Story Highlight
– Gregory Brown appointed as HSNY executive director.
– HSNY supports watchmaking education and historical preservation.
– Brown brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience.
– Record $450,000 awarded in financial aid in 2026.
– Plans to expand events and industry discussions.
Full Story
The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) has announced the appointment of Gregory Brown as its new executive director, replacing Nicholas Manousos, who held the position for over ten years.
A member of HSNY since 2016, Brown is set to steer the historic organisation, which has been serving the watchmaking community for 160 years. His goals include enhancing educational initiatives, safeguarding horological heritage, and fostering connections within the global watch industry.
Brown’s extensive background in business and nonprofit management spans more than twenty years. His most recent role was as chief operating officer at Sailworks, where he managed the operational and financial strategies for four artist-led foundations. In addition, he is affiliated with the Academy of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) and has reported on significant industry events, including Baselworld, for TimeZone.
William Buchalter, president of HSNY, expressed confidence in Brown’s abilities, stating, “Greg understands both the institution and the industry around it. He brings the leadership experience we need to build on that foundation, expand our impact, and ensure HSNY remains as relevant to the next generation as it has been to those before it.”
Founded in 1866 by craftsmen in New York, HSNY plays a vital role in supporting watchmaking education. It provides financial assistance to aspiring watchmakers, aids educational institutions, and offers practical classes and lectures on horology. The society’s Jost Bürgi Research Library is notable for housing over 25,000 items that document the field’s history and scholarship.
In 2026, HSNY set a new benchmark by distributing $450,000 in financial aid to 55 scholarship recipients, several watchmaking schools, and independent artisans, while its 160th Anniversary Gala generated $1.2 million in funding.
Looking ahead, Brown aims to broaden HSNY’s event offerings, creating further avenues for industry professionals to engage in dialogue about the future of watchmaking. He remarked, “There has never been more energy around watches, but sustaining that momentum requires investment in what sits behind them: people, education and knowledge.”
