Over the last year Total Watch Reviews has featured the talents of many extraordinary craftsmen situated in a range of geographic locations. What this effectively illustrates is a universal passion for watchmaking. McGonigle is a high-end watch brand based in Athlone, Ireland. Two very dynamic brothers John and Stephen McGonigle established the company six years ago. Within a very short space of time they have gained enormous respect from their peers in the industry.
Both of the brothers have extensive experience within the industry. To fine-tune their craft they both studied watchmaking at the (Irish) Swiss Institute of Horology in Dublin and WOSTEP in Neuchatel, Switzerland. Subsequently this led to prestigious jobs at Audemars Piguet and Christophe Claret. Stephen also has worked for Franck Muller and Breguet. It was at these companies that he was instrumental in creating highly complicated movements. In 2007 they created the brand McGonigle and released their fantastic debut model the Tourbillon.
Back in May I wrote an article entitled ‘Independent Watchmakers’, which featured ten exceptional timepieces. The sublime Tuscar-One in Ten (which was completely sold out) was showcased in this editorial. When I recently contacted John he informed me of their latest offering that is called the Tuscar Bánú. This incredible watch has the same 43mm diameter as the other models, which should entice the serious collector. I would also imagine the luxurious 18 carat rose gold case should make the piece fairly comfortable and lightweight to wear. In my opinion this wonderful timepiece would look great with formal attire.
Aesthetically the Tuscar Bánú is striking and the attention to detail is first rate. The part skeletonized element of the façade is absolutely awesome and perfectly displays the complex mechanics of the watch. In contrast the other half of the dial has a circular grained pattern, which is punctuated by raised rose gold numerals. Visually this gives the timepiece a real feeling of depth. Other stunning features include the polished steel hands with gold arrowheads and the elegant beveled crown. Over all the three dimensional appearance of the watch is sophisticated and highly original.
Beneath the watch’s opulent exterior lies the refined Calibre: McG01. This mechanical hand winding movement comprises 31 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5hz). It also has a larger (12.8mm) balance diameter to ensure optimum timekeeping stability. The creation of this Calibre was a collaborative process between the McGonigle brothers and legendary Swiss designer Alberto Papi. Functionally the Tuscar Bánú features hours, minutes and small seconds. The watch is also water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The Tuscar Bánú has a hand stitched black alligator strap with hand engraved 18k rose gold folding buckle. Due to exclusive nature of these watches only 20 will be produced. The price is: CHF 52,800 (approximately $59,178).
