York's Horological Legacy Continues at the York Time Institute

How Dan Nied is preserving York’s clockmaking heritage and training the next generation of horologists

BY SARAH O’BRIEN | DIRECTOR, DOWNTOWN INC

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 successthat’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.

Dan and his wife live upstairs of the school and busy horology studio. From caretaking pieces for the Yorktowne Hotel during their recent transformation, to repairing pocket watches, or taking apart grandfather clocks from days gone by, the York Time Institute is much more than a repair shop, it is a testament to Dan’s abundant mindset.

When asked what Dan loves most about his Downtown York location, he commented that it was the sense of community and cooperation that gave him the greatest sense of pride. Neid stated “You must work together with people in the area to be successful. We recommend people go to the market or dine down the street.” Nothing demonstrates his community mindset more than the fact that Dan always recommends out-of-town students stay at Grace Manor B&B, located just a few doors down from the institute. According to Dan, the only downside to this arrangement is the fact that Grace Manor innkeeper Joanne Wilmore’s breakfasts are so big and fulfilling that it is not at all diet-friendly.

Dan is humble and modest and holds many of the stories of his great success close to his chest, like the work he has done for world-class museums and customers as far away as France. But he did share with great pride the story of how the Time Institute and his fascination and passion for clockmaking came to be. Dan stated “In 1957 the only valuable thing that we owned was my great grand- father's watch. My father once left the watch in his upper left-hand drawer. I was bored one day, and I took it apart down to the last screw. Once my dad found it, he told me, you have two hours to put it together or I will kill you. My dad never spoke like that. I started putting it together and had it running in less than half an hour.”

Dan has always had a passion for the intricacies of clocks, watches, and horology, and has committed over fifty years of his life to instilling that same sense of commitment and dedication to the next generation of horologists.

312 W Market St | yorktimeinstitute.com