Among the young and creative independent watch companies producing timepieces with modern designs, Cyrus is one to watch. Known for its bold design solutions and complex mechanisms created under the guidance of Jean-François Mojon, this brand has gained fame recently. Founded in 2010, Cyrus planned to celebrate its tenth anniversary last year with the release of impressive new watches… but, of course, the situation in 2020 turned out to be somewhat more complicated than expected. And so, after a year-long delay, we have the Cyrus Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire before us. As they say, better late than never.
The Cyrus company was created in 2010 by a Swiss entrepreneurial family with experience in the luxury industry. Having established this watch atelier, they decided to trust one of the most renowned watchmakers, Jean-François Mojon, the brilliant creative mind behind all Cyrus creations. Although the brand claims that production is done in-house, this means that Chronode (a company owned by Mojon) is responsible for creating these patented mechanisms - which does not change the boldness and creativity of Cyrus watches.
In honor of its (belated) 10th anniversary, the brand released a stunning edition of its Klepcys Vertical Tourbillon, first introduced in 2018, followed by the Skeleton model in 2019. The main update concerns the case, which is now entirely made of sapphire crystal and adorned with white and gold accents.
The overall design remains the same as previous releases of the Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon, and like most watches created by Cyrus - such as the Double Independent Chronograph. It features a signature cushion-shaped case with short lugs and domed surfaces, measuring 44 mm in diameter and 19.9 mm in height (yes, the vertical tourbillon needs space…) It is fitted with 18-carat rose gold crowns with white rubber inserts and a white rubber strap with a gold folding clasp. Note that the right crown is used for winding the mechanism and setting the time. The crown at the '9 o'clock' position is used for adjusting the jumping hour by one-hour increments.
The pièce de résistance in this Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire model, as expected, is its mechanism with a rather unique architecture. At the very center is the minute tourbillon regulator, which is mounted on a vertical axis at a 90° angle - thanks to this angle, the tourbillon cage is almost always in a vertical position when on the wrist, optimizing its accuracy. The time indication was dictated by the central position of the tourbillon and divided into two separate indications: retrograde seconds on the right and retrograde hours on the left. At the '12 o'clock' position, there is also a spherical power reserve indicator, and the entire mechanism is open to reveal its technical features, further enhanced by the sapphire case. Seconds are indicated by the tourbillon cage with a 5-second interval scale.
The Cyrus Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon with its bold display is powered by the CYR62 caliber developed by Mojon. This manually wound mechanism features two parallel barrels providing a solid 100-hour power reserve. The tourbillon beats at a classic frequency of 3 Hz. The decor, like the watch itself, is modern and creative: gray bridges, thanks to NAC galvanic treatment, are adorned with a sunray pattern and micro-beaded satin finish, contrasting with polished edges. The two parallel barrels are equipped with black lacquered ratchet wheels.
And although Cyrus needed another year to celebrate its 10th anniversary, they did it in style. The Cyrus Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire will be released in a limited series of 10 pieces priced at 245,000 Swiss francs. More information can be found on the website www.cyrus-watches.ch.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – CYRUS KLEPCYS VERTICAL SKELETON TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE
Case: 44 mm diameter x 19.9 mm height – cushion-shaped sapphire crystal case, consisting of 29 parts – sapphire crystals on both sides, with anti-reflective coating – two 18-carat rose gold and white rubber crowns – water resistance 30 meters
Indication: jumping retrograde hours on the left side of the dial – shooting retrograde minutes on the right side of the dial – seconds on the tourbillon cage – power reserve displayed with a sphere at 12 o'clock
Movement: in-house caliber CYR625, developed by Jean-François Mojon – manual winding – 51 jewels – 344 components – 36.4 mm x 14.4 mm – 21,600 vibrations per hour – 100-hour power reserve – two parallel barrels – vertical one-minute tourbillon
Strap: white rubber strap with an embossed prism pattern – 18-carat rose gold folding clasp
Availability: limited to 10 pieces
Reference: 539.506.ZG.A
Price: 245,000 SWISS FRANCS