Review of the Cyrus Klepcys Verrtical Tourbillon with full specs, pricing and exclusive pictures. The vertical tourbillon, a complete first in watchmaking, was implemented in the Cyrus Klepcys Vertical Tourbillon that was presented at Baselworld 2018. We recently had the opportunity to put our hands on this exceptional timepiece and we are now glad to share our pictures and impressions with our readers.
An exceptional inventor with a deep understanding of physical laws, Breguet realised that the way a watch run was affected by changes in its position. Changes were particularly evident when timepieces were kept in vertical position, which happened often considering that pocket watches were kept in the waistcoat pocket most of the time.
He understood that the main cause of this behaviour was gravity. While it was not possible to eliminate the gravitational forces, he thought that it was possible to compensate them by installing the regulating organ (the sprung balance) and the escapement inside a mobile carriage performing a complete rotation about its own axis once per minute.
With this invention, Breguet not only improved the accuracy of pocket-chronometers, but created one of the most appreciated and sought after horological devices. An additional benefit was the enhanced lubrication due to the constant change of point of contact undergone by the balance pivots in their bearings.
With the use of wristwatches in lieu of pocket watches, today most of the tourbillon devices operate in a horizontal position, generally at 6 o'clock. While maintaining its incredible appeal, with this arrangement the tourbillon loses some of its effectiveness.
After extensive research, the engineers of Cyrus found a technical solution to bring the tourbillon back to full efficacy. Their studies revealed that positioning the tourbillon cage at a 90° angle with respect to the dial (i.e. perpendicular to the dial), it would remain vertical for most of the time over the course of 24 hours.
Positioned at this angle, the cage containing the regulating organ — composed by balance wheel, escapement and pallet fork — offsets the negative effects of gravity more effectively, thus improving the accuracy of the watch.
The ingenious solution, a complete first in watchmaking, was implemented in the Cyrus Klepcys Vertical Tourbillon that was presented at Baselworld 2018. We recently had the opportunity to put our hands on this exceptional timepiece and we are now glad to share our pictures and impressions with our readers.
Thanks to its independence and the unique relationship with Chronode, Cyrus can use movements that are exclusively developed for the brand with less constraints in designing new timepieces and more freedom to be truly creative.
If you add that the key man behind Cyrus is Jean-Francois Mojon, one of the most ingenious and respected watchmakers of our time, it is easy to realize the exceptional potential of the brand to break conventions and innovate.
The new Cyrus Klepcys Vertical Tourbillon is characterized by an imposing and unconventional cushion shaped case (44 mm x 44 mm) immediately recognizable for its two symmetric crowns. The crown at 3 o’clock adjusts the time and winds the movement, while the other at 9 o’clock can be pushed to rapidly adjust the hour without interfering with the running of the watch, a feature that will be highly appreciated by frequent travelers. Despite its size, the watch is comfortable on the wrist thanks to short and slightly curved lugs.
Three different variations, each limited to 38 pieces, are currently available: titanium with black DLC finish, rose gold with black DLC titanium bezel, and rose gold (4N) .
Compared to other models of the same line, the case of the new Klepcys Vertical Tourbillon has been streamlined with a slimmer middle case and a thinner bezel which leaves more space to the dial. We loved these improvements and we hope that they will be extended to the entire line.
The dial is captivating and not just for the central tourbillon. Meticulously finished with “microbillage” and bevelled edges, the arched vertical bridge (in gold or black DLC depending on the version) blends with the lines of the case and emphasize the one-minute rotation of the tourbillon whose cage crafted from steel is made of 52 parts and has a total weight of just 0.706 grams!
The domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment allows the wearer to admire the tourbillon and its cage from both sides.
The time is indicated by means of two symmetrical arched displays: the pointer on the left indicates the retrograde jumping hours in Arabic numerals while the one on the right reads off the sweeping retrograde minutes.
The seconds are displayed in the centre on a scale of 5, and can be read off the tourbillon cage - from both sides of the watch - thanks to small blocks engraved with Arabic numerals in white, with the exception of the “60 seconds” block which stands out for its bright red.
Positioned between the two arches of the tourbillon bridge at 12 o'clock, a 5 mm sphere indicates the remaining power reserve, expressed in days, and creates a visual balance to the Cyrus logo at 6 o’clock.
Created on a brass base finished with “microbillage” and treated with black DLC, the background of the dial is decorated by a geometric pattern made of small raised triangles.
The tourbillon is revealed also through the sapphire crystal case back together with part of the gears.
Comprised of 344 parts and 53 jewels, this unique hand-wound manufacture movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and offers a remarkable power reserve of 100 hours thanks to the two barrels recognizable for their black lacquered ratchet-wheels representing the Maison’s logo.
As a further confirmation of the level of attention that the brand pays to even the smaller details, the case back is secured by customised screws bearing the Cyrus symbol.
We applaud the creative approach to watchmaking of Cyrus and its commitment to the exploration of new possibilities. The creation of the first vertical tourbillon demonstrates once again that it is not true that everything has been already invented in watchmaking!
The prices of the Cyrus Klepcys Vertical Tourbillon models are in line with their exclusivity and limited production: Euro 105,000 in titanium with black DLC finish (ref. 539.505.DD.A), Euro 118,000 in rose gold with black DLC titanium bezel (ref. 539.505.GD.A), and Euro 135,000 in rose gold (ref. 539.505.GG.A). cyrus-watches.ch
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