In this episode, we sit down with Alison and Mike from Moriarty Watches, operating out of County Clare, Ireland. Alison is the technical brain behind the brand—a classically trainedwatchmaker, graduate of the Irish Swiss Institute of Horology, and one of the youngest graduates of the prestigious WOSTEP Academy in Switzerland. Mike handles front-facing operations, managing online client relationships, watchshows, and hands-on workshop duties.
Together, they take a closer look at the intense patience and high-risk artistry required to layer pure silver dials and fire them in kilns over 800°C—where a single mistake can causea dial to shatter or crack. Alison shares her journey through jewelers in Dublin and Galway, the challenges of being a young female watchmaker, and how a life-altering diagnosis at age 34 led her to watch restoration, supporting horology students, and mastering high-fire enameling.
Wristchecks
Alison / Mike: Midnight Sky – Moriarty Watches / 1974 Omega Tuning Fork
James: Vintage Rado Golden Horse
Praka: ZLTD Series 1.5
Episode Summary
WOSTEP to Brand Launch: Alison’s early horological training and overcoming industry obstacles in Dublin and Galway. Following a health diagnosis at 34, restoring watches led to mastering enameling. Mike, a Quantity Surveyor by trade, encouraged her to create her own brand and bought theirfirst Paragon Kiln.
Grand Feu Enamel Artistry: A self-taught process using customglass powders to create unique colors like her signature Pink Dial. Each dial takes ~40 hours of hand-sanding and strict quality control. Dials are printed using bespoke in-house pads with custom print options for clients.
The Hibernia & VintageEnamels: The inspiration behind the Hibernia, incorporating over 13 colors and vintage leaded enamel for rich depth and saturation. Every watch features custom hand-stitched leather straps tailored to the client.
Full Watchmaking Rework: Beyond dials, Alison strips down and services every SW300 movement using traditional machines and shellac, reassembling and regulating each watch to Chronometer standards before a 10-daytesting phase.
Production & Ordering: Currently offering 40mm cases, with asmaller option coming soon. Dials are made individually (4 years to perfect red!), with backlogs reaching January. Production will stay at ~25 watches annually to preserve quality.
Something Interesting Section:
Alison & Mike: Outside of horology, Alison is an avidreader of fantasy and sci-fi, recommending Fever House and The Devil by Name by Keith Rosson. She also loves art,museums, churches, and graveyards!
Upcoming events include the watch show in Dublin, Ireland in early October (ChronographyIreland), The Hype New York Show, and a trip to Pennsylvania to check out Rose Turned Engines (Plumier Engine Turning).
James: Recounts the massive storm in Perth,recorded as the largest storm in 50 years.
Contact Moriarty Watches:
Website: Moriarty Watches
Instagram: @moriartywatchesireland
Alison's Personal Instagram: @a.moriarty_horology
Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +353858558853
Contact Us
Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:
Praka: @kinda.average.watches
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OverTime The Podcast: Linktree – OverTime The Podcast
WatchingJames (Youtube): https://www.youtube.com/@WATCHingJames
WatchingJames (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/watching_james/?hl=en
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Tags: MoriartyWatches, AlisonMoriarty, OvertimePodcast, IrishWatchmaking, IndependentWatchmaking, Watchmaking, Horology, EnamelDial, GrandFeuEnamel, HighFireEnamel, WOSTEP
