Review: Cyrus Klepcys DICE Racing

Hands-on review of the Cyrus Klepcys DICE Racing in carbon fiber. Pictures, full specs and price. Klepcys DICE Racing 539.508.DDC.A. Price:€38,900

The Klepcys DICE Racing is the sportier variation of the innovative double chronograph launched by Cyrus in 2021 (to find more on the first editions of this model you can read our presentation article or our hands-on review).

This model effectively integrates two separate chronographic movements, capable of functioning totally independently of each other or in synchrony, in a single case. In fact, the DICE acronym stands for Double Independent Chronograph Evolution.

The Racing version of the Klepcys DICE is offered in two case variants, in polished/brushed grade-5 titanium or in black DLC-coated titanium, each of them available in a limited edition of just 15 pieces and enhanced by a new bezel crafted from carbon fiber, a high-tech material that the Swiss brand had never used before. For our review, we had the possibility to wear and test the version with a black DLC-coated titanium case body.

With its two symmetrical crowns at 3 and 9 o'clock, the cushion-shaped case of the Klepcys seems like it was expressly made for a double independent chronograph. 

Measuring 42 mm in diameter, the watch sits very comfortably on the wrist thanks to short and slightly curved lugs. 

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 carbon fiber bezel gives the watch a fascinating technical look. Its distinctive undulating pattern - which makes each bezel different from the other - is due to the fact that it is composed by multiple layers of filaments obtained by dividing carbon fibers. 

The matt black appearance is not the only reason for using carbon fiber. Indeed, this high-tech material offers exceptional properties, including extreme lightness, thermal insulation and flame resistance.

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.

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 Racing can measure elapsed times even with different starting times. 

Thanks to its independence and the special relationship with Chronode, a renowned manufacture of high-end mechanical movements that is part of the same group, Cyrus was in an excellent position to develop this exceptional chronograph thanks to greater design freedom and less constraints compared to most watch brands.

A lot of the key elements of the movement, including wheels, levers and the two column wheels placed at 12 and 6 o'clock, recognisable for their bright red and electric blue lacquer colours, are displayed on the openworked dial. A column wheel controls the chronograph levers and contributes to more accurate and precise functionality – noticeable through the smooth impulse when manipulating the pushers.

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. To free up as much space as possible, Cyrus designed a concentric mechanism for the motion work that make the mechanism more compact and coaxial to the axes of the hands.

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.

Through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback, it is possible to appreciate 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.

If you look closely, you can notice that the case back is sealed with customised screws bearing the Maison's three-armed helix symbol, a confirmation of the care for details that characterises the Swiss brand.

The watch is matched to a bright red Cordura fabric strap and a titanium folding clasp to match the case, and is delivered with an additional strap in soft black rubber.

The new Cyrus Klepcys DICE Racing, either in polished titanium with carbon fiber bezel (ref. 539.508.TTC.A) or in black DLC titanium with carbon fiber bezel like the one that we used for our review (ref. 539.508.DDC.A), has a price of Euro 38,900, in line with the exclusivity of this timepiece, a watchmaking technical feat combined to high-tech materials, meticulous finishes and a truly distinctive look. cyrus-watches.ch