n the second season, HSNY is featured as the Uhrmacher Verein der Stadt New York (Watchmakers Association of the City of New York), the German name for the Society used during that time. The show also introduces a new fictional character, Mr. Schubert, Secretary of the Uhrmacher Verein der Stadt New York.

Set in late 19th-century New York City, the period dram depicts the rise of the American aristocracy during the Gilded Age, a period of immense economic growth and social upheaval. At the time, New York became a horological hotspot when German emigrants specialising in watchmaking flocked to the city. A group of men found comradeship around their mutual interest and formed HSNY in 1866.

To prepare for his character Jack Trotter’s horological storyline, actor Ben Ahlers took a watchmaking class at HSNY along with series Co-Producer Luke Harlan.

“Historical accuracy is of paramount importance to us at ’The Gilded Age’ and so we were thrilled to be able to highlight the Horological Society’s role as an essential fixture of the city of New York since its inception in 1866,” said The Gilded Age Co-Producer Luke Harlan. “We were so fortunate to have the expertise and assistance of HSNY and particularly Executive Director Nicholas Manousos as we developed the storyline of Jack and his clock invention for our second season.”

“HSNY’s inclusion in ’The Gilded Age’ serves as a testament to its enduring legacy as a center for horological education and preservation,” said HSNY Deputy Director Carolina Navarro. “The Society’s extensive collection, spanning centuries of craftsmanship and innovation, provides a glimpse into the rich history of watchmaking and its profound impact on society, particularly in late 19th-century New York City.”