YORK’S HOROLOGICAL LEGACY CONTINUES at the Yo r k T i m e I n s ti tu t e
BY SARAH O’BRIEN | DIRECTOR, DOWNTOWN INC
How Dan Nied is preserving York’s clockmaking heritage and training the next generation of horologists For centuries, York has stood the test of time, both literally and figuratively. From the humble beginnings of famed clockmaker Jonathon Jessup in the 1820s, York’s rich history with clockmaking continues today. In the 300 block of West Market Street, just west of the Codorus Creek in WeCo, a humble but auspicious-looking sign hangs proudly above the steps of 312 W Market Street alerting passersby to the presence of the York Time Institute and its founding horologist Dan Nied. Boasting a variety of clocks, watches, and impressive machinery, walking through the first-floor workshop is like taking a step back in time. One can expect to find eager students and apprentices passing time with Dan studying and repairing various timepieces. The York Time Institute’s renowned expert in the art & science of Horology, Dan Nied has been diligently training the “next generation” of experts for over two decades.
Students from as far as Japan have walked through the doors of the institution to train, study, and learn the intricacies of clockmaking from the “world-famous” Nied. The 54-week Diploma Program is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools, and produces a cadre of experts, no more than seven students at a time, to ensure personalized training. Several of Dan’s recent graduates have joined forces and launched their own Mid-Atlantic Horological Cooperative, just a few blocks from the Institute. Some might see this as competition, but not Dan. Dan couldn’t be more excited that his students had taken the knowledge gained under his direction and set up shop so close to him. “If I can train someone to be better than me, and I’m famous, that’s a sign of real success that’s a compliment to me, I want my students to exceed what I've been able to do. They have to go further than me - that’s the whole idea,” said Nied.