Deciphering personal histories through bookplates at HSNY's Library: A Fascinating Walk through Time
Every piece of literature has a compelling tale to tell and sometimes, that tale lies not just within the pages, but extends to the bookplates as well. Such profound discoveries can be found in the library of the Horological Society of New York (HSNY). The library, named after Jost Bürgi, a brilliant clockmaker and mathematician, is a treasure trove of books mostly acquired secondhand by one ardent bibliophile, Fortunat Mueller-Maerki.
These books carry embedded within them, imprints of their former owners; inscriptions, marks and names that add unique layers of fascination to each book. One such distinctive feature found in several of these books is the bookplate, a printed expression of ownership. Bookplates, in their eloquent designs, often offer captivating glimpses into the personalities of their past owners. Many of these bookplates incoporate horological themes, a testament to the library’s emphasis on the study of time and timekeepers.
20-10-2025
Remember the days of Nintendo and Playstation gaming marathons? In between rounds of Mario Kart and Donkey Kong, a particular automotive gem was discovered within the Gran Turismo series: the Lotus Carlton. A rare sighting indeed, this Opel saloon car was reimagined with Lotus engineering, transforming it into a formidable super saloon of the 90s. Among its peers in Belgium today, a pristine green model stands as testament to its bygone glory.
The term ‘super’ often implies an extraordinary narrative: Superman, supercharge, supercar. The super saloon is no exception. Renowned examples such as the BMW M5, Audi RS6, and Mercedes E-Class AMG come from the esteemed German trilogy. However, this term also applies to other charismatic contenders like the Jaguar XJR, Maserati Quattroporte and more.
18-10-2025
Benrus is pushing out of the shadows with the re-edition of its mid-20th century Type 2 Mil Spec watch, showcasing a focused, resilient design.
17-10-2025
Rolex, in collaboration with author Nicholas Foulkes, has unveiled a second authorised book, Oyster Perpetual Datejust – A Watch that Made History.
12-09-2025
In the intriguing underworld of antique timepieces, a tale of obsession and legacy unfolds revolving around a clock possibly once owned by John F. Kennedy.
11-09-2025
Relive the illustrious journey of the iconic Panerai Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218, a timepiece blessed with a rich military heritage and stellar horology craftsmanship.
11-09-2025
Delve into the rich history of one of the world’s most iconic watches: Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Datejust.
09-09-2025
The Rolex Datejust is not just another luxury watch. It’s an icon that has transformed the way we perceive timepieces. This article delves into the rich history of this quintessential Rolex model.
23-08-2025
An unforgettable tale of a granddaughter, her ambitious journey and a vintage Rolex watch binding her to the memory of her pragmatic grandmother.
12-08-2025
Uncover the allure of the 'Evil Clapton' Universal Genève, explore the unique charm of the Chronomatic Heuer Carrera and revisit the phenomenon of early imitation watches.
08-08-2025
In New York, the exclusive Watches of Switzerland flagship in SoHo hosted a fascinating Hodinkee Gathering revolving around Porsche Design watches.
08-08-2025
The exceptional Lanzante 95-59, a reminiscent tribute to the legendary McLaren F1 GTR Le Mans victory in 1995, is making heads turn in the racing and automotive world.
03-08-2025
Venturing beyond the expected faces of the diving watch world, the Favre Leuba Deep Raider Renaissance stands as a testament to history and craftsmanship.
02-08-2025
Dive into the fascinating narrative of the first watch owned by revered 19th century abolitionist, writer, and orator, Frederick Douglass.
31-07-2025
In the high-stakes 1960s space race, a group of unsung heroes wore an assortment of eye-catching timepieces. A closer look reveals fascinating ties to the celebrated Apollo program.
24-07-2025
Unravelling the rich lineage and profound significance of the IWC Big Pilot Collection, we explore one of the most iconic pilot watches ever created.
19-07-2025
Immerse into a nostalgic exploration of the rich history of the Horological Society of New York (HSNY), divulged through pages of its member newsletter - The Horologist's Loupe.
17-07-2025
The time-enduring American watch company, Benrus, revitalizes its historic Type 1 MilSpec, presenting it with a modern yet compact redesign.
15-07-2025
Discover the remarkable rebirth of Löbner Watches, a forgotten but once revered 19th-century German watchmaking brand.
10-07-2025
Last year was a milestone for IWC Schaffhausen’s Portugieser Collection, marking its 85th anniversary. This enduring timepiece has a fascinating story behind its creation.
05-07-2025
Riding along the twists and turns of MotoGP, this article dives into the adrenaline-fueled realm of high-speed motorcycle racing.
05-07-2025
Dive into the Glamorous World of Alfa Romeo's 33 Stradale: Nostalgic Design Meets Modern Engineering
Experience a journey through time with Alfa Romeo as its iconic 33 Stradale revamps classic design with trendsetting innovation.
05-07-2025
Join us for a captivating glimpse into two remarkable vintage Tudors and delve into the backstory of the initial quartz-driven Patek Philippe timepiece.
04-07-2025
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean's history unveils a journey of innovation and prestige in the world of diver watches.
21-06-2025
Delve into a fascinating journey through time, exploring how the illustrious Audemars Piguet Royal Oak transformed from a simple timepiece into an artistic masterpiece.
14-06-2025
A seasoned writer with a fervor for timepieces discovers a precious treasure hidden within his father's old possessions, triggering a tale hovering over intrigue, memory and nostalgia.
14-06-2025
The Vulcain Nautical Seventies Dive Watch embarks on a captivating plunge into the annals of underwater horology.
06-06-2025
Showcasing an enduring commitment to deep sea exploration, the Citizen Aqualand has been the torchbearer of dive watches for the past 40 years, offering an intriguing partnership of form and function.
04-06-2025
In the heart of Italy, a timeless brand; OISA (Orologeria Italiana Società Azionaria), has made a resounding comeback, marking the revival of Italian-made watch movements.
29-05-2025
Embark on an engaging exploration of the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo series - a symbol of luxury, precision, and timeless appeal.
24-05-2025
Discover the Elegance and Precision of the Bulova Marine Star Heritage Chronograph in its 150th Year
Immerse yourself in the intricate world of timekeeping as we dive into a review of the 150th Anniversary Bulova Marine Star Heritage Chronograph.
22-05-2025
Unearth the extraordinary story of the 1989 Porsche 959 Speedster, a rare gem from the automotive world.
18-05-2025
Discover a unique side of MobLand as we explore their incredible selection of timepieces.
17-05-2025
Unravel the tale of the Rolex Sea-Dweller, a standard bearer in the realm of luxury diving watches.
17-05-2025
Take a deep dive into the narratives of the Universal Genève Space-Compax, a Movado Tempograph, and an early Navitimer.
16-05-2025
The automotive world keeps alive an esteemed legacy with the Boreham Ford Escort RS Alan Mann 68 Edition.
11-05-2025
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore – A Revolution in Luxury Sports Watches Since Its 1993 Launch
Tracing back to 1993, delve into the evolution of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, the watch that redefined luxury sport timepieces.
10-05-2025
Delve into the intriguing tale behind quarterback phenomenon, Shedeur Sanders' famed 'Watch Flex'.
08-05-2025
Unravel the rich and fascinating history of Doxa Dive watches, a trailblazing name in the world of horology.
02-05-2025
Discover the fascinating history and unique characteristics of three important timepieces: the Cartier 'Reverso', Abercrombie Seafarer, and a Solar-Powered Patek Desk Clock.
25-04-2025
From Amazon Prime comes an exclusive treat for horology enthusiasts - Bulova's 150th Anniversary Documentary.
22-04-2025
Swiss watchmaker IWC recently presented a film titled 'Reference 1832. Our Most Brilliant Failure', paying tribute to a unique piece in its horological history.
18-04-2025
Epoxy resin. Anti-magnetic field. Parachrom hairsprings. They all weave the fascinating story of the Rolex Milgauss. This is a journey worth embarking on.
18-04-2025
Explore how Gérald Genta, the legendary watch designer, shaped the timepiece industry with his visionary prowess.
16-04-2025
In an astonishing 85-year journey, the Marathon Watch Company commemorates its prodigious legacy in the watchmaking world.
15-04-2025
Discover the timeless allure of three historically significant watch models - the impressive Rolex Deep Sea, the distinctive Doré Dial Patek QP, and the eccentric 19th-century Breguet.
11-04-2025
Venture into a captivating journey into time, through the lens of books, with the eminent Horological Society of New York (HSNY).
08-04-2025
This piece traces actor Val Kilmer's journey of resilience and determination, giving an inspiring account of his unyielding spirit.
04-04-2025
In a dazzling display of time-keeping excellence, Hublot marks the 20th anniversary of its iconic Big Bang series.
01-04-2025
Dive into the fascinating history behind TAG Heuer's Formula 1 watch series, a compelling tale of ambition, innovation and precision craftsmanship.
28-03-2025
In a unique blend of endurance and elegance, debates arise on the appropriateness of running a marathon clad in a Richard Mille timepiece.
26-03-2025
Embark on an explorative journey into the captivating world of the distinguished and exceedingly rare Citroën 2CV 4×4 Sahara.
22-03-2025
Prepare for a thrilling journey as we shed light on the mystifying Bullskin Diver, Fat Uranus, and the riveting Rolex leaks.
18-03-2025
Take a deep-dive exploration into a thrilling realm of horology, featuring iconic timepieces such as a Rolex Pre-Daytona, a Harvard Monopusher by Gallet, and a perplexing Patek Philippe.
14-03-2025
Immersing in the world of horology often evokes journeys back in time. The Albishorn Thundergraph, an imaginative reiteration of the 1952 Mountaineer's Watch, makes this journey mesmerizing.
14-03-2025
In an industry that breathes elegance and precision, it's high time we honour the unsung heroes who keep the gears of the watch world turning.
10-03-2025
Delve into the intriguing history and enduring charm of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, a watch that nears its centennial milestone.
08-03-2025
Bespoke timepieces of yesteryears such as the U.S. Army-issued Submariners, the impeccable Breguet QP, and the classic Universal Genève Compur make a daring comeback.
07-03-2025
Dive into a captivating exploration of Patek Philippe's renowned Perpetual Calendar Chronograph collection, insightfully charting its history.
01-03-2025
Journey with us as we reveal the captivating story of the iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, a timeless piece of horology.
28-02-2025
Dive into the horological world of the mid-2000s with the Victorinox Swiss Army 'Summit Smurfs', a series awash in brilliant blues that will spark nostalgia and desire.
27-02-2025
While it may seem that the Victorinox Swiss Army Hunter watch family from the early 2000s had no more surprises, a recently unearthed prototype begs to differ.
27-02-2025
The team at Acquired have delivered an auditory delight diving deep into the fascinating history of Rolex, a brand recognised worldwide for its excellence.
27-02-2025
Delving into the enduring saga of MIYOTA’s Caliber 82 Series, this article celebrates its 50-year romance with horology.
18-02-2025
Imprinted on the Eiffel Tower, along with names of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, is the name of a legendary watchmaker – Abraham-Louis Breguet.
17-02-2025
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