PJC Watchmaking program receives $20,000 towards equipment

Published or Revised October 08, 2019

Two of America’s most prominent horological institutions are combining forces - and funds - to maintain horological institutions in the United States. On April 17, 2019, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announced a donation match with the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) at HSNY’s annual Gala & Charity Auction. During the celebratory evening, HSNY President Nicholas Manousos updated guests on the state of U.S. watchmaking schools. Three watchmaking programs have closed in the last decade, with only nine full-time schools remaining. Together, HSNY and AWCI pledged to keep horological education alive by each donating $10,000 to The Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology at Paris Junior College. “This collaboration illustrates the positive difference that HSNY and AWCI can make together,” said Manousos. “Supporting watchmaking education is crucial to our industry, and these matching donations will be particularly effective in ensuring student watchmakers from the Paris Junior College have the tools they need to succeed. HSNY looks forward to continued collaboration with our friends at the AWCI.” “HSNY and AWCI have been working together for almost 60 years to support watchmaking,” said AWCI Executive Director Jordan Ficklin. “When AWCI President Aaron Recksiek visited the school in Paris, TX this winter he could see that they had many needs in order to elevate the program to the standards of the industry. The AWCI Education, Library, and Museum Trust agreed to donate $10,000 which allowed the two organizations together to provide $20,000 in financial support to the school.” In addition to cash contributions, AWCI and Eckcells (a material supply house supporting independent watchmakers), presented the school with a Wellner cleaning machine valued at $14,000. The awards were received by Paris Junior College Watchmaking Instructor Stanley McMahan. “This generous contribution from the memberships of our premier U.S. watchmaking organizations will greatly enhance and accelerate student learning in the watchmaking program at Paris Junior College,” said McMahan. “Support for watchmaker education at this level demonstrates the overwhelming commitment of the American watchmaking community to the strong future of this exciting profession! The program’s first 75 years has provided a great foundation upon which to build. The new equipment this makes possible will form a strong and modern foundation of craftsmanship for our graduates.” Look the program up at www.parisjc.edu/watchmaking. HSNY further supports individuals attending full-time watchmaking schools. With the inception of HSNY’s Henry B. Fried Scholarship, students attending full-time watchmaking schools can apply to receive funds to offset the cost of tools. In 2019, HSNY extended the once $5,000 award to three $10,000 scholarships to watchmaking students. - - - About The Horological Society of New York Founded in 1866, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) is one of the oldest continuously operating horological associations in the world. Today, HSNY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of horology through education. Members are a diverse mix of watchmakers, clockmakers, executives, journalists, auctioneers, historians, salespeople and collectors, reflecting the rich nature of horology in New York City; http://hs-ny.org. About the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) is the professional organization for watchmakers and clockmakers in the United States. Our mission is setting service standards and educating the horological community. For almost 60 years AWCI has served as a liaison between bench practitioners and the horological industry as we advance the art, science, and business of horology. Members of AWCI gain access to our extensive library of books, our monthly publication Horological Times, more than 15,000 technical documents, and our network of professionals. To learn more and to join AWCI visit www.awci.com.