker, NJ

• Punit Mehta, India

• Quintin Paredes, VA

• Richard J. Remiker, IL

• Richard Sheiner, IL

• Ron Sippel, MI

• Sean Singarayar, NJ

• Shek bun Law, Canada

• Stephen Tomoser, GA

• Suhail Tsay, IL

• Thomas P. Levis, CA

• Timothy A. Goldenburg, TX

• Tristan Willey, NY

• Vincent Arniotes, NY

• Walter Hass, NJ

HSNY Welcomes NOMOS Glashütte as a Sponsor

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces that NOMOS Glashütte has joined as a sponsor. The German manufacturer remains as one of few owner-operated watchmaking companies in the world, creating timepieces in accordance with the principles of the Deutscher Werkbund, the precursor to the Bauhaus movement.

The heavily awarded brand supports HSNY in its mission to advance the art and science of horology, which includes the continuation of its 155-year-old lecture series, nurturing its ever-evolving watchmaking education programs and supporting its financial aid initiatives for watchmaking students and institutions in the United States. 

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

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About NOMOS Glashütte

Glashütte is a small town nestled between the forests and hills of southeast Germany, halfway between Berlin and Prague. This is where NOMOS Glashütte, one of the few owner-operated watchmaking companies in the world, creates the finest mechanical timepieces. NOMOS watchmakers count among the very best in their field—what they have mastered is still a challenge for their colleagues elsewhere. That is because watches have been crafted in Glashütte for many generations—for over 170 years, to be precise. NOMOS Glashütte creates and produces watches in accordance with the principles of the Deutscher Werkbund, the precursor to the Bauhaus movement: The combination of outstanding craftsmanship with the renowned prowess of German engineering on the one hand, and of advanced research with state-of-the-art technology on the other, is the foundation for the superior quality of its timepieces. The designers from NOMOS’ in-house creative agency in Berlin create their superb form. The characteristics shared by all NOMOS watches include top-quality materials, refined dials, elegant and usually slender hands, narrow bezels, and an exceptionally clear form—many models have long been considered classics. Furthermore, they have received about 150 prizes for design and quality.

Official website: https://nomos-glashuette.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 and around the world.

Official website: www.hs-ny.org

HSNY Establishes a Partnership With the Willard House & Clock Museum

Supporting the Legacy of America's Preeminent 19th-century Clockmakers From Massachusetts

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces today that it has established a partnership with the Willard House & Clock Museum in North Grafton, Massachusetts. 

Last month HSNY launched a partnership program, beginning with the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers, with a mission to champion like-minded nonprofit organizations around the world. 

Willard House is one of Grafton's oldest buildings, constructed in the early 1700s, where relatives Benjamin, Simon, Ephraim and Aaron Willard would become America's preeminent late 18th and 19th-century clockmakers, making their first clocks in 1766. In 1802, Simon Willard obtained a patent for his Timepiece, or "banjo" clock. Today, Willard’s Patent Timepiece is considered to be one of the most significant styles of early 19th century American timepieces. 

Founded by Dr. Roger and Imogene Robinson in 1969, and opened to the public in 1971, the museum features the world's largest collection of Willard clocks. The collection is displayed in period room settings in the 1718 Joseph Willard homestead, the 1766 Benjamin Willard Clock Manufactory and three modern galleries, and also includes more than 90 Willard clocks, Willard family portraits and furnishings and priceless Americana including original documents signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Today, the museum offers monthly events including their Plein Air Painting and concert series, lectures by Executive Director Robert C. Cheney and other scholars in the field. 

“We are honored to be in partnership with the prestigious Horological Society of New York,” said Willard House & Clock Museum Executive Director and Curator, Robert C. Cheney. “HSNY has been at the forefront of horological education with the recognition that the study of time and timekeeping offers an amazing array of subjects beyond mechanics and history. Combining art with science, mathematics and astronomy, horology offers exciting opportunities for study, as an avocation or lifetime vocation. This collaboration between Willard and HSNY represents a significant and meaningful way for both of our organizations to educate a more comprehensive audience on the ‘art and mystery’ of horology."

“We’re proud to establish our first U.S. partnership with the Willard House & Clock Museum,” said HSNY Executive Director Nicholas Manousos. “American clockmaking is an important part of horological history and it’s incredible to have so many documented treasures at the Willard House & Clock Museum. We look forward to sharing their educational endeavors with our members and friends for years to come.”

Learn more about the Horological Society of New York here.
Learn more about the Willard House & Clock Museum here.

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About the Willard House & Clock Museum
Located at 11 Willard Street in North Grafton, MA, the Willard House and Clock Museum exhibits more than 90 Willard clocks in the birthplace and original workshop of the Willard clockmakers, along with family portraits, furnishings and other family heirlooms. Works by all three generations of Willard clockmakers, including famed clockmakers, including second-generation clockmakers Simon Willard Jr. and Benjamin Franklin Willard, are also displayed. The Museum tour includes the original Willard House, built about 1720, the clock-making workshop and three additional galleries.

Official website: www.willardhouse.org

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

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

Meeting Recap: A Mechanical Leap Forward: The ZEITWERK by A. Lange & Söhne

Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development, A. Lange & Söhne, Dresden, Germany
Robert Hoffmann, Head of the ZEITWERK Assembly Department, A. Lange & Söhne, Glashütte, Germany
June 7, 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’s June 2021 lecture, Anthony de Haas and Robert Hoffman presented the ZEITWERK – one of the six collections of timepieces made by A. Lange & Söhne.

de Haas, Director of Product Development for A. Lange & Söhne, began the lecture by giving an overview of the timepiece’s creations and subsequent model extension. Even though A. Lange & Söhne made pocket watches with a digital indication in 1885, it was not a breakthrough for the company. However, the inspiration for the ZEITWERK came from the Five-Minute Clock from the Semper Opera House in Dresden.

The first prototype of the ZEITWERK had two windows — the dial on top of the movement and the disc system for the minutes — but the timepiece was 14mm thick and had to be thinner. Also, based on a master clock that was in the company, the remontoir system was applied on the watch. For five years, numerous iterations were made on the prototype such as playing with angles and design.  

In May 2009, the ZEITWERK was launched and from that watch, creativity expanded the line:

• 2009 – ZEITWERK

• 2010 – ZEITWERK Luminous

• 2011 – ZEITWERK Striking Time

• 2012 – ZEITWERK Handwerkskunst

• 2015 – ZEITWERK Minute Repeater

• 2017 – ZEITWERK Decimal Strike

• 2019 – ZEITWERK Date

After de Haas’s overview, Robert Hoffman, Head of the ZEITWERK Assembly Department, joined the lecture from his workshop in Glashütte. Within Hoffman’s workshop, his team of watchmakers is dedicated to specific calibers such as the standard ZEITWERK, the Striking Time, the Date, the Minute Repeater and handling of the service work. Hoffman takes pride in maintaining the quality and up-to-date standards of the workshop.

To show the certain technical areas of the type of movement, Hoffman gave explanations to various images regarding the display mechanism, energy transmission, the barrel and the constant force escapement.

HSNY wishes to thank Anthony de Haas and Robert Hoffman for their fascinating lecture! 

Submitted by Melody Benloss, Recording Secretary

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

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

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)

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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.

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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

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’.

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

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

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