hat 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.