Cyrus Klepcys Reveil Watch Review
The Cyrus Klepcys Reveil was launched at Watches & Wonders 2024 and features an exceptional alarm complication. Equipped with a gong and hammer, usually the preserve of ultra-expensive minute repeaters, this new reference awakens its wearer with dulcet chimes.
Exceptional watches
We are currently witnessing a global rush towards AI (artificial intelligence). However, what does this mean for society? In the long term, it will probably result in some occupations disappearing from view and lead to the emergence of new careers we have yet to imagine. I can’t help wondering whether AI promises a future of bright summers or whether it could spell the downfall of the human race.
Nevertheless, in the short term, there is one thing of which I am certain; when it comes to the written word, AI kills creativity. The product of AI often consists of banal prose, riddled with generalities and devoid of humour or sensitivity. Indeed, it seems AI is simply a byword for mediocrity. For example, just read a couple a paragraphs describing two very different watches and you will inevitably find that the text used is virtually identical. Individual thoughts have the capacity to confer magic, while homogenous thinking invariably yields only blandness.
In the world of fine watchmaking, there are accepted approaches to making movements, executing cases and presenting dial indications. What differentiates the exceptional from the ordinary is the former is usually the product of much blue-sky thinking by a group of talented individuals conceiving new and fresh ideas.
Jean-François Mojon
When it comes to free thinkers within the watchsphere, one name that readily comes to the fore is Jean-François Mojon, the acclaimed master watchmaker. In his capacity as CEO of Chronode, Mojon has conceived an array of innovative complications, modules and movements for several luxury watch brands.
Jean-François Mojon is also the Technical Director of Cyrus Genève and has masterminded numerous highly imaginative timepieces. Indeed, peruse the brand’s extensive product portfolio and you will discover a number of horological delights, including the firm’s groundbreaking DICE (Double Integrated Chronograph Evolution) models, an ingenious GMT and vertical tourbillon references. These creations, along with many others, serve to showcase Mojon’s extraordinary horological vision and his exceptional watchmaking expertise.
Cyrus Klepcys Alarm (2018)
Back in 2018, no doubt recognising the scarcity of alarm watches on the market, Mojon and his team launched the Cyrus Klepcys Alarm. As its name implies, the model can be programmed to emit a sound at a prearranged time; however, true to form, the Swiss marque added a delightful twist.
Unlike most alarm watches that feature a simple hammer striking a bell or some form of resonating chamber, Cyrus adopted a far more refined approach. The Klepcys Alarm features a gong and hammer arrangement similar to the chiming ensemble found within a minute repeater. Whereas the minute repeater is usually endowed with two gongs and two corresponding hammers, the Cyrus Klepcys Alarm is equipped with one hammer and one gong. This solo performance delivers a dulcet tone par excellence. Mellifluous, defined and audible, the model’s chiming sequence sidesteps the annoying shrill found on lesser watches.
Earlier this year, at Watches & Wonders 2024, Cyrus unveiled a new expression of its chiming know-how, the Cyrus Klepcys Reveil. Allow me to elaborate.
Cyrus Klepcys Reveil dial
Assessing the topography of the Cyrus Klepcys Reveil, the layout is very similar to that of the Klepcys Alarm. Where the new watch differs from its antecedent, is in the execution of its dial. The hour and minutes are indicated with openworked hands incorporating ‘electric blue tips’ that feature a generous helping of Super-LumiNova.
An off-centre dial, located between 4 and 5 o’clock, indicates the alarm time which is set with the crown at 3 o’clock. The alarm is armed using a pusher which is neatly integrated within the second crown at 9 o’clock. A small indicator, positioned at 7 o’clock, informs the wearer whether the alarm is set or not.
Similar to the Klepcys Alarm, the new Klepcys Reveil is equipped with a day/night indicator, positioned between 10 and 11 o’clock. However, the execution of this display is not only larger but also incorporates a wonderfully poetic representation of day or night. Executed in two shades of blue, it employs depictions of the moon, stars and the sun to indicate the prevailing period. Personally speaking, I think this new day/night indicator is exquisite.
Cyrus has also retained one of the best features of the Klepcys Alarm, namely the nodding hammer, visible from the front and positioned between 7 and 8 o’clock. When the alarm stirs and performs its sequence of chimes, the wearer is indulged with an accompanying animated spectacle. The chiming performance lasts a ‘minimum of 16 seconds’.
While there is a degree of commonality between the Cyrus Klepcys Reveil and its older sibling from 2018, aesthetically they look very different. The dial of the Klepcys Reveil is enriched with a grenage finish. This traditional form of decoration has been employed on several classical timepieces over the years, but I cannot recall seeing it grace other contemporary watches. The resultant granular texture is sumptuous and bestows an attractive backdrop to the various dial functions. Moreover, Cyrus has employed a new, unfussy typeface on the dial that is both stylish and simple to read.
Cyrus Klepcys Reveil – a new case
The Klepcys Alarm, measuring 46 mm in diameter, always looked at ease on my large, hirsute wrist. However, Cyrus has chosen to house the Klepcys Reveil in a smaller 42 mm stainless steel case that should appeal to a larger cross section of society. Furthermore, having strapped the fresh-faced Klepcys Reveil to my wrist, I can attest that the smaller case still sits well upon my leviathan-like left arm.
The complex cushion-shaped case is composed of 26 parts and features a refined combination of polished and brushed surfaces. Upholding the brand’s fondness for symmetry, the Klepcys Reveil subscribes to its distinctive house-style incorporating two crowns at 3 and 9 o’clock. On some occasions, the crown at 9 o’clock has been purely decorative, but in this instance, as mentioned earlier, it incorporates a pusher that turns the alarm on and off.
The watch is presented on a glossy black alligator strap and secures to the wrist with a stainless steel folding clasp.
Cyrus hand-wound calibre CYR1280
The in-house Manufacture hand-wound calibre CYR 1280 first powered the Klepcys Alarm and is also employed on this latest chiming model. This makes perfect sense, after all, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
Cyrus has equipped the movement with two barrels; one serves the regulating organ, while the other is dedicated to the alarm function. By adopting this approach, the chiming alarm will have no influence on the behaviour of the balance wheel ie there will be no drop in amplitude. Put simply, the precision of the watch will remain unaffected when the alarm function is in use.
The design and finishing of the movement is also very impressive. Both ratchet wheels, which are positioned above said barrels, are dressed in black lacquer and incorporate the brand’s helix logo. Cyrus has a penchant for symmetry and this is manifest with the balanced arrangement of the ratchet wheels.
Unquestionably neoteric in its appearance, the movement still draws on traditional watchmaking skills. The bridges are adorned with a sunray pattern incorporating wide contoured arcs and feature microbeaded surfaces and highly polished edges. Cyrus has secured the bridges to the mainplate with gleaming, mirror-polished screws featuring Helix-shaped heads. Everything is beautifully finished, technically virtuous and aesthetically pleasing.
Cyrus Klepcys Reveil – closing remarks
In a congested marketplace where chronographs, GMTs and tourbillons abound, it is important that brands seek new complications to arouse interest among watch obsessives. Yes, alarm watches have been around for many years, but the approach employed by Cyrus is quite unique and packed with technical virtue.
The attractively executed dial is simple to read despite imparting much information. The Klepcys Reveil is housed in a new 42 mm case, making it more wearable than the Klepcys Alarm of 2018. But the talents of the Cyrus Klepcys Reveil extend beyond matters of habillage to encompass a superb movement. Modern in appearance but refined with traditional finishing know-how, the hand-wound calibre CYR 1280 is a worthy engine for this high performance timepiece. Moreover, thanks to the twin barrel arrangement, should a heavy sleeper allow the alarm to chime for a while, the precision of the watch will remain unaffected.
Based on Monsieur Mojon’s serial creativity, I must assume there is an abundance of blue skies above the brand’s Manufacture in Le Locle. The company’s technical director has repeatedly conceived fresh, exciting and highly original watches that wonderfully sidestep mediocrity. In fact, based on the evidence, I suspect Mojon’s ideas are 100% his own and are refreshingly AI-free.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Cyrus Klepcys Reveil
- Reference: 539.502.SS.C
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 42 mm, height 17.15 mm, water resistance 3 ATM (30 metres), sapphire crystal to the front and an exhibition case back
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds, day/night indication, alarm function
- Movement: Calibre CYR1280, hand-wound movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 50 jewels, power reserve 72 hours, 340 components
- Strap: glossy black alligator with a stainless-steel folding clasp
- Price: CHF: 39,950 excluding taxes (RRP as of 16.5.2024)