Horological Meandering

While we were there, we were treated to a visit with John McGonigle in Athlone smack dab in the middle of Ireland. A gentleman completely. Our visit with him and his wife, Linda, was filled with talk of watches, watches, life, family, good food and life. ...  

now please we wanna more pictures lot more :) Best Damjan

I've never been to Ireland, but it certainly is green! Thanks for the photos.

people. That said the most unexpected pleasure was the quality of the food. We had some wonderful meals to the point that we think that one of the meals that we had, in a town called Dingle, was one of the top 10 meals that we have ever had. It is a count... 

It'd be worth it to visit just to try the food!

I hope to meet the McGonigle family soon... a long time without having seen them. Thanks Mitch for the nice report! Fx ...  

to receive mine. John and his family are most gracious and are a true pleasure to visit with. Linda, his wife, is a stitch with a great sense of humor. The kids Ben and Helen are charming. Visiting with John and spending time with him gave me a true appre... 

And remind me to give you hell for your bountiful truthiness and lack of detail! ;-) Best, CaliforniaJed

Any guesses? Mitch

:-) MTF PS. Once a year we all toast Arthur......we...... being Guinness fans of the world.

in the pubs. Painting the town black (and not the Stones!). Mitch

...you did not make that pilgrimage and leave without a watch??? What are you not telling us, Mitch? ;-) Cheers, pplater.

a lot less patiently now, having seen one in the making). Truth - my 60th birthday is soon upon me and it should be celebrated with a special watch. Truth - I have long resisted the rabbit hole of turbillons but, have recently fallen deeply into the hole ... 

Your dare is to answer honestly: counting the Tuscar, at some point before or after your impending milestone, will you be the owner of two watches by the brothers McGonigle? :-) Cheers, pplater.

But perhaps you are correct. The challenge, is also to guess which watch sent me down that rabbit hole. Mitch

The tourbillon has always seemed something of an affectation, and a disproportionately expensive one at that. Speaking personally, the exceptions would be FPJ (prototype and Rd'E versions), Smith (if only Daniels had gone down that road in wristwatches!),... 

My wife and I were able to visit Ireland in May. One of the highlights for us was visiting John and his family as well as touring his studio. They are great people and would have liked to spend even more time touring Athlone. As it were, felt very lucky t... 

independent watchmaking community. Spending time with the watchmaker who will be responsible for producing a watch that I will wear lends a special significance to that watch filled with not only mechanical wonders but also fills it with a soul and memori... 

Hope all else is well with you Mitch. S

I hope it was fruitful horologically too :) I am a big fan of the Tuscar and followed some of its development. best, Horo

Sean's does not broadcast that they are the oldest in the world but they do have their Guiness certificate in full view posted as being the oldest pub in Ireland. A fine brew is to be had there. Mitch

Ireland's one of the few countries in that corner of the world that we haven't visited. Looks like we will have to schedule a few days worth of eating (and sightseeing) I look forward to seeing your McGonigles. .. Cheers, Cazalea

I like the scenic country side - a great place to have holiday. What more, you found your tourbilion! Seans Bar appears to be an attractive water hole. Regards Ling