CyrusKlepcys Solo Tempo
Symmetry is a quality I often refer to with watch design. For example, the harmony conferred with a bi-compax dial is sublime. It delivers a notable balance which invariably elicits words of praise from my direction.
With the Cyrus Klepcys Solo Tempo, Cyrus imbues a case design with a degree of symmetry, granting a balanced appearance and a handsome mien. The case includes a normal winding crown on the right hand flank of the case while also featuring a similarly designed faux crown on the left hand side of the case. While the left hand crown serves no functional role it does grant the case with an agreeable appearance.
Beyond the black sapphire crystal, a black skeleton main-plate can be seen. The main-plate does not afford views through the movement but does grant an unusual, mechanical dialscape with a structural quality to its form.
The hour and minute hands are partly lined with luminescent treatment and partly open-worked near the fulcrum of the hands. A lithe central sweep seconds hand features a red tip and virtually kisses the minuterie as it circumnavigates the dial.
Each hour is denoted with a triangular index, again featuring luminescent treatment. The minuterie is delivered in red and white hues with each 5-minute integer proclaimed with Arabic numerals.
Despite its smoked black sapphire crystal and absence of a conventional dial, the Klepcys Solo Tempo remains simple to read. Indeed, it is the absence of other dial indications which sidesteps any potential clutter that could otherwise mar ease of interpretation.
The case is formed of titanium, steel and DLC coating. This has a tendency to mitigate the perceived sense of scale. However, there is no escaping the fact that this is a generously proportioned watch, measuring 46mm in diameter.
Despite the scale of the Cyrus Klepcys Solo Tempo, wearing it did not prove a problem as the lugs are comparatively short and the strap is designed to sit perpendicular to the case-back. Indeed, I found this timepiece to be very comfortable, but concede some smaller wrists may be overwhelmed by its sheer bulk.
The crown on the right hand side of the case is used for winding and time-setting, while the crown on the left hand side is merely for decoration. There may be some readers who argue that the faux crown is superfluous but it does introduce a becoming symmetry to the design which I find very likeable.
I have grown accustomed to viewing movements via exhibition case-backs with a loupe in hand. Sadly, the case-back is solid which I found a little disappointing.
The self-winding CYR1015 has been produced in partnership with Jean-François Mojon. Monsieur Mojon needs little introduction, he has been responsible for crafting movements for Czapek, HYT, Harry Winston, MB&F, MCT et al. It would appear that Cyrus has joined some illustrious company when using the services of Jean-François Mojon and his company Chronode.
The Cyrus Klepcys Solo Tempo is a handsome watch which does not follow the pack but delivers a wholly new aesthetic. As you will be able to ascertain from reading this article, I clearly like the appearance of this watch but I concede that its individualistic design and scale may not be to everyone’s taste.
Cyrus has successfully recognised the public’s desire for symmetrical detail, harnessed this and suffused this into an unusual and individual design.
Beyond the aesthetic appearance of the Cyrus Klepcys Solo Tempo is a movement produced in partnership with one of the leading watchmaking talents, Jean-François Mojon and his company Chronode.
While the crown on the left flank of the case may be faux, this is not a metaphor for the watch. Indeed, the Klepcys Solo Tempo is the real deal, delivering an array of attributes housed within an interesting case.
