Cyrus Klepcys Chronograph
Angus Davies reviews the Cyrus Klepcys Chronograph.
The Cyrus Klepcys Chronograph unusually features two crowns, one on each side of the case, and includes a highly individual dial and case design. Angus Davies gets ‘hands-on’ with this interesting timepiece from Switzerland.
I have always had a penchant for chronographs.
It is the process of interacting with the movement which appeals to me. Pressing the start / stop push-pieces always makes me smile and I derive pleasure from the tactile encounter the pushers confer. Furthermore, the reset button always reminds me of making an apology for a minor misdemeanour, everything can be made good in an instant.
Chronographs are also very useful, allowing the wearer to time a multitude of tasks including the boiling an egg or a competitive lap time on the racetrack.
I was recently presented with the chance to evaluate a new chronograph from Cyrus, a brand which I confess I knew little about beforehand. A period of ‘hands-on’ association ensued.
The dial
A round dial sits within a tonneau shaped case, while the bezel brings both forms together in eye-catching union. The whole dial is a sea of black, white and red detail. The colourway coalesces wonderfully with everything living in harmony.
The hour and minute display is located on a small dial at 3 o’clock. The hour and minute hands are partly open-worked and possess luminous tips. The hands collaborate with a combination of applied Arabic numerals and batons which, once again, feature luminescent treatment. The applied indexes sit on a snailed hour track. At the heart of the display is a diamond-like motif, adding texture to proceedings.
At 9 o’clock, there is an altimeter style date display. The scale of the numerals ensures excellent legibility. Adjacent the date display is a small running seconds display which reveals smatterings of red and black via a crescent shaped aperture.
Two chronograph registers sit in series on a north-south axis. A 30-minute chronograph register resides below noon. It consists of a rotating disc and a static needle to indicate the elapsed time. The chronograph register is suitably labelled ‘Minutes Counter’ on a silver coloured ring. A 12-hour chronograph register is positioned above 6 o’clock, sharing the same design as its sibling and featuring text stating ‘Hours Counter’.
Cyrus has delivered a unique dial design but with impressive legibility. Moreover, there is a ubiquitous sense of quality, perfectly illustrated with the various screws affixing the silver-work framing the chronograph registers and the hour track. Indeed, everything feels solidly built.
The case
The titanium and steel case measures 46mm in diameter, excluding the crowns. The crown at 3 o’clock starts / stops the chronograph and adjusts the time indications, whereas the crown at 9 o’clock resets the chronograph.
The upper surface of the bezel is highly polished, while the bevelled edges are brushed. The lugs are presented in ‘brushed steel with shot-blasted interiors and polished bevels’. The case-back blends both polished and brushed surfaces. This complex mix of different finishes will, no doubt, have proved very labour intensive to achieve but the magnificent outcome justifies the effort expended.
Two crowns feature on this model, a trait found on several Cyrus models. The result is a wonderful symmetry and balance to the appearance of the watch. Furthermore, the crowns are partly trimmed in rubber, enhancing the tactile pleasure conferred as well as aiding grip.
On the reverse of the case, a pane of smoked sapphire crystal affords sight of the self-winding movement.
Alternative versions are available in DLC and 18-carat 5N gold.
The movement
Interestingly, the movement has been produced in partnership with Jean-François Mojon who is held in the highest esteem and was voted ‘best watchmaker in 2010’. Moreover, Mojon and his team have worked on technically mind-boggling movements for HYT, MB&F, MCT to name but a few.
Despite being equipped with an exhibition case-back, it is difficult to see much of the movement owing to the smoked sapphire crystal. This is a shame as there is clearly much to see with this impressive movement.
Pressing the push-piece at 9 o’clock results in the chronograph precisely resetting without any kerfuffle, landing exactly on noon without the merest hint of wobble. The start function operates with a lightness of touch and definite action. The stop requires a little more effort to execute but, once again, functions with a decisive action.
The balance oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 VpH (4Hz) and the movement contains 28 jewels. The power reserve is sufficient to provide 48 hours of autonomy.
Closing remarks
The marketplace is congested with chronographs, therefore, to secure sales, a watch brand has to deliver something decidedly different. The Cyrus Klepcys Chronograph is very different.
The dial has a unique appearance and yet remains simple to interpret. Moreover, the construction of the dial brims with quality and is festooned with a myriad of details. The case features both polished and brushed treatment together with ‘shot-blasted interiors’, resulting in protracted case execution which reinforces the perception of luxury.
Pressing the push-pieces reveals an impressive action, testament to the skill of Mojon and his team.
Cyrus has delivered a fascinating timepiece which ingeniously encompasses the new and bold. However, at no stage does this individuality mar practicality or ownership pleasure. This is an impressive watch worthy of your attention.
Technical specifications
• Model: Cyrus Klepcys Chronograph
• Case: Titanium & steel; diameter 46mm excluding crowns; sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
• Functions: Hours; minutes; small seconds; date; chronograph.
• Movement: Self-winding calibre CYR314; Frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz); 28 jewels; power reserve = 48 hours
• Strap: Textured rubber with two-blade folding clasp
• Price: £11,900 – RRP as at 26.6.2017
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