The Reason
The Tuscar is a uniquely executed and over engineered time piece with Swiss elements, Irish design, executed by 2 brothers.
Calibre: McG01 manual-wind mechanical movement, designed with Alberto Papi. Double mainspring barrels connected in parallel. Power reserve: 90 hours Balance: free sprung balance spring with Breguet overcoil. Balance frequency: 18,000 bph/2.5hz. Balance diameter 12.8mm (large diameter for timekeeping stability). Gold escape wheel (to function without oil). Number of jewels: 31. 20 pieces made
18k gold case and crown. Diameter: 42.5mm. Crystals: Anti-reflective treatment on both top crystal and display back. Water resistance: 30 metres/ 3ATM. Clear sapphire dial, flame-blued hand-polished steel and hand-polished gold hands
Please click on the images to enlarge and to read additional information.
'The balance cock developed in a few different ways, it’s motivation was an amalgamation of ideas and circumstance. I really wanted the stud (and it’s screw) to be hidden, so the keen observer might wonder how it was held in place. We also wanted it to be strong and to be one of the focal points of the watch, while still showing off as much of the balance underneath. I met Alberto one day and he was excited to show me a drawing he had done. With a couple of very small tweaks, the present bridge design was born. ' Stephen McGonigle.
Balance wheel cock
Dial side diagram showing components with out bridges or mainplate.
Case back side diagram showing components with out bridges or mainplate.
"Tuscar" is the name of a group of rocks with a lighthouse that is often the first part of Ireland seen by those approaching by sea from the east.
The mainplate and diverse components before decoration.
Diverse images of the watch, recto-verso.
Words and details on the watch originate from the Ogham alphabet (an ancient Irish alphabet) including those engraved on the crown (both an aesthetic touch and a practical one to allow the crown to be wound easily).
The mainplate after leaving the cnc machine, prior to being decorated or assembled
Hand sketch from the first series of Tuscar by Finish watchmaker Marko Makinen.
“This deconstruction was carefully executed whilst four bottles of wine, four bottles of IPA and 6 bottles of beer were consumed over a 12 hour period.
Beware of the Irish...”
To learn more about McGonigle watches click on www.mcgonigle.ch