Martin Iglody is a Slovakian watch designer and entrepreneur based in Cork, Ireland, best known as the founder of the independent watch brand Martin Design (MD Watches Studio). Born in Kosice, Slovakia, Iglody’s professional foundation is rooted in graphic design, a discipline that heavily influences his approach to horology. While his appreciation for watches developed later in life, he successfully transitioned his expertise in visual arts into the creation of mechanical timepieces starting in 2016.

In 2017, Iglody established MD Watches Studio in Cork with the objective of materializing his artistic concepts into functional products. His vision for the brand focuses on combining contemporary modernist styles with cultural heritage, specifically drawing inspiration from Ireland’s Celtic mythology and natural history. This is reflected in collections such as the Supernatural, Celtic Legacy, and Windstar, which incorporate elements like Oghamic script, Celtic knots, and names of ancient deities such as Taranis and Caturix.

As an independent designer, Iglody oversees the entire lifecycle of his timepieces, from initial hand-sketched concepts to the development of prototypes. He maintains a hands-on role in the manufacturing process, collaborating with skilled watchmakers and industrial partners across Europe and Asia. His understanding of manufacturing costs and technical specifications has allowed him to position his brand within the enthusiast market, offering complex layouts—such as asymmetric regulators—at accessible price points.

Iglody’s work has received international recognition within the design community. He is a recipient of the A’ Design Award in the Jewelry Design category, winning a Bronze award in 2020-2021 for the SS Navigator and a Silver award in 2021-2022 for the Celtic Legacy. Beyond product design, he has contributed to the industry as a speaker, sharing insights on the creative and technical intersection of watchmaking.

Under his leadership, Martin Design has achieved notable commercial milestones, including a highly successful Kickstarter campaign for the Supernatural collection in 2024. Today, Iglody continues to operate his studio from Ireland, maintaining a commitment to quality, transparency, and the integration of traditional horological techniques with modern graphic design.