Cyrus Klepcys DICE
Cyrus is launching today the Cyrus Klepcys DICE, an innovative chronograph whose peculiarities are well explained by its acronym DICE which stands for Double Independent Chronograph Evolution.
Capable of measuring two short intervals independently, this timepiece is an evolution of the traditional chronograph.
It should not be confused with the rattrapante chronograph. In fact, while the rattrapante can measure two events that start simultaneously but end at different times or indicate an intermediate elapsed time, the Cyrus Klepcys DICE can measure elapsed times even with different starting times. This occurs, 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.
In 1873 watchmaker Arnold Frankfeld registered the development of his ‘Double-Stop Movements’ at the New York patent office but other than that there are no reports of other double independent chronographs made available in the market.
Cyrus was the ideal company to develop such an innovation thanks to its independence, production autonomy and unique watchmaking know-how. The mastermind behind this concept is Jean-François Mojon, one of the most ingenious and respected watchmakers of our time (you can read our interview here).
Moreover, the cushion-shaped case of the Klepcys, with its two symmetrical crowns at 3 and 9 o’clock, was simply perfect to house such a technical solution.
Measuring 42 mm in diameter and 16.5 mm of height, the watch guarantees water-resistance up to a pressure of 10 ATM (approximately 100 metres / 330 feet).
Available in two 50-piece limited editions in Grade 5 titanium or black DLC Grade 5 titanium, the case alternates polished, satin-brushed and sandblasted surfaces.
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 showcases fascinating glimpses 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.
At 3 o’clock, the 30-minute chronograph counter is equipped with two vertically aligned hands, also in bright red and electric blue lacquer.
The same bright red and electric blue colour scheme is used for the two central seconds hands, each measuring a different length and, at 3 o’clock, the 30-minute chronograph counter. Thanks to the bold colours, reading the two elapsed times is instantaneous.
These 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. Mirroring the motion of the hands on the 30-minute counter, 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.
Like the counter at 3 o’clock, the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock is made in smoked sapphire crystal. The rhodium-plated microbeaded helix is decorated with circular satin finish and a luminescent tip.
The outer sapphire crystal ring is anti-reflective and 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.
Sealed with customised screws with the Maison’s three-armed helix logo, the transparent caseback showcases the 443-component self-winding CYR718 calibre and its open-worked monobloc rotor engraved with the motto “The Conquest of Innovation” and adorned with an 18k 4N gold helix.
Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, this exclusive manufacture movement offers a power reserve of 60 hours delivered by a single barrel.
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.
The motion work mechanism that carries the hours and minutes hands is usually composed of several gears placed on different rotational axes but in this model this approach was not an option due to the dual chronograph complication. To free up as much space as possible, Mojon came up with a concentric mechanism for the motion work making the mechanism more compact and coaxial to the axes of the hands.
Matched to a grey cordura fabric or a black rubber strap with with a folding clasp in same material of the case, the new Cyrus Klepcys DICE Double Chronograph in titanium (ref. 539.508.TT.A) and black DLC titanium (ref. 539.508.DD.A) have prices of USA 300
