pplater
5432
It seems that we are somewhat attuned, 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!), Klings and Haldimann. Just putting it out there - was it a Roger Smith that sent you down the rabbit-hole? It would have a similar 'artisanal, Anglicised beauty' to the McGonigle; it is an Independent piece, and the Isle of Man is not as far from County Athlone as Switzerland is...
Cheers,
pplater
Just back from trip to Ireland.
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. ...
Looking good Mitch!
I've never been to Ireland, but it certainly is green! Thanks for the photos.
Yes, Ireland is truly the Emerald Isle. It is green, beautiful and filled with very nice
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...
I have a soft love for the Tuscar...
I hope to meet the McGonigle family soon... a long time without having seen them. Thanks Mitch for the nice report! Fx ...
I was amazed at the beauty of the Tuscar in the metal. I can barely wait
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...
Remind me to raise a glass the next time we're together and toast your 60 years, Mitch.
And remind me to give you hell for your bountiful truthiness and lack of detail! ;-) Best, CaliforniaJed
To Arthur?
:-) MTF PS. Once a year we all toast Arthur......we...... being Guinness fans of the world.
We were there on Arthur's Day (Sept 27). Said to be as big as St. Patrick's day
in the pubs. Painting the town black (and not the Stones!). Mitch
Surely...
...you did not make that pilgrimage and leave without a watch??? What are you not telling us, Mitch? ;-) Cheers, pplater.
Truth - I did not leave with a watch. Truth - I am waiting for my Tuscar (though
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 ...
Truth or dare...
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.
Ah. Certainly not before, as the birthday is but 3+ weeks away.
But perhaps you are correct. The challenge, is also to guess which watch sent me down that rabbit hole. Mitch
It seems that we are somewhat attuned, 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!),...
McGonigle visit
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...
Visiting John and Linda was a true joy. I am enthusiastically a supporter of the
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...
Seans also the oldest pub in the world, not just Ireland!!
I hope it was fruitful horologically too :) I am a big fan of the Tuscar and followed some of its development. best, Horo
Indeed it was fruitful!!!! More to come...eventually.
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
Sounds like great trip, 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
Mitch, it looks like a great trip for you.
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