HSNY Awards $70,000 in Financial Aid for 2021

New York - April 14, 2021

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

• Antonio Ledbetter (Paris Junior College - Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, Texas)

Oscar Waldan Scholarship

• Sara Glaser (York Time Institute, Pennsylvania)

Henry B. Fried Scholarship

• David Duszynski (North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute, Washington)

• Emily Pazar (Patek Philippe Institute, New York)

• Ezekiel Ernst (Paris Junior College - Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, Texas)

• Kavin Kulamavalavan (North Seattle College Watch Technology Institute, Washington)

• Kevin Knaus (Veterans Watchmaker Initiative, Delaware)

• William Humphres (Patek Philippe Institute, New York)

“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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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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.  

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.”

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

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

Upcoming Lecture: Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy: A Watch's Story

Join HSNY on Monday, March 1, 2021 for a virtual lecture on Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy: A Watch's Story, presented by Ann Micklos, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Engineer, Merritt Island, Florida.

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For the Horological Society of New York’s March 2021 lecture, former NASA Engineer Ann Micklos will discuss the general history of watches in spaceflight, which leads to her personal story about a watch that flew on a Space Shuttle. The watch was a gift that had the honor to fly on Columbia, STS-107. Unfortunately, Columbia and her crew were lost during her entry into Earth’s atmosphere. However, the pain for losing the crew and Columbia was slightly dulled with a watch which was meant to get back to her owner.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

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

Q&A with Kelly Yoch (February 2021 Meeting)

Earlier this month, the Horological Society of New York welcomed Watches of Switzerland Director of Client Relations Kelly Yoch to present a lecture on Collecting for Passion, Not Investment.

With more than 800 RSVPs and tune-ins from 16 countries, there were bound to be some questions left to discuss. Below, Yoch has graciously taken the time to continue the conversation on why collecting for passion is the way to go.

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

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Q: Would you put more responsibility on the brands to come to market and advertise more unique designs or on the collectors to expand their horizons and look to purchase outside of "what everyone wants"? Eric A

A: The brands definitely need to be more creative. In saying that…if you are a collector of anything, you should be open to all things that encompass your "passion".

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Q: Watch enthusiasts are focused on buying, selling, wearing and enjoying watches, and the appetite for owning luxury mechanical watches will continue to grow, but looking forward 10-20 years, do you see a problem where there will be an insufficient number of qualified watchmakers to service the industry? And if you see this as a potential problem facing the industry, what are the major retail ADs, such as Watches of Switzerland and others, doing to promote the interest in watchmaking as a career? M. Russell

A: It's ultimately not up to the retailers…..it's up to Societies like HSNY and the brands themselves to ensure their product continues to be serviced appropriately. WoS can support HSNY (which they do). Patek, for instance, has their own school here in the United States. Hopefully, more brands will follow.

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Q: What are your thoughts about micro brands and the resurgence of American watchmaking? M. Macdonald

A: The more the merrier.

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Q: Kelly, thank you for telling people to buy what they love! Have you ever purchased a watch that you didn’t end up loving? Can you explain why? A. Moore

A: Yes. I did recently. I'm really into the history of the piece. I found out the watch didn't belong to a good person - someone who had done me wrong in the past. Didn't want any part of it at that point even though I loved the watch. I have also purchased things a long time ago that currently don't fit with my style or life currently. We are allowed to evolve and change (thank god). ;)

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Q: Kelly, what are a few of the watch brands and what specific pieces that we should keep an eye on that are under-appreciated? R. Sufi

A: I love independents…Moser, Armin Strom, Laurent Ferrier. BUT BUY WHAT YOU LOVE!

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Q: What would you say is the best way to bring back passion and get away from the re-sale value craze that has affected the watch collecting world? Can brands do anything to help? J. Veliz

A: Get off Instagram and go have a conversation with an AD, auction house, or other collectors. The brands can do better with monitoring the secondary market and hold the retailers accountable.

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Q: How do you recommend we get comfortable with condition, fit, and other physical factors of watches while relying on the internet to purchase watches remotely during this pandemic? Is it a matter of trusting the dealer, or taking advantage of return policies, or something else? D. Herer

A: Finding a legit second-hand dealer is ultimately the goal. Making sure they have a return policy is important. And ACTUALLY speaking to a human should be important as well.

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Q: Retail is becoming focused on just a few brands as well, with many collectors unable to find much variety beyond Rolex, Omega, TAG, Breitling, etc. How can the retail industry encourage variety when most sales counters look the same? S. Foskett

A: To the little guy - say in the middle of the country - those brands are what pays his bills. Finding larger retailers with extensive selection can help steer variety in a personal watch collection.

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Q: Hi Kelly! What’s on your wrist tonight and why did you choose to wear it for your lecture? E. Gonzalez

A: Patek Philippe Ellipse 5028G. This watch encompasses exactly the theme of the lecture. This is something I coveted since I started in 1997. The fact that I now own it is still a shock to me. I love it every time I look down at my wrist. Not a popular piece by any means…but I bought it because I loved it and has special meaning to me.

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Q: What is more important to you - collecting vintage or modern? R. Houde

A: My heart is with vintage. But there are so many modern pieces in my collection. To me, the fun is having a collection that includes both. It shows that you are open to all possibilities. :)

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Q: Are the popularity of dial sizes more driven by consumers or manufacturers? I.e. are manufactures making watches in sizes they feel are appropriate, or are they stretching the design to satisfy what they feel consumers want? M. Russell

A: I wish more brands would actually listen to the client. The end user is ultimately the biggest critic and assistant. I wish there were more "round table" discussions so that we could get more of a feel for the market.

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Q: Thank you for the lecture. How would you advise a new watch collector to choose an AD? How do you develop a "relationship"? J. Molina

A: Find the dealer that has everything you are looking for…go in, have discussions, touch and feel product. I'm still a "brick and mortar" gal…I know that's not the way of the world right now. Retailers are specifically asked to put brand ambassadors in place so that a client's questions can be answered totally. I know that at WoS, each brand is represented wholly.

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Q: Many of the leading brands today are owned by one of three or four Private Equity groups whose primary motivation is financial, not horological. This entices the brands to pool the purchase of watch parts, case and dial manufactures among themselves in order to manage manufacturing costs very similar to how the automobile manufacturers work. Is this trend eventually going to negatively impact the uniqueness of individual brands? K. Lobo

A: It's ultimately the responsibility for these Private Equity groups to put the proper people in place to guide the growth of the brands. That’s if they are interested in actually making a profit. :)

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Q: How do you suggest young or new collectors begin collecting when their price point is a little lower? It seems building a relationship with an AD is key in the long run but it can be hard to justify when the grey market provides lower prices for the same products. C. Kowalczyk

A: If price is the only driving force behind a watch purchase, then the secondary market is fine. To me, there are so many more factors involved - servicing, future purchases, security in that purchase, etc.

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Q: As mentioned, HODINKEE, social media, etc. have led to an increased interest in horology amongst younger people - what do you feel has been the most important factor/biggest selling point for mechanical watches particularly for this demographic, and how do you think we can ensure that future generations remain engaged? B.Darling

A: As long as the watch community stays current with all the platforms offered in today's changing world, we should always be fine.

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Q: Sometimes I think of watch collecting in "wine" terms...for example, I know I can spend $250+ and get a bottle of wine I'll love...the challenge is how to find a $30 bottle of wine that may not have "the label", but will rock...similarly, I know that I can spend 5-6 figures on a watch and get a killer piece...but how do you compare and judge watches in the under $10k range? Or, even sub $5k? H. Lichtig

A: Plenty of great brands - Doxa, Grand Seiko, etc. Look at the finishing of a Grand Seiko dial. It rivals Patek any day of the week. Always looking for that $30 bottle of wine. When I do, it's usually Italian. :)

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Q: When you describe your collection, I hear a love of watches that remind you of specific times in your life. So when you listen to clients, how do you help them identify the "current time in their life" and the watch that will become as meaningful to them in the future as your older special watches? M. Datta

A: That's how I collect…that may not remotely be important to the person in front of me. I think everyone approaches collecting differently. It's more important to discover what is important to that person.

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Q: Who is the new average buyer? How do you see women changing this industry? S. Roberts

A: New average is young…under 35. Women need to become more confident selling timepieces. Women have the creativity, the heart and the confidence to change anything.

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HSNY Announces Mark Armenante and Daniel Mooncai as Trustees

New York City - February 16, 2021

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) welcomes today two members to its Board of Trustees, finalizing 2021’s team of 12. Mark Armenante injects new insight into America’s oldest watchmaking guild while Daniel Mooncai returns as a Trustee following his 2019 term fulfillment.

Mark Armenante has spent the last 35 years in the technology sector. Fascinated by the similarities between tech and watchmaking, he has been a collector for 30 of those 35 years. Mark founded several companies including Veeva Systems, Vlocity Inc., Verve Wines and Rigor Hill Farm. He is a board member at A Collected Man, Oryn Therapeutics, Global Medical Aid and Case Western Reserve University. His undergraduate degree is in Biology and he holds an MBA in Finance.

Daniel Mooncai earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Rochester in 2010 and soon after went on to graduate from the 3,000-hour WOSTEP program in 2012. Mooncai has worked as a watchmaker for a variety of brands under the Richemont Group, with a majority of his time on the IWC team. Mooncai moved to New York City in 2014 to work professionally as a watchmaker for the Henri Stern Watch Agency. He quickly became a member of the Horological Society of New York and fulfilled his first term on HSNY’s Board of Trustees in 2019. In April 2019, Moocai was promoted to Team Leader for Level 3 watchmakers at HSWA. 

Horological Society of New York Board of Trustees, 2021

Meeting Recap: Collecting for Passion, Not Investment

Kelly Yoch, Director of Client Relations, Watches of Switzerland, USA
February 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 Horological Society of New York (HSNY) February 2021 lecture, Kelly Yoch, Director of Client Relations for Watches of Switzerland, presented a fascinating topic of collecting for passion — not investment, based on what she has observed amongst watch collectors throughout her career in the watch industry.

To get a historical context, Yoch began the lecture with three watch collectors that are well known to watch enthusiasts and the watch industry: Henry Ford, who ‘tinkered’ with watches and pocket watches as a hobby; and the timepiece competitiveness between James Ward Packard and Henry Graves, Jr.. One can surmise that these individuals exemplified a period when collectors actually collected for passion.  

Based on the following timeline, Yoch classified watches that were representative of the period they were produced:

1970s:  Royal Oak, Nautilus, Hamilton, Pulsar

1980s:  Swatch, Rolex Gold President, Omega Constellation, Cartier’s Pacha and Santos, Piaget

1990s:  Rolex Submariner and Daytona, TAG Heuer link bracelet, Omega and the James Bond   franchise, Franck Muller Master Banker

2000s:  Panerai, Hublot’s Big Bang, Chanel J12

2010s:  Patek Philippe Tiffany-stamped pieces

2020:    Blue dial, steel bracelet — different watch brands are looking the same with their design

During the 70s, the Quartz Crisis was a major disruption for the watch industry. In order to remain relevant and to gain (and retain) an audience, brands had to turn to quartz movements. The 80s was the extravagant era where gold watches (and more specifically gold Rolexes) were the must-have items to possess. The timepiece created to display one-upmanship was the Franck Muller Master Banker in the 90s. If an individual was wearing a Master Banker piece, it was because that person was a banker (not pretending to be a banker). 

Collecting started to change in the 2000s by the obsession of Hublot’s Big Bang and where Yoch observed that everyone wanted the same thing. However, platforms such as HODINKEE, HSNY, and RedBar gatherings brought individuals back to the passion mindset and that watches are an art form. The following decade (2010s) saw celebrity endorsements and brand sponsorship at high-profile events such as the Oscars. Finally, 2020 saw astronomical auction sales and an increase in online commerce due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two other influences that cannot be ignored are the internet and Instagram. Both entities displayed timepieces to people who started to see things they could not have. As such, retailers and trade shows were forced to re-think how to provide personalized service for their clients. Yoch concluded by saying that she believes watch collecting is where you want it to be, not where everyone else wants it to be. Timepieces tell time, but they also invoke passion.

HSNY thanks Kelly Yoch for her fascinating lecture!

Submitted by Melody Benloss, Recording Secretary & Associate Librarian

HSNY Offers Complimentary Europa Star Subscription With Membership

HSNY is happy to introduce a new membership benefit to its supporters worldwide! 

Beginning today, new and existing HSNY members with a recurring membership plan who choose to opt in will receive a complimentary six-month print and digital print subscription to Europa Star. As an added bonus, Europa Star will include complimentary one-month digital access to its archives, spanning eight decades.

Europa Star dates back to 1927 when Hugo Buchser, its founder, was a young and enthusiastic entrepreneur with a passion for watches. He launched a guide for watch buyers which soon became an essential tool for the entire watch industry. A seasoned traveler and globetrotter, he voyaged around the world, creating a network of magazines which would promote the watch industry worldwide.

Today, Europa Star is published in Switzerland and is delivered to more than 170 countries around the world. A Europa Star magazine subscription is valid for six months 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 Europa Star access to personal information for shipping 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).

Access a watch history database of over 100,000 pages of Europa Star archives!

Welcoming New HSNY Members, January 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. 

• Abhinav R. Jain, United Kingdom

• Adam Ballard, NY

• Adam Meyer, Australia

• Adam Victor, NY

• Akonwi Ngoh, NY

• Alexandre Alesandrini, CA

• Ali Darwish, CA

• Allen Soong, CA

• Andrew Forbes, NY

• Andrew Varela, Panama

• Anil Wilson, CA

• Anthony Hernandez, VA

• Ara Kouyoumjian, CA

• Atish Banerjea, CA

• Benjamin So, Philippines

• Brett Rutledge, TX

• Brian Traynor, TX

• Caleb Lippman, IL

• Carlton Dewoody, CA

• Charles Wallace, MA

• Christopher Rooney, KS

• Chuckie D. Crawley, NM

• Daniel Herrera, NY

• Daniel Ku, CA

• Davis Allsop, CA

• Dianne Batista, NJ

• Dustin OHara, CT

• Dustin Tsitouris, OH

• Eric D. Rosendahl, CT

• Eric Lassin, PA

• Euan Stevenson, NJ

• Fabian Cruz, GA

• Ferdinand Kuznik, NJ

• Frank Tsai, CA

• Geoffrey Redmond, NY

• Gerald Hambley, KS

• Herman A. Graves, NJ

• Howard A. Lichtig, OH

• Husein Kadribeg, NJ

• Ivaylo Ninov, VA

• James K. Han, MD

• Jarad Schaeffner, NY

• Jeffrey DiFrancesco, PA

• Jeffrey Weinstein, NJ

• Jimmy Lin, WA

• Joaquin Perez, NY

• John Aselton, TX

• John Ruggiero, NJ

• Jonathan Bergner, NY

• Jonathan Huang, CA

• Jose Lagdameo, CA

• Joseph V. Conroy, NY

• Joshua T. Brady, MD

• Juan Fullaondo, CT

• Kelly Yoch, PA

• Kian Soleimanpour, CA

• Kurtis Glade, CA

• Logan Amato, NY

• Luis Bendezu, NC

• M. L. Strauss, OH

• M. R. Regel, United Kingdom

• Malte Brummer, Germany

• Marcos Dytz, NJ

• Mark Steve, NJ

• Matthew Naftilan, CT

• Matthew Soldo, CA

• Merrick Cheney, CA

• Michael Cheah, FL

• Michael Levinson, HI

• Miles Fisher, CA

• Nicholas Humphries, NY

• Nicolas Oncken, OR

• Noah Passovoy, CA

• Patrick Mont, MA

• Pawel Hrebenko, CT

• Peter Campanella, PA

• Renato Caetano Faria, NY

• Richard Fleischman, CA

• Richard Kelley, Ireland

• Robert E. Colletti, NY

• Robert McClelland, CA

• Roger Michel, United Kingdom

• Roger Van Craeynest, CA

• Ryan C. Fernandes, NY

• Scott Jones, MS

• Serge Panczuk, CA

• Susan Benne, NY

• Timothy White, Canada

• Tze-Scheng Chuang, NY

• Wei Jin Lim, Singapore

• Wesla Weller, CA

• Wesley Yamada, CA

• Yee Jiun Song, CA

Upcoming Lecture: Collecting for Passion, Not Investment

Join HSNY on Monday, February 1, 2021 for a virtual lecture on Collecting for Passion, Not Investment, presented by Kelly Yoch - Director of Client Relations, Watches of Switzerland, USA.

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The face of watch collecting has changed dramatically over the last few years. Brands have mimicked designs based on the success of their competitors, and attitudes have shifted towards attaining rather than collecting. Star factor, Instagram likes and fast money have all become important in today's watch world. Auction houses are seeing record prices for watches that were considered basic not long ago, and some retailers have not been playing fairly. All of these factors determine how and why we shop for certain watches. So where does that leave us? At the February 2021 meeting of the Horological Society of New York, Kelly Yoch will discuss how we can get back to collecting what we love instead of what is expected.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

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

Meeting Recap: Journey Through the Secrets of Vacheron Constantin

Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin Heritage & Style Director, Geneva, Switzerland
Roger Michel, Institute for Digital Archaeology Executive Director, Oxford, United Kingdom
January 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 first Horological Society of New York lecture of 2021, members were presented with a comprehensive presentation of Vacheron Constantin from Christopher Selmoni, Heritage & Style Director of Vacheron Constantin in Geneva Switzerland, and Roger Michel from the Institute for Digital Archaeology, Executive Director in Oxford, United Kingdom.

The lecture highlighted the chronology (provided by Selmoni) and the impressive historical context (provided by Michel) of the Vacheron Constantin brand.

1700s

• 1755: The origins of Vacheron Constantin and the significance of the lever escapement by Thomas Mudge

1800s

• 1806: First chiming watches

• 1812: Ladies quarter repeater

• 1817: First commercial exchange with USA

• 1822: Development of decorative crafts

• 1827: First Grand Sonnerie

• 1839: The Pantograph for calibers — Georges Auguste Leschot (1800 - 1884)

• 1846: Experiments in the field of protection against magnetism

• 1862: Research and development in the field of non-magnetic materials

• 1880: The iconic Maltese cross design

• 1885: Balance wheel, hairspring, anchor and anchor wheel in palladium and bronze

• 1889: Presentation of the first known Vacheron Constantin wristwatch at the Universal Exhibition of 1889 in Paris

1900s

• 1904: Early Aviator’s Watch

• 1912: Early Tonneau shape wristwatch demonstrated the creativity and daring with shapes

• 1918: Collaboration with the US Corp of Engineers and the bespoke pocket watch of James W. Packard

• 1921: Samuel Parkes Cadman - the owner of two Historiques American 1921

• 1925: Partnership with Verger Freres in Paris and the influence of Japanese design on the Art Deco timekeepers

• 1928: The Henry Graves Tourbillon Chronometer and The Boisrouvray

• 1929: The King Fouad timepiece presented as a gift to King Fouad I of Egypt

• 1932: The first ‘Cottier’ World Time system and the introduction of the Platinum Ultra-Thin Pocket Watch

• 1936 - 1940: The ‘Don Pancho’ Story — Grand complication wristwatch with minute repeater and 31-days retrograde calendar

• 1938: Measured the water speed record via the contraleague electric module with a mechanical timing machine and the collaboration with Alcan to create the Aluminium Pocket Watch Ref. 4348

• 1940s: Introduced experimental designs such as the influence of aerodynamics

• 1944: Deck watch aboard The HMS Belfast and D-Day

• 1946: The King Farouk timepiece (created in 1937) was a major grand complication with 820 components and 13 hands

• 1950s: ‘The Future is Now!’ was exemplified by the Butterfly timepiece

• 1955: Vacheron Constantin celebrates 200 years

• 1972: Debut of the Trapeze model and its variations

• 1975: The Reference 2215 in Steel

• 1977: The ‘222’ Collection designed by Jörg Hysek

• 1979: ‘Kallista’ 140 Carats wristwatch

HSNY thanks Christian Selmoni and Roger Michel for their fascinating lecture!

Submitted by Melody Benloss, Recording Secretary & Associate Librarian