Watchmaker Bernhard Stoeber addressed the HSNY in January about the Omega Calibers 321 and 861 .
Are the newest goals of the HSNY based on necessary evolution ?
I think of it more as an accelerated evolution . For example , we had been looking into offering virtual classes and live-streaming lectures for quite a while as we now have members from all corners of the world .
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the timeline for these now very important projects . Even with the COVID-19 pandemic , the amount of financial assistance HSNY distributed in 2020 was over five times what it was in 2019 ($ 155,000 in 2020 , versus $ 30,000 in 2019 ).
Behind the scenes , HSNY is working on a number of other projects that have also been accelerated due to the pandemic , and I look forward to sharing them with everyone soon .
When do you expect to start scheduling events again ?
Luckily , HSNY has only experienced one true month of inactivity . On March 2 , we held our last lecture before lockdown with François-Paul Journe and Osama Sendi lecturing on the Phenomenon of Resonance .
I remember that night vividly ; it was a great lecture and a good note to pause on as New York entered lockdown later in March . In late April , HSNY started offering its Virtual Horological Tutoring classes and on September 9 , our world-famous lecture series resumed in an online format .
As far as in-person events , only time will tell . Not only are we complying with New York City and state guidelines , but we are also seeking our members ’ feedback on how they envision HSNY reopening .
Are any HSNY classes nationwide ( or worldwide ) currently in operation ?
No , all in-person classes are on hold for the foreseeable future . New York is doing well with the coronavirus at the moment and its reopening plan is moving forward . We will continue to monitor the situation and will restart our in-person classes only when it is safe .
Our traveling education classes will likely take longer to restart because of travel restrictions in place around the world . Our Virtual Horological Tutoring classes are filling in the gap quite nicely during this time .
What opportunities from HSNY are available to any International Watch reader eager to expand his or her knowledge about horology ?
HSNY ’ s YouTube channel is a great resource for anyone interested in expanding their horological horizons . Our lecture series has been running continuously since 1866 , attracting the world ’ s brightest minds to share their expertise .
For 150 years , the only way to experience a HSNY lecture was to attend in person . In 2016 , HSNY started video recording its lectures , and we now have 33 lectures available to watch for free . Lectures cover technical , historical , collecting , business , and cultural topics so there is something for everyone .
What are the benefits of an HSNY membership ?
Joining HSNY as a member shows that you care deeply about advancing the art and science of horology . HSNY ’ s vast membership is what allows our non-profit to offer such a wide range of educational programs and deliver its critical financial assistance every year .
In terms of tangible benefits , all HSNY members receive an exclusive lapel pin . Members also receive priority access to lectures and special events , immediate access to video-recorded lectures , and library access in the heart of Midtown Manhattan .
What have been some of the highlights of your tenure as the President of HSNY , and how does your role now change ?
Every year in late March , I make a number of phone calls to watchmaking students across the country to let them know that they have been awarded the Henry B . Fried Scholarship . These phone calls are a definite highlight for me , as I know how difficult it is for students to balance studying and paying their bills .
Every year in the U . S ., more watchmakers retire than graduate . HSNY will continue to do everything possible to help watchmaking students , including expanding our financial assistance programs . I also greatly enjoy meeting the lecturers that travel to New York to speak at HSNY . I have learned so much from our world-class speakers , and I am very much looking forward to
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