The McGonigle brothers grew up around clocks and watches. Their father, Johnny McGonigle, developed a reputation locally as a clock repair enthusiast. As a consequence, friends and acquaintances would bring clocks and watches for repair.
The constant presence of timepieces in varying stages of disrepair and repair, was the beginning of what ultimately led to Ireland's only authentic handmade watches. McGonigle Watches specialize in unique pieces and mechanisms with high complications.
1996
Stephen graduated from the Irish Swiss Institute of Horology in Dublin in 1996 winning a scholarship to Switzerland.
1997
Following this he worked for Somlo Antiques in Piccadilly, London as a specialist in the restoration of fine antique watches.
1997
In 1998 he joined Christophe Claret. There he developed prototypes, Complications, Tourbillons, Automates and Minute Repeaters.
2000
He went on to join Frank Muller where he worked in the production and after sales service of complications and gained experience with the Grande Sonnerie.
2001
He then moved to Breguet as Head of Complications for After Sales Service and had the opportunity to work on the restoration of the famous Sympathique clock.
2002
Later he worked at British Masters as Head of Complications.
2003
Stephen then opened his own independent atelier creating complications for some of the most prestigious names in watchmaking.
2006
The McGonigle Watch brand was created.
2007
McGonigle launches their first timepiece the Tourbillon.
2011
McGonigle Watches launched their first time-only in-house calibre movement, the Tuscar.
2016
On the 17th March 2016 we launched our most complicated watch to date, the Ceol Minute Repeater
2018
Stephen is honored at the 2018 Temporis Awards as he is inducted into the Temporis Hall of Fame