Introducing Magon Fórsa Titanium Chronograph, by Stephen McGonigle

The identify Magon Watches will undoubtedly say nothing to you, and for a very good cause because the model is being launched as you learn this introduction. Nevertheless, the identify behind this newcomer isn’t unknown and can resonate within the thoughts of impartial collectors: Stephen McGonigle. One of many two brothers behind the watchmaking firm McGonigle, Stephen has determined so as to add a solo album to his discography, with out abandoning the principle band, similar to his brother John did with Oileán Watches  (no worries, McGonigle watches remains to be alive). Let’s take a look on the first creation of Stephen, the Magon Fórsa Titanium Chronograph.

When he determined to fly solo for some time, Stephen McGonigle went for one thing (objectively) private and distinctive to him. Behind this new tonneau-shaped chronograph is a lifelong ardour for the game of rugby. However there’s nothing gimmicky right here or just a look ahead to rugby followers. Magon Watches is before everything the mission of an amazing watchmaker who is aware of a factor or two about creating high-end watches. Admittedly, we’re in completely completely different territories right here, be it when it comes to inspiration or watchmaking credentials, however there may be nonetheless a sure McGonigle contact.

Given the rugby inspiration, the selection of the tonneau-shaped case is kind of apparent. However nonetheless, as Stephen reminded us, making a tonneau-shaped watch isn’t the simplest and requires much more work than a traditional spherical case. This explains why there are usually not so lots of them available on the market and even fewer tonneau chronographs. This case, made by a high-end case maker from Germany (the one half that isn’t Swiss-made within the watch), measures 46mm (peak) x 43mm (width), with a thickness of 13.80mm. In addition to the obvious curves of the profile, it’s totally rounded and exhibits virtually no sharp angles. And since Stephen went for grade 5 titanium, it makes the ending of the case even trickier.

There are two variations of the Magon Fórsa Titanium Chronograph obtainable. One is made in polished titanium and one in matte black titanium, which is first sandblasted after which black DLC coated. The case is waterproof to 100m and options sapphire crystals on each side. And the highest crystal is formed so it follows the curvature of the case. The crown additionally exhibits a fairly distinctive design. Relying on the mannequin, the watch is worn on a 22/20mm hand-stitched rubber strap that may both be black with a sample that reminds of the floor of a rugby ball or brilliant inexperienced with an alligator sample.

The dial of the Magon Fórsa Titanium Chronograph is deceptively easy. However, as Stephen McGonigle defined to us, it was “essentially the most sophisticated dial I’ve ever labored on“. Its manufacturing entails each stamping and CNC work. The ending on the dial is finished manually, and all of the Tremendous-LumiNova is hand-painted. Typically manufacturers will use a flat dial in a tonneau or curved case, however Stephen didn’t need that and as an alternative selected a more difficult design that follows the curves of the case. The entire watch, though from a totally completely different class and worth vary, has been approached like a McGonigle mission. Right here once more, the inspiration for the dial is comparatively simple, but with a design that’s intentionally minimalist.

Below the sapphire caseback is a La Joux-Perret column-wheel built-in chronograph motion with computerized winding. Whereas the technical base is understood, Stephen went for a selected ornament that entails straight-grained bridges with polished bevels, black DLC screws and a DLC-coated column wheel with column tops polished, and eventually, a inexperienced PVD rotor.

Availability & Value

The Magon Fórsa Titanium Chronograph is out there from the model’s web site immediately – www.magonwatches.com – and is restricted to 50 items. It’s priced at EUR 9,800 (excl. VAT) in polished titanium and EUR 11,800 (excl. VAT) in DLC titanium. Objectively, a fairly excessive worth that displays some manufacturing decisions, the independence of the model and the low portions produced.