My first Impression on an Irish Watchmaker - John McGonigle

[KokChoon]

John McGonigle, photo taken during Tempus 2007 in Singapore, in front of his display cabinet

My first Impression
When The Hour Glass handed over the names of the participating list of Independent Watchmakers, there was in this list a name that I am not very familiar with and have only seen once in Basel briefly this year - McGonigle!

I remembered vaguely that "Brand" McGonigle refers to two Irish brothers and their only product is the Tourbillon Watch.... nothing much I can recall....

Thus, it was a great opportunity when I met John McGonigle for the first time on the night before the Tempus, at Richard Mille Boutique here in Singapore. To my "surprise", he is very down-to-earth and a very friendly guy indeed, and I were already looking forward to hear more about him, his brother Stephen and their watches....

First day in Tempus 2007, September 5th 2007, we meet again at the opening of the Tempus. I finally got a closer look at his watch and through his explanation, I understand more about his and his brother's work and thoroughly admire their works after that....

John was born in an Irish family where his father is a compositor by trade but a handy man as well who could turn his hand on anything, including repairing clocks and watches. John's other brother Anthony is also a watchmaker based in Rome, Italy. His sister Frances is an established artist and her influence and design were instrumental in forging the vision for McGonigles' watch. John studied watchmaking in the Irish/Swiss Institute of Horology in Dublin. Upon graduation, he spent 2 years in UK and Ireland repairing watches and clocks before proceeding to Neuchatel, Switzerland, to study at the famous international watchmaking school, Wostep. He then went to Bermuda to work as a service manager and watchmaker before returning to Switzerland again and stayed 5 good years in Audemars Piguet in LeBrassus.

This proves to be the turning point of his career as he has gained precious experience and skills in the traditional 'haut de gamme' watchmaking. He specialised in extra flat watches, perpetual calendars, minute repeaters and AP's famed titanium caged automatic Tourbillon which remains the smallest production Tourbillon ever made, besides having the opportunity to restore many AP's antique and complicated watches as well.

However, when the opportunity came in 1997 and he immediately jumped to it to develop prototypes for Christophe Claret. In Christophe's Atelier, he went on to develop Grande Complications, Tourbillons, Automates and Repeaters with Westminster Chiming.

After spending 2 full years working full time in the Atelier, he decided to return to Ireland in 1999 to establish his own watchmaking workshop producing complications for some of the Swiss watch houses. Today, he and his brother spent around 40% of their time a year in their own "McGonigle" tourbillon watches and spent the remaining 60% of their time working on projects for others.

John is truly a remarkable gentleman who would pursue his dream despite having to give out the benefits of working in big houses and in Switzerland. His personable character has charmed many during the Tempus 2007 Fair and though no sale has been concluded yet to my understanding, there are really many interested parties and I am sure that the orders would be sending to him in no time

Hope to see him soon in Singapore again and hope that Stephen could come along then so that we can have a fuller coverage of the two brothers and understand better their work as a team.


The watch
Below are some photos I have taken on the platinum tourbillon watch and please pardon the quality. While this watch is awesome in person but the two-level dial with the sapphire crystal dial and the black coated top movement make it extremely hard to photograph

I have chosen this particular watch instead of the other pink gold version to feature here as this watch was made by John McGonigle.

John and Stephen have actually agreed on all detailed including how to finish the watch but have decided to have their own name engraved on the back of the watch. This platinum piece has been done by John and you would be able to see it on the third photo below.

The strive for elegance, simplicity, precision and reliability pushes the brother to have taken the view that less is often more and thus adopted this principle into the design of their Tourbillon.

Notice in the above photos that the upper dial is machined out of a slice of sapphire crystal, with an opening at the six to expose the tourbillon cage and an additional opening in the dial at 12 o'clock to allow viewing of part of the barrel and the wolf-tooth gearing....

Also, the hour indexes are drilled into the sapphire to correspond with the hour indexes on the lower dial, which is actually part of the movement itself.


Movement side:

As can be seen here that this is a hand wound mechanical movement as there is no rotor in sight. According to John, the power reserve is in excess of 110 hours and interestingly blue synthetic sapphire jewel are used instead of the traditional red rubies. However, red rubies would be used on their Pink Gold version.

One point to highlight is that the mainplate and bridges are actually made from "German Silver", which has been used by some high grade watches because of its rigidity. The McGonigle brothers will then finish these mainplates and underside of the bridges with fine spotting and perlage.

There is also quite a number of misunderstandings as to the engraver of the movement at the back. NO, it is NOT their sister Frances who did the engraving as she is not an engraver! However, Frances artistic talent did influence her 2 brothers a lot and those hand engrave with a Celtic inspired design was actually the Design of Frances McGonigle!

Also, NO serial number was engraved on the movement and case! John explained that as the production number is really low and the requirement of the serial number is actually non-existence. Each piece is engrave with either John's or Stephen's name depending on who is making that piece and date when they started on that piece is also engraved as reference. At 6 o'clock position is engraved "Made in Ireland" as the brothers insist that they will return to Ireland for this project at least a few months a year and all their physical works for this project would be done there!


Another interesting angle to admire this marvelous creation:

Hope that I have provide some basic coverage of this watch, will at least on John McGonigle and you might want to check out their web-site to find out more about this passionate pair of brothers and their watches.

So far, only the McGonigle has produced only one design which is the Tourbillon watch, available in Platinum and Rose Gold. When asked about their future plans and if any other models are already in the pipeline, John chosen not to comment on this as he want to be able to present his finished prototype when announcing their new creation rather than revealing their plan and not being able to realize it later. This is such a down-to-earth gentleman he is, from my observation with the few days spent with him during the Tempus period.

Hope to see you soon my friend!


Cheers
KokChoon



p.s. Below are some portraits that I have taken of John, without him posing for me as I prefer the more "natural" shots. Processed black and white. Hope you guys like them:

[KokChoon]

Hi guys,

I have also made some photographs of the rose gold version and this one "happened" to be made by Stephen McGonigle.

Sorry for the quality of these images as they do not do any justice to the beauty of the watches just like the post above

One more point to clarify in case I have misled some of you out there. The chosing of platinum or rose gold case is purely random! Meaning, both John and Stephen might pick up a rose gold or platinum case and started working. So do not be surprised if you find one rose gold version with John's name engraved at the back and vice versa.

Cheers
KokChoon

[KokChoon]

By the way, in case some of you might be interested to know, both John and Stephen McGonigle have been accepted as candidates for the prestige AHCI and we certainly hope that they will be admitted as members soon - where they rightfully belong, in my humble opinion!

Cheers
KokChoon

[IanS]

With their sapphire dials reflecting light to and from all angles the McGonigle watches are very difficult to photograph but you have managed superbly.

It was my pleasure and honour to be have a chance to spend time with you at Tempus - next time in Switzerland!

[Curtis]

Hi KC,

Really good report and great photos. John and Stephen (too bad he couldn't attend) are fantastic guys and super watchmakers, with a passion and attention to detail that is most evident in their work.

I can't find the thread here that included my small article about the McGonigle's dial, so for those intersted - click here.

Thanks for your post!

Cheers,

Curtis

[KokChoon]

Thanks Curtis,

Too bad I could not meet up with you in Tempus 2007 as I heard that you did not come this time. Perhaps we could arrange for a coffee next Basel

Very interesting article on the dial and thanks for the link. Now that we can have a better picture how the dial fits in.....

When I asked John why a Tourbillon watch and not other watch, he mentioned that they wanted to create something "simple" yet elegant, something that they can show the world what Irish watchmakers are capable of doing well too. He added that they have started the project thinking how to better "show" and place a Tourbillon than the traditional small window. Thus the design centered on the presentation of the whole Tourbillon cage!

"With the big opening at the six o'clock position and together with the use of the sapphire dial, the watch provides a 'watchmaker's view' to the Tourbillon and the entire cage", said John McGonigle. And that is cool, I must add.

One thing that I have forgotten to ask is the "flat M" shape of the bridge across the Tourbillon. I presume that would be the signature of McGonigle - M for McGonigle

Cheers
KokChoon

[Jeremy]

What can I say KC but Fantastic pics as usual. Truly, one of the benefits of Tempus is that one can get a chance to see and handle such wonderful timepieces from such special individuals. Truly beautiful tourbillon. Can see the details in the hand-finishing. The engraving on the back is unique as well. Hope that the brothers will have new models in the future.

[Wimster]

Thanks KC,

I also met John at Tempus and like you I didn't heard much of the brothers.
John told me the story about their watch and they really deserve a lot of respect. Indeed down to earth and I think these guys make what they want and what's in their heart.

Kudos to you KC, for this post giving them the attention they deserve!

cheers, Wim

[Milan]

Really extraordinary account Kok Choon on another fresh breath of air in innovative and unique style that John and Stephen McGonigle brothers bring to the connoisseurs of the implacable horology from the independent watchmakers.

As you this was my first time having a sincere pleasure to meet and get to know both work and the person that is Mr. John McGonigle. I wouldn’t be really honest if I wouldn’t say straight out that besides being a truly a dedicated artist in the watchmaking field he is one lovable b@stard an obvious well known joke by now (and I do mean this with all the love and due respect).



John over the time of Tempus became a person one would flock to unintentionally, not only due to his charming & realistic persona, but due to his infectious knowledge of watchmaking art especially in the way he would go about conveying. Need I say that some of the best talks we had were late night over cigars and beers.



Admittedly same as Kok Choon I only read about McGonigle brothers work in one article before meeting John in TEMPUS and was floored when I actually had a chance to examine and learn more about their sole model – the magnificent Tourbillon. Without a doubt IMVHO not taking into account the non-lubricated MJLC Extreme Lab this has to be by far the most impressive reinterpretations of this impressive classic complication. After talking to John I realized that very often the simplest ideas that would seem just the right solution on paper in practice sometimes don’t achieve the desired result or effect. This is when a studious and artful genius of watchmaker comes to shine like in example of novel application of cut sapphire crystal for displaying the wonderfully suspended Tourbillon cage.

From the lovely photography of our KC and Harry Tan one can see the artistry applied in creating this stunning dial, M-shaped Tourbillion suspension arches (is the M for McGonigle or in my vain case for Milan ), the intricate hand wound mechanical movement development paired with bespoke finishing and lastly the gorgeous and oh so fitting Celtic font that furnish that unmistakable Irish DNA.

The Tourbillion cage “less is more” approach (dispensing with the regulator, removing weight from either side) grants an effort more efficient regardless of not being an easy thing to accomplish it presents a clean yet more aesthetic visceral appearance. The distinctive captivating dial is machined out of sapphire crystal with 6 o’clock opening framing the tourbillon cage and at the top displaying the wolf teeth gearing of the mainspring barrel. The other two levels of the dial are not instantly recognizable unless carefully examined or being fortunate to have it convey by John. Under the sapphire dial there is barrel bridge (electro plated either in grey ruthenium or chrome black) which is fashioned in the same shape and provides that pleasing contrast for the dial graphics. The last lowest level is German silver ring with holes drilled for hour indexes completing the look of the dial. This all contributes to functional legibility of the piece as well artistic interpretation that draws the light toward the piece de resistance which is the tourbillon cage.

Another unique aspect are the grained and beveled arrow hands which are either polished or blue steel. The slightly oval case purposely fitted with strong and IMO very masculine lugs further complements the whole design of the piece especially when taking into account the purposefully large crown featuring their Celtic logo.

Undoubtedly the knowledge and extensive work that John performed for the stalwarts of the haute horology industry has certainly endowed him with immense mastery in his field, but it is his ingenious approach to attain his personal watch making objective and to spare no cost be it time, effort or capital. I finally understood what time consuming and painstaking endeavor an artist goes through to achieving his masterwork to see the light of day. At around almost 4 months of meticulous workmanship for each of these wonderful pieces the lucky customers will really get a piece of contemporary horology art signed by the McGonigle(s). Actually due to no outside assembly and the limited production there are no conventional numbering with their pieces instead each watch is dated and signed by one of the watchmaker be it John or Stephen.
I am looking forward with trepidation and excitement at hearing what is the next piece in stored for us.

[hotnerd]

Excellent pics Milan!

The watch was very impressive to see up close and I love the Celtic symbolism all over the watch

Cheers,

Bhanu