last update: May 24th 2013

Watches

The McGonigle Tourbillon Watch

by Ariel Adams | April 29th 2012 | 11:00 am

Ireland is known for many things, but not watchmaking. This is perhaps ironic, because England has had a very long history of quality watchmaking, with Irish participation almost being guaranteed somewhere along that timeline. Today, the watchmaker king in Europe is of course Switzerland, but they don’t get to have all the fun, as proven by brothers Stephen and John McGonigle who have been producing traditional high-end timepieces since 2004 under the eponymous brand name.

The McGonigle Tourbillon Watch in platinum

McGonigle does things a little bit different. The design of the watches is readily distinct from others of this pedigree. Of course, there is the Celtic design influence and engravings on the rear of the movement, but there is also a subtle playfulness. While the mechanical mechanism of the Tourbillon is complex and traditional, the design of the movement bridges and dial feels more fantasy inspired than classical.

To celebrate their debut a few years ago, McGonigle released this Tourbillon watch. Tourbillons are balance wheel assemblies that rotate on a constant axis, making for a stunning visual display but theoretically designed to make mechanical movements more accurate. Because of the complexity, most watchmakers don’t start with a tourbillon, preferring to slowly enter the territory of the desirable high-complication. The bridge over the McGonigle Tourbillon is a unique-looking double arch, which showcases a specially simplified tourbillon cage that McGonigle believes makes for a more beautiful view. The tourbillon-based movement features just the time and is manually wound.

The dial of the Tourbillon watch offers the look of a traditional dial with exposed movement elements. The multi-layer face is provocative while being tasteful at the same time. No one else uses these types of 'spear' hands that are blued steel ending in sharp tips with the flame-blued colour polished off. Markers such as the brand logo and Arabic numerals are set on to a sapphire crystal plate placed on the dial right under the hands. For a first watch, McGonigle achieved a pleasantly independent look that would not catch existing watch lovers off-guard with something too different.

While proudly 'Made in Ireland', McGonigle sources many of their parts from Switzerland – a wise decision. McGonigle does not number their watches, but the date of their production is engraved on the rear of the case. Each Tourbillon watch is offered in either a platinum or 18kt rose gold case. McGonigle assembles each watch individually with an extremely exclusive annual production.

Visit McGonigle on the web