Stephen McGonigle
Watchmaker and entrepreneur
A life in Switzerland
For almost 20 years, Stephen McGonigle has worked in the home of watchmaking, Switzerland, making mechanical watches under his brand, McGonigle Watches and more recently, his younger brand, Magon Watches. His timepieces are made-to-order, taking years to develop and months to assemble, with every component meticulously finished by hand. He originally graduated from the Irish/Swiss Institute of Horology, winning a scholarship to Switzerland.
How long have you lived in Switzerland and what brought you there?
“I moved to Switzerland in 1997. As a watchmaker, it was the best place in the world to hone my skills and it gave me the opportunity to work with some of the best watch brands in the world. In the early years of course, I had no idea that I’d eventually launch a brand, but for this too, being based in Switzerland is extremely advantageous, as the suppliers and artisans I work with are literally on my doorstep.”
How long have you lived in Switzerland and what brought you there?
“I moved to Switzerland in 1997. As a watchmaker, it was the best place in the world to hone my skills and it gave me the opportunity to work with some of the best watch brands in the world. In the early years of course, I had no idea that I’d eventually launch a brand, but for this too, being based in Switzerland is extremely advantageous, as the suppliers and artisans I work with are literally on my doorstep.”
Tell us about your work
“Today, as an independent watchmaker with a watch brand, my work not only involves watchmaking but design, marketing, financing, logistics, etc. So, all the things that come with running a small company. I work on my own, so this can be quite a challenge.
However, I have the great fortune to work with some incredibly talented artisans and this means that the important stuff - the watches - are crafted to the highest level. For small independent brands, we need to create something really special in order to stand out among the big, well-established watch brands. It’s for this reason the independent watchmakers are producing the highest quality, most unique timepieces in the industry.”
What does St Patrick’s Day mean to you as an Irish person living abroad?
Living abroad for so long, St Patrick’s Day really does mean a lot. I’d even suggest it’s more important to expats. The ‘locals’ genuinely get excited about it and there’s a real focus on all things Irish. Compared to some other countries, Switzerland doesn’t have the biggest Irish community but this doesn’t seem to lessen the excitement. St Patrick’s Day really is an incredible event for the Irish diaspora and I don’t think there’s another country that has anything quite like it.”
What does St Patrick’s Day mean to you as an Irish person living abroad?
Living abroad for so long, St Patrick’s Day really does mean a lot. I’d even suggest it’s more important to expats. The ‘locals’ genuinely get excited about it and there’s a real focus on all things Irish. Compared to some other countries, Switzerland doesn’t have the biggest Irish community but this doesn’t seem to lessen the excitement. St Patrick’s Day really is an incredible event for the Irish diaspora and I don’t think there’s another country that has anything quite like it.”
What makes being Irish so unique?
“I used to think that it was just my perspective, that I considered the Irish an easy group of people to work with, but over the years it’s clear that the Irish, more often than not, fit seamlessly into the work culture here. In general, for whatever reason, we’re more flexible than others and maybe this has something to do with our history of emigration. We had to – and have to - adapt. I also think the generally very open. The amiable nature of the Irish is a huge strength and it’s clearly recognised here in Switzerland.”
