Above : David Walter speaks at an HSNY event in 2019 at the General Society Library at 20 West 44th Street in New York .
Left : Watchmaker Joshua Shapiro speaks at HSNY in 2019 .
restarting our lecture series in September ( in an online format ).
As Executive Director , my responsibilities will now include all of the operational aspects of the organization . This year has been very challenging for the entire watchmaking industry . I am looking forward to meeting those challenges with HSNY , and making a positive contribution to the art and science of horology .
ALDIS HODGE , HSNY TRUSTEE
How did you initially learn about the Horological Society of New York ?
When I began teaching myself how to design watches at around nineteen years old , I sought every way to self-educate . I started studying the history of horology , which is how I stumbled upon HSNY .
I would fly back and forth to New York City often for work , and whenever I was there I ’ d try to attend the meetings to learn . I wanted to begin establishing my own connective community within the city so that every time I went there , I ’ d be able to maintain a constant state of educational growth .
I knew of Nick Manousos and his accomplishments , and as I remember it , I met him at one of the meetings . I approached him really as an admirer of his prior and current work . We kicked up a conversation , which turned into a friendship and the rest is history .
What has your involvement with the Society been up to this point ?
I ’ ve been a proud member of HSNY since 2016 . My travel schedule is demanding but luckily requires me to be in New York City often , so I attend lectures whenever possible . I remember the day I received my membership lapel pin and I still wear it proudly today .
How will that change now that you are a Trustee ?
Now that I ’ m a Trustee , I have the opportunity and responsibility to directly impact the Society . I can use my voice to represent HSNY and contribute to its growth . I ’ m excited about the challenges that lie ahead and I ’ ve already discussed several of my ideas with the board . I ’ m determined to accomplish the goals set forth within the time frame of my tenure .
What do you see as the Society ’ s responsibility to the watchmaking industry ?
Education , education , education ! As a seasoned designer , I ’ ve realized that the primary challenge of maintaining the validity of traditional watchmaking is obtained through education .
I love having conversations with people that may spark a newfound interest in horology or a new way to appreciate our artistically mechanical world from a refreshed perspective .
I really enjoy teaching people about ways to understand value and quality regarding the many difficult techniques that we as horologists apply when creating our work . And my joy is equally matched when I get to introduce someone to the world of “ independent watchmaking ”.
I also see a great opportunity for HSNY ’ s continued efforts to be a major asset towards the resurgence of American horological manufacturing . This , I would dare to say , is the potential accomplishment I ’ m most ambitious about being a part of .
My mind overflows with ideas about the jobs and opportunities we could create , the horological wonders we could develop , and the history that we could establish . There was once a time when America was known for great watchmaking and that time has come yet again .
40 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | WINTER 2021