Byrne GyroDial Sport Watch Review
The Byrne GyroDial Sport delivers ‘four looks in one’. The dial features Roman numerals at its cardinal points which revolve each day at midnight to reveal Arabic numerals, no numerals or a number of significance. Byrne has worked closely with Le Temps Manufacture in Fleurier, creating a bespoke movement, the calibre 5555, endowed with unique revolutionary indices. Endued with refined movement finishing, a Grade 5 titanium case and a beautifully appointed dial, the brand’s inaugural model makes a compelling case for acquisition.
Byrne Watch
Packing a suitcase for a holiday can prove a technical challenge. Every traveller wants choice, but how do you have a different look for each occasion and squeeze it into a matchbox-sized space? One solution is to opt for reversible clothing. Many ladies opt for reversible dresses, leggings, tops, skirts and swimwear. Likewise, men are not averse to flexible fashions, including gilets, jackets and even belts. There is wisdom in purchasing an item of clothing that delivers ‘two looks in one’ flexibility.
A few months ago, while I was attending Geneva Watch Days, I spotted a new watch that reminded me of said reversible clothing. The Byrne GyroDial Sport features Roman numerals at its cardinal points, however, as the hands arrive at the midnight hour, the indices instantaneously change to Arabic numerals. After a further 24 hours have elapsed, the indices disappear from view and finally, one day later, four identical numbers appear at the cardinal points, potentially a number of significance, personal to the wearer. With the advent of this model, Byrne has delivered ‘four looks in one’, taking the notion of versatility to a whole new level.
Byrne GyroDial Sport calibre 5555
The ingenious mechanism was conceived by John Byrne, a veteran of the watch industry known for restoring various expressions of horology. He spent four years developing his ‘interchangeable face’ concept. Ultimately, he entrusted Le Temps Manufacture in Fleurier to make a bespoke movement, the calibre 5555 endowed with unique revolutionary indices. This self-winding movement is attractively appointed with the plate and bridges in nickel silver, satin-finished and rhodium-plated. Straight grain satin finish, Côtes de Genève, chamfering and a sizeable dose of hand finishing distinguish this movement as extraordinary. Typically, jumping indications quaff energy. However, Byrne and Le Temps Manufacture have overcome such issues as the GyroDial Sport will run autonomously for 60 hours.
Byrne GyroDial Sport case
The case is made of lightweight Grade 5 titanium, a material that is notoriously challenging and expensive to work with. However, the benefits of using this alloy are numerous. It is hypoallergenic, not liable to corrosion and it can be polished to a resplendent gleam. Measuring 41.7 mm in diameter, the scale of the Byrne GyroDial Sport is not unwieldy and should suit the majority of wrists. The integrated strap nuzzles snugly within the case, causing the watch to sit squarely and, by default, comfortably upon the wrist. Moreover, the watch wears a bit smaller than the stated dimensions would suggest.
Byrne GyroDial Sport indices
A number is shown on the crown, the aforementioned number of significance. By pressing the crown the wearer is able to manually switch the indices to an alternative form. For example, if you wake up and it doesn’t feel like a Roman numerals ‘kinda day’, simply swap to Arabic numerals, etc.
Byrne GyroDial Sport – closing remarks
However, all roads lead back to the dynamic dial. The hands and indexes are treated with Super-LumiNova and, despite the complexity of the revolving indices, the dial proves eminently simple to read. John Byrne has endowed the dial with a straight grain, usually a form of finishing employed on high-end movements. The resultant lines run north to south, wonderfully toying with light. Colour is imparted to the dial using galvanic treatment and would-be wearers are offered a choice of slate grey or blue.
Byrne may be a new brand, but having handled this inaugural model, I have great expectations for its future success and its ‘four looks in one’ approach to watchmaking.
Further reading
Technical specification
- Model: Byrne GyroDial Sport
- case: Grade 5 titanium, diameter 41.7mm, height 14.8 mm, box-shaped sapphire crystal to front and exhibition caseback
- Functions: hours, minutes
- Movement: Calibre 5555, automatic movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), 42 jewels, power reserve 60 hours
- Strap: blue or black rubber, or blue or black alligator, custom integrated curved inserts Grade 5 titanium buckle
- Price: CHF 16,500 (RRP as of 11.11.2022)