Rare is it that siblings are found creating in the same field, rarer still to have brothers working together to create some of the finest hand finished pieces of micro-mechanical horological art. The understanding and empathy that has to occur in order for these partnerships to work is truly amazing and a testament to the characters of these 4 individuals. Having known the Irish duo, Stephen & John now for 10 years, and having spent quite some time with them, I can say they are top lads and gentlemen to boot, conducting their business in a quiet and steadfast way, paying enormous respect to the history of fine watchmaking. Their first watch, the exquisite McGonigle Tourbillon from 2006, is still one of my favourite watches of all time.
The Dutch brothers, Tim & Bart, are no less great guys, and have a family history going back 3 generations in Oldenzaal. Breaking onto the Independent Watchmaking scene in 2008, these larger than life (literally, the Dutch are some of the tallest Europeans!) brilliant technical watchmakers kicked off with the GTM-06 Tourbillon Minute Repeater as their first watch, and in the spring of 2009 at Baselworld, I met them and their amazing first effort.
Fast forward to now, John & Stephen have been hard at work on their latest piece, a Minute Repeater, the Ceol. Beautifully hand finished with some Celtic designs by Frances, their artist sister, for the relief hand engraving occurring on the german silver plates and bridges of the movement. It has a McGonigle first, an enamel dial. Those familiar with their Tuscar, the first fully inhouse McGonigle caliber, will notice the balance bridge that carries the McGonigle freesprung balance.
The Ceol Minute Repeater, cased 18k WG
The lovely german silver caliber, with Ti balance bridge.
Possibly a record, 4 McGonigle watches in one place...John's proto, a Tourbillon, a Tuscar Banu WG & the Ceol Minute Repeater.
Next up, Bart & Tim Grönefeld revealed their latest creation, their third in-house caliber, the brilliant 1941 Remontoire, with it's 8 seconds constant force. Following the spectacular Parallax Tourbillon, they had their work cut out and I'm here to tell you they have done a sterling job with this new watch.
To be continued...