Stephen McGonigle grew up around clocks and watches.

His father, Johnny McGonigle, developed a reputation locally as a clock repair enthusiast. As a consequence, friends and acquaintances would bring clocks and watches for repair. The constant presence of timepieces in varying stages of disrepair and repair, was the beginning of what ultimately led to Ireland's only authentic handmade watches. McGonigle Watches specialize in unique pieces and mechanisms with high complications.