Hands-on review of the Cyrus Klepcys DICE with pictures, clip tech specs and price. Cyrus Klepcys DICE in Grade 5 titanium ref. 539.508.TT.A €31,000
Cyrus, the Swiss manufacture that introduced the first vertical tourbillon, is once again innovating the wristwatch industry with another first, the only double independent chronograph available on the market.
The unique features of the new Cyrus Klepcys DICE are well explained by the DICE acronym which stands for Double Independent Chronograph Evolution.
This innovative timepiece is actually an evolution of the traditional chronograph as it can measure two independent intervals of time. Differently from a rattrapante chronograph that can measure two events that start simultaneously but end at different times or indicate an intermediate elapsed time, the Klepcys DICE can measure elapsed times even with different starting times.
This occurs, just as an example, in races like marathons or biathlons where the starting time can be different for every runner, or in car rallies, where it is common to use two independent chronographs.
Thanks to its independence and the special relationship with Chronode, a renowned manufacture of high-end mechanical movements led by talented master watchmaker Jean-Francois Mojon (the two companies are part of the same group), Cyrus was in an excellent position to develop this innovation. In fact, as a manufacture they have greater design freedom and less constraints compared to most watch brands that have to adapt their models to available movements.
As written above, there are no reports of other double independent chronographs. The only report that we have of something similar dates back to 1873 when watchmaker Arnold Frankfeld registered the development of a 'Double-Stop Movements' at the New York patent office. Other than that, we have no information of brands who developed a double chronograph like this.
With its two symmetrical crowns at 3 and 9 o'clock, the cushion-shaped case of the Klepcys seems just perfect for a double independent chronograph.
It maintains the same proportions used for the Vertical Tourbillon models but in a reduced diameter of 42 mm instead of 44 mm (excluding the crowns). Water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 ATM (approximately 100 metres / 330 feet), this case has a total height of 16.5 mm, anti-reflective sapphire crystal included.
The Cyrus Klepcys DICE Double Independent Chronograph Evolution is produced in two variations: in Grade 5 titanium or black DLC Grade 5 titanium, both alternating polished, satin-brushed and sandblasted surfaces. Each version will be produced in just 50 units. For our review, we had the possibility to wear and test the Grade 5 titanium edition.
Despite its size, the watch sits very comfortably on the wrist thanks to short and slightly curved lugs. We loved its bold and sporty look.
The twin crowns are equipped with a pusher that sets the three chronograph functions (start/stop/reset). Decorated with the brand's helix logo, they are distinguished by either a red or blue anodised aluminium ring to instantly recognize which of the two chronograph mechanisms they activate.
The open-worked dial is a feast for the eyes of any mechanical watch enthusiast. In fact, it showcases important elements of the mechanics including wheels, levers and the two column wheels, in bright red and electric blue lacquer, placed at 12 and 6 o'clock. Having the possibility to admire them in action is just great! Have a look at this short clip from our Instagram channel (and make sure to follow us).
All chronograph indications follow the red and blue colour scheme. This is used for the two central seconds hands, each measuring a different length and, at 3 o'clock, the 30-minute chronograph counter equipped with two vertically aligned hands. Thanks to the bold colours, reading the two elapsed times is instantaneous and very intuitive.
The two central seconds hands differ in length is because they track the seconds on a slightly convex flange printed with two parallel scales graduated every 5 seconds and picked out in red and blue.
The longer red central seconds hand measures time on the outermost scale and returns to zero at 12 o'clock; the shorter blue hand tracks the innermost blue scale and returns to zero at 6 o'clock.
The two small hands of the 30-minute counter mirror the same layout.
The counter at 3 o'clock is visually balanced by the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o'clock that is made in smoked sapphire crystal. The running seconds are indicated by a rhodium-plated microbeaded helix with a luminescent tip.
The sapphire crystal ring features Arabic numerals in relief with white Super-LumiNova that emits a blue glow. The sapphire ring, with its bevelled and polished profile, is cut to make room for the chronograph counter, the small seconds and the two column wheels.
A special system of insulation ensures precision measurement for the duration of the event. This way, the shocks generated by the activation of chronograph levers have no repercussions on the display of the functions. The two chronographs function independently without exerting any influence on one another.
Housing a dual chronograph complication in a wristwatch case represented a big challenge which required a different approach in the arrangement of the motion work mechanism that carries the hours and minutes hands. This is usually composed of several gears placed on different rotational axes but in the Klepcys DICE this approach cold not be considered due to space constraints. So, to free up as much space as possible, Jean-Francois Mojon came up with a concentric mechanism for the motion work that make the mechanism more compact and coaxial to the axes of the hands.
When you turn the watch, the sapphire crystal caseback reveals other details of the manufacture self-winding CYR718 calibre, a 443-component movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a power reserve of 60 hours delivered by a single barrel.
The open-worked monobloc rotor is engraved with the motto "The Conquest of Innovation" and adorned with an 18k 4N gold helix.
The anthracite grey NAC bridges are decorated by an embossed sunray pattern with satin and microbeaded finishing.
As a further confirmation of the level of attention that the brand pays to even the smaller details, the case back is sealed with customised screws bearing the Maison's three-armed helix symbol.
The Cyrus Klpecys DICE in Grade 5 titanium ref. 539.508.TT.A is completed by a perfectly executed grey cordura fabric with a double folding clasp crafted in the same material of the case while the black DLC titanium edition (ref. 539.508.DD.A) is matched to a black rubber strap.
The price of the Cyrus Klepcys DICE - Euro 31,000 in Grade 5 titanium or Euro 32,000 for the black DLC version - is attractive considering the exclusivity of this timepiece, a technical feat that is truly unique on the market. cyrus-watches.ch
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Amazing review and pictures. I would have expected a higher price, in the 40k/50k range.
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