It’s official: The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute is formally changing its logo, acronym, and Web site address to reflect its full name.

The change to “AWCI” was approved March 30 by the group’s board of directors. It was prompted by the increase in recent years in membership of clock repairmen and repairwomen, says Lucy Fuleki, assistant executive director. Even three years ago, the ratio of its approximately 4,000 members was 60% watchmakers to 40% clockmakers. Now, she says, “it’s about 50/50.”

The organization, originally known as the American Watchmakers Institute, was formed in 1960 by the union of two other horological associations. Though it informally changed its name to the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute a few years ago, it changed its name formally only two years ago when it was incorporated in Ohio.

The Institute’s logo will be changed to incorporate the new acronym, and a new address created this year for the Web site (currently www.awi-net.org). However, it probably won’t be awci.com; that name is already being used by another site.

The AWCI, headquartered in Harrison, Ohio, is dedicated to excellence in both the instruction and practice of horological repair and restoration. It offers training and industry-recognized certification for its members, as well as a library and museum run by its Education Library and Museum Trust. The Trust also provides financial assistance to qualified students who attend recognized schools providing horological instruction.

JCK