Sara Morawetz - Artist

A leap second is a unit of measure irregularly added to our global system of time-keeping to account for perturbations in the rotation rate of our planet. In the broader context of human experience, it is tempting to relegate individual leap seconds to the inconsequent — assuming that such infinitesimal adjustments carry little resonance. However, the cumulative effect of this mechanism is nothing less than that which holds the sun overhead at midday, and without it, our time becomes unfastened to the solar cycles in which its steeped.

At a meeting of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in November this year, a decision was taken on whether leap seconds will continue to be included in our system of time. Artist Sara Morawetz, who has been investigating this contingent facet of time-keeping, will join us to discuss both the philosophical implications of the WRC’s decision and what this means for the way time is measured into the future. These issues will have lasting implications not only for the various time-based technologies with which we live, but also for the very fabric of time-keeping itself and what it’s function is in relation to both ourselves and our planet.

The performance work '61/60' that Sara has created in response to this decision is part of a continuing interest in the eccentricities of standardization, in particular the standardization of time. In addition to the question of the leap second, Sara will also discuss her recent performance 'How the Stars Stand', a project made in consultation with Dr. Michael Allison of the NASA Goddard Institute of Space Studies, in which the artist lived by Martian sols (a 24h 39m 'day') for a period of 37 days (36 sols).

Marco Lang, Master Watchmaker, CEO - Lang & Heyne

Traditions From 18th Century Applied in Today's Time

As a fifth-generation watchmaker, Marco Lang learned early on to value the art of watchmaking by observing his father. He fulfilled his dream of owning a watch manufacture with the foundation of Lang & Heyne, based in Dresden, Germany.

Lang & Heyne's work is based on 2 pillars; one is using modern manufacturing systems (CAD or CNC), and the other is using traditional methods. The Lang & Heyne watchmakers often use rediscovered techniques from previous centuries, resulting in timepieces that have a distinct German style. 

At this HSNY special event, Marco Lang will give a deep insight in the creative process of Lang & Heyne watches.

John Davis - Watchmaker

Watches are machines. While some of them may also be works of art, they cannot escape their machineness. There is undoubtedly something fascinating about those examples of the watchmaker's craft, but there is also something to be learned from the droves of micro-machines that are designed and constructed with only performance and economy in mind. There is craft involved in the ability to engineer a movement for production runs in the tens of thousands that is wholly other than the craft involved in manufacturing a movement by hand. It is a skill that I respect and admire, while having even less understanding of its intricacies than I do of traditional watchmaking skills. Being a fan of Seiko's watches though, I won't let my ignorance get in the way of taking apart the 7S26 in an attempt to discover its hows and guess at its whys.

Aaron Berlow - Watchmaker

Today the word “Chronometer” is associated almost exclusively with Swiss timepieces, but many may not know that a set of Chronometer standards was formalized by Webster C. Ball in America in the 1890s. The criteria required back then is not incredibly different from today's requirements (minus some pocket watch and material specific requirements.) In attributing the word chronometer solely to Swiss timepieces we easily forget an American disaster that came to define a period of accurate and stunningly beautiful timepieces known as the Railroad Chronometers.

Nicholas Manousos - Vice President, HSNY & Technical Editor, HODINKEE

"The City of Light" could also be called "The City of Watches & Clocks" for its numerous contributions to horology. Join us for a photo presentation by Nicholas Manousos detailing items of interest to the horological tourist in Paris, including the Musée des Arts et Métiers.

Summer is here! Join us July 6 at the Amsterdam Ale House for a Summer Social event with your fellow HSNY members. There will be no lecture at Riverside Memorial Chapel for this meeting. Instead, meet across the street at the Ale House for good food, drinks and discussion.

http://www.amsterdamalehousenyc.com/

Dale Sutton - Owner, Time Machine Repair

To repair a watch, you need to regulate it, and to regulate a watch, you need a timing machine. Timing machines are indispensable to watchmakers and are fascinating to study. Dale Sutton is owner of Time Machine Repair, a unique company focusing on repair and sales of new and used watch timing and cleaning machines. Mr. Sutton's lecture will focus on the technical development of timing machines, from the beginning to modern day.

The Horological Society of New York and HODINKEE present An Evening With Kari Voutilainen.

Kari Voutilainen is one of the most respected watchmakers on the planet. He is truly one of the leading independent craftsmen that makes high-end watchmaking what it is today, and his timepieces are as rare and valuable as any in the world. Join us for what is sure to be a memorable evening! HODINKEE's Benjamin Clymer will host a Q&A session with Mr. Voutilainen, starting at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm with a 2 hour open bar.

Proceeds from this event benefit the Horological Society of New York's education program, providing free watchmaking education to the public since 1950.

Michael Fossner - Consignment Director, Heritage Auctions

Timepiece auctions are a significant factor in today’s world of Horology. Not only do they allow people to buy and sell. The auctions also provide them the opportunity to see items they never would otherwise, and lend a public stage to establish values in the second hand watch market. This evening’s lecture shall cover the basics of these intriguing events. Attendees will be able to ask Michael further questions to delve into deeper topics; and will be treated to a nice surprise at the end of the meeting!

This event is sold-out!

The Horological Society of New York & DAM Productions present the New York City Premiere of the Watchmaker's Apprentice, starring George Daniels and Roger Smith.

Join us for an exclusive evening with one of the world's greatest watchmakers! Reception begins at 7pm. Film begins at 8pm. Q&A with Roger Smith & Director David Armstrong, hosted by HODINKEE's Benjamin Clymer immediately following the film.

Proceeds from this event benefit the Horological Society of New York's education program, providing free watchmaking education to the public since 1950.

Feature Presentation

Daniel Mooncai, Watchmaker

The ETA 6497 is a common movement used by many of today's watchmaking firms. This month, we will compare and discuss the ETA 6497 and its Asian counterpart. We will delve into differences in aesthetics, functionality, and compatibility. And hopefully demystify the value of buying "Swiss Made." 

Special Guest

Jordan Ficklin, Executive Director - American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute

Mr. Ficklin will give a brief overview of the AWCI's activities and answer questions pertaining to the Institute.

Michael Friedman – Historian, Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet began crafting innovative and complicated watches in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, within the Vallée de Joux. The Vallée de Joux is one of the pillars of the entire Swiss Watchmaking Industry, with horological roots going back approximately 275 years and knowledge of the metallurgical arts even centuries prior. For the founders of Audemars Piguet, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, as well as other vital Le Brassus watchmakers like Louis-Elysee Piguet, there was a distinct sense of pride and responsibility as inheritors of the great Vallée de Joux watchmaking traditions that preceded them. This sense of lineage and heritage was essential – in other parts of the world, traditional watchmaking was losing out to increased industrialization and mechanization. For Audemars Piguet, it has always been and will continue to be a carefully considered and strategic balance between the preservation of traditional methods and the tactful adoption of emerging technologies. This evenings lecture at the HSNY will focus on the evolution of the industry within this unique mountainous & scenic region, with a detailed focus on Audemars Piguet.

Luke Cox-Bien – Watchmaker, Rolex

Many people talk about the innovations of great horologists throughout history, but the driving factor are everyday watches. From the early 17th century, competing with French and English watch manufactures to dominating the luxury market today, Swiss Ebauche manufactures helped make it happen. Let’s take a look at how this low cost movement helped shape history.

Benjamin Clymer – Founder & Executive Editor, HODINKEE

Benjamin Clymer is the Founder & Executive Editor of HODINKEE, one of the most widely read wristwatch publications in the world. HODINKEE is based in New York City. Mr. Clymer will speak on the impact of digital publishing on the watchmaking industry.