A note from our President

I want to welcome you to the Horological Association of Virginia (HAV). For those not familiar with HAV, we are an Affiliate Chapter of the American Watchmakers- Clockmakers Institute (AWCI). Our organization is made up of horologist with skills ranging from novice to master watchmakers and clockmakers, all of whom readily share their knowledge and skills with other members. I want to be clear that we welcome all who are interested in advancing their craftsmanship in horology.

One of our primary functions is to provide educational opportunities so that all of us in the business of watch and clock repair and restoration can expand our ability to perform at a higher level. We do this through our Guilds, which are located throughout the State of Virginia. In addition, each year we hold a technical seminar and an annual convention where programs are presented by nationally recognized horologists.

As President, if you are interested in watch and clock repair and restoration, I encourage you to join us. I believe you will find HAV rewarding both in terms of advancing your knowledge and skills and you will also enjoy the social aspects of our organization.

We have 3 local guilds in the State of Virginia. They have monthly meetings that usually include training or lectures of interest to the Horologist.

The largest is George McNeil’s Potomac Guild. They meet on the first Tuesday of each month at DaVinci's Family Restaurant, 6347 Columbia Pike, Fall Church, VA. For more information, contact the WebMaster.

The Tri-City Guild meets in Richmond on the third Tuesday of each month at Shoney’s on West Broad, just West of Parham Road. Contact the WebMaster for more information.

The South Side Guild meets in Bedford VA at the Liberty Train Station Restaurant on the third Monday of Odd months.

John Enloe
President

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The HOROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA (HAV) was formed in October 1939 for the purpose of promoting cooperation among the horologists (watchmakers) throughout the state of Virginia and surrounding locales. In the ensuing years, HAV's spectrum has broadened to include not only the watchmaker, but also the clockmaker, bench jeweler, retail jeweler, and others included in this micro-precision industry. The scope of HAV has also expanded with the purpose of offering education to its members in the latest techniques, up to date technology, and the prompting of fair trade practices.

Membership in HAV is a real advantage in this modern day of rapidly changing technologies. Frequently the bench person is left behind because of the lack of direct affiliation with the retail market. HAV attempts to bridge that gap through one of its most valuable assets, the Local Guild. Currently there are four guilds throughout the state of Virginia. This smaller group of your fellow trades people, meet on a regular basis, to help breakdown the complexity, and open the door to a better understanding if this industry. Backed by the direct and complete affiliation of the HAV, your local guild becomes a hotline to the answers you need NOW!

The following is a brief summary of the many` things HAV is actively doing for each of its members:

• Technical Library = "For exclusive use of member guilds to include technical bulletins, slide narration programs, and audio and video programs.

• Speakers Bureau - A program by which member guilds may obtain speakers from throughout the U.S.

• Technical Seminars - Held once a year, in the fall, for members to receive hands-on training in a variety of specialties from well-known-experts in their field.

• Annual Convention - Held once a year in the spring, for members to attend training and informational seminars conducted by experts with up to the minute procedures and ideas. A good opportunity for all members to enjoy some entertainment and to meet and network with other members from throughout the state.

• Loupes and Tweezers - The official HAV newsletter, published every three months to keep members abreast of pertinent activities in and around Virginia, and provide bench tips and other information.

• Magazine Subscriptions - Members can order, at reduced prices, subscriptions to a group of trade magazines, offered throughout the industry.

• Membership Certificate and Lapel Pin - For all new members announcing proud participation in HAV.

• National Publicity - With the affiliation of a leading association in the country, the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute.