Happenings: ‘Pocket Genius’ Exhibit Opens At The Horological Society Of New York
The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) announces today the opening of a new exhibit, “Pocket Genius: The Watch Collection of Alex Ku.” The exhibit, which will be on view from June through December 2023, features over 50 timepieces capturing the scope and genius of some of history’s most prominent watchmakers. “Pocket Genius” explores the evolution of timepieces ranging from time-only pocket watches to inventive escapements, gem-encrusted cases and highly complicated pieces.
CHARLES FASOLDT, Albany, c. 1860, No. 114, movement engraved “Joseph Davis, 1879,” later cased, key-wind 16-jewel movement with co-axial escapement invented by Fasoldt, 57mm
The watches in this exhibit represent the pinnacle of watchmaking craftsmanship and are a testament to the ingenuity of the human mind.
Nicholas Manousos, HSNY Executive Director
The exhibit highlights timepieces dating from the 1690s to the 1990s, examining the role that watches have played in society, from their use in navigation and timekeeping to their use as status symbols and works of art. Highlights include a dumb quarter-repeating jump-hour pocket watch by Abraham-Louis Breguet, a co-axial escapement by Charles Fasoldt, complicated timepieces like Louis Chanson’s skeletonized perpetual calendar with a lunar indicator, and enameled masterpieces by Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co.
HAAS NEVEUX & CIE, Geneva & Paris, minute repeater and split-second chronograph with 30-minute register, No. 19578, c.1900, 18K gold case, enamel dial, 45.5mm
The collection is on loan from Alex Ku, a California-based watch aficionado. Although Ku has only been collecting watches for seven years, he has amassed a curated arsenal of some of the most important and impressive watches in horological history.
“To carry a pocket watch crafted by a historical master watchmaker is to feel that you hold a piece of horological history in your hand,” said Ku. “For many pieces in my collection, the mission to discover their stories really began only after acquiring them. I’m proud to share pieces from my collection for all to view and learn from, as I have.”
The exhibit, on display at HSNY’s Jost Bürgi Research Library, is divided into four sections: “Historical Watchmakers,” “Escapements,” “Complications” and “Aesthetics.” Bonus material includes a George Daniels co-axial escapement model, on loan from British independent watchmaker and Daniels protégé Roger W. Smith OBE.
Roger Smith visits the “Pocket Genius” exhibit and poses alongside his George Daniels co-axial escapement model.
“The watches in this exhibit represent the pinnacle of watchmaking craftsmanship and are a testament to the ingenuity of the human mind,” said Nicholas Manousos, HSNY Executive Director. “I extend my sincere thanks to Alex Ku for his vision in collecting important pocket watches and for his enthusiasm in making this exhibit happen.”
The exhibit is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalog, which includes macro photography by Atom Moore and Collector Notes from Ku. The catalog will be available for purchase soon, both in-person and online at hs-ny.org/shop. Proceeds from the sales go towards meeting HSNY’s mission of advancing the art and science of horology.
“Pocket Genius” is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10AM to 5PM. Admission is free. HSNY is located at 20 West 44th Street, Suite 501, New York, NY, 10036. Learn more at https://hs-ny.org/exhibits.
Photography by Atom Moore.
HODINKEE is a sponsor of the Horological Society of New York.
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