TEMPUS Manufacture Jaeger LeCoultre - Master Class Workshop

As mentioned before during the TEMPUS there was an abundance of opportunities to get various hands on experience with different aspects of watch making art through various workshops offered. I was very keen on taking a full advantage of this opportunity during this trip as many times previously I was always constrained by lack of time.

During TEMPUS one of the workshops offered was a Master Class by the Manufacture Jaeger LeCoultre.

In this instance Master Class was a 4-hour watch training course during which we were fully educated on all the nuances of disassembly and reassembly of Jeager LeCoultre Calibre 875 both virtually and in reality.

The very sympathetic Frank, Manufactures Master watchmaker, was our knowledgeable, helpful yet very easy going instructor that made this one class I didn’t mind attending.


First it was theory time. Sitting at our work benches over our laptops and following the action on the plasma screen we got acquainted further with all the parts comprising the Reverso Grand Date Calibre 875. Via the interactive CD-ROM watch making game we proceeded with virtual disassembly of all the sum of it parts, proper order, adjustment and then returning it back in the working order.

After the theory it was time to put all that in actual practice. Before each set of actions about to be taken we were instructed in detail by Frank and then it was on us to follow through.

Reassembly following the proper steps …

… until there was noting more to disassemble.

I can tell you that viewing all the much bigger parts on the computer screen as well watching Frank do it so effortlessly is a whole other thing when you’re doing it (especially after a whole night and only 2.5 hours of sleep)
You really can easily lose some of the tiny parts …


… YES I said real easy. Duh!


As the assembly work slowly progressed …

… S L O W L Y ….

… the things started looking better

… until TA DA!


At the end if the mechanically manual-wound double-barrel eight-day power reserve movement was properly assembled we were a recipient of a very nice Master Class Diploma & the same software CD for future practice.


All in all a wonderful experience of the mechanical complexity and detailed functioning of what constitutes a properly operated fairly complicated movement. I would strongly recommend anyone interested to further expand their horological interest to try out this class. Thanks again to MJLC and Hour Glass for organizing this event.

TEMPUS Independent Watchmaker Report - McGonigle Tourbillon

During my trip to Singapore for TEMPUS I had the pleasure to meet another fresh breath of air in innovative and unique style that John and Stephen McGonigle brothers bring to the connoisseurs of the implacable horology from the school of independent watchmaking.



This was my first time having a sincere pleasure to meet and get to know both work and the person that is Mr. John McGonigle. I wouldn’t be really honest if I wouldn’t say straight out that besides being a truly a dedicated artist in the watchmaking field he is one lovable b@stard an obvious well known joke by now (and I do mean this with all the love and due respect). John over the time of Tempus became a person one would flock to unintentionally, not only due to his charming & realistic persona, but due to his infectious knowledge of watchmaking art especially in the way he would go about conveying. Need I say that some of the best talks we had were late night over cigars and beers.


All photography by Kok Choon Tay

Admittedly I only read about McGonigle brothers work in one article before meeting John in TEMPUS and was floored when I actually had a chance to examine and learn more about their sole model – the magnificent Tourbillon. Without a doubt IMVHO not taking into account the non-lubricated MJLC Extreme Lab this has to be by far the most impressive reinterpretations of this impressive classic complication. After talking to John I realized that very often the simplest ideas that would seem just the right solution on paper in practice sometimes don’t achieve the desired result or effect. This is when a studious and artful genius of watchmaker comes to shine like in example of novel application of cut sapphire crystal for displaying the wonderfully suspended Tourbillon cage.
From the lovely photography of my good friend Kok Chooon one can see the artistry applied in creating this stunning dial, M-shaped Tourbillion suspension arches (is the M for McGonigle or in my vain case for Milan LOL), the intricate hand wound mechanical movement development paired with bespoke finishing and lastly the gorgeous and oh so fitting Celtic font that furnish that unmistakable Irish DNA.





The Tourbillion cage “less is more” approach (dispensing with the regulator, removing weight from either side) grants an effort more efficient regardless of not being an easy thing to accomplish it presents a clean yet more aesthetic visceral appearance.



The distinctive captivating dial is machined out of sapphire crystal with 6 o’clock opening framing the tourbillon cage and at the top displaying the wolf teeth gearing of the mainspring barrel. The other two levels of the dial are not instantly recognizable unless carefully examined or being fortunate to have it convey by John. Under the sapphire dial there is barrel bridge (electro plated either in grey ruthenium or chrome black) which is fashioned in the same shape and provides that pleasing contrast for the dial graphics. The last lowest level is German silver ring with holes drilled for hour indexes completing the look of the dial. This all contributes to functional legibility of the piece as well artistic interpretation that draws the light toward the piece de resistance which is the tourbillon cage.



Another unique aspect are the grained and beveled arrow hands which are either polished or blue steel. The slightly oval case (available either in platinum or red gold) purposely fitted with strong and IMO very masculine lugs further complements the whole design of the piece especially when taking into account the purposefully large crown featuring their Celtic logo.



Undoubtedly the knowledge and extensive work that John performed for the stalwarts of the haute horology industry has certainly endowed him with immense mastery in his field, but it is his ingenious approach to attain his personal watch making objective and to spare no cost be it time, effort or capital. I finally understood what time consuming and painstaking endeavor an artist goes through to achieving his masterwork to see the light of day. At around almost 4 months of meticulous workmanship for each of these wonderful pieces the lucky customers will really get a piece of contemporary horology art signed by the McGonigle(s). Actually due to no outside assembly and the limited production there are no conventional numbering with their pieces instead each watch is dated and signed by one of the watchmaker be it John or Stephen. I am looking forward with trepidation and excitement at hearing what is the next piece in stored for us.

TEMPUS "The Temple of Time" Singapore

I was gone for the duration of the Tempus (actually longer from 9/3-9/10/2007) and will report in deatil from my first hand experiences at this monumental watch event.

First Impressions

OK so after landing late last night after a 25 hour trip back to Chicago I was still charged up after sincerely the best week I had in a looooong time. The TEMPUS event was ALL that it was lauded to be and much more then one would expect in so many ways. The watches, the people, the creators, the horology aficionados, the company reps, fellow HoroMundians all made this a grand weeklong extravaganza that will be remembered for times to come. The main differentiator was the opportunity to have the accessibility to handle the watches & actually have time to spend talking to their creators which was unparalleled to anything we have today in this industry. Another great aspect was the people and appreciation of watch fans in Singapore which brought this to a whole another level – definitely establishing this city undisputed crown of horology Mecca. Now all this by itself would be well enough, but then we had the pleasure of evening and late nights in Singapore that really brought out friendships and further camaraderie to a whole other level. Almost every night one could find someone you didn’t know that well yet after a few bites to eat and more then a few drinks we were talking almost like long lost friends. I have felling you will hear & see much more about this although it will be very hard to convey this in words unless you were present.

Needn’t I say that we all have plenty of photos documenting this all that need much processing and I am sure we will have plenty of reports cropping out in due time.

Lastly before getting into any particulars I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to our hosts from our Horomundi/Revolution without whom this all would not be possible or at least not as half as grand. You gals & guys need no introduction just a big round of applause for your tireless work and most tremendous job done. In addition a special note to HourGlass Team for a fantastic job on gathering all the participants and the whole organization of the event. Lastly a big thank you to everyone that attended and in a way made this event that much more special with their presence. Thank you all and of course this report will be continued.