he Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announced 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)

Nicholas Manousos, HSNY Executive Director

“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.