Story Highlight
– Nicholas Manousos stepped down as HSNY leader after 12 years.
– He significantly expanded HSNY’s scholarship and outreach programs.
– HSNY raised $1.2 million at the final gala dinner.
– Carolina Navarro is acting executive director during the transition.
– Two new members joined HSNY’s board of trustees.
Full Story
Nicholas Manousos has departed from his role at the helm of The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) after a notable 12-year journey with the organisation. His leadership spanned various positions, including vice-president and president, before culminating in his role as executive director over the last six years.
Having transitioned from a career in the software sector, Mr Manousos graduated from the Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School in 2011. He co-founded Firehouse Horology in 2015, a company specialising in silicon watch components, before serving as technical editor at Hodinkee from 2015 to 2022, during a period of significant growth for the publication.
Under Mr Manousos’ guidance, HSNY saw considerable expansion, particularly in its outreach and scholarship initiatives. During his final gala dinner in March, the society successfully generated $1.2 million in donations, announcing the awarding of 55 scholarships, support for five watchmaking educational institutions, and three accolades for independent watchmakers. The funding awarded in the year concluding in March amounted to $450,000, a notable increase compared to previous years.
William Buchalter, president of HSNY, expressed gratitude for Mr Manousos’ contributions, stating, “Nicholas brought tremendous energy and dedication to HSNY. His work advanced the Society’s educational mission, expanded our watchmaking and horological programmes, and grew the community of people who care about this craft. On behalf of the entire Board, we thank him for his service to the organisation.”
In the interim, Carolina Navarro, currently deputy director, will assume the role of acting executive director while the search for a permanent successor is underway. HSNY has affirmed that its range of programmes, which includes lectures, watchmaking courses, and library initiatives, will continue without disruption during this transition.
Additionally, there have been changes within HSNY’s board of trustees, with Pierre Halimi, general manager Americas of F.P. Journe, and Richard Lopez, senior vice-president and senior watch specialist at Sotheby’s, joining the board. Meanwhile, outgoing members Mark Armenante and Briana Le have completed their three-year terms. Mr Buchalter welcomed the new trustees, saying, “Their expertise, achievements, and passion for horology align with our Society’s values. We look forward to their contributions as we expand our programs and strengthen our community of watch enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals.”
