After the launch of the first version of the “Klepcys DICE” as world premiere in August 2021, the Double Independent Chronograph, which marked a new milestone in modern chronography and met with acclaim, CYRUS Genève, independent Swiss watchmaking brand founded in 2010 with manufacture in Le Locle (Switzerland), is refreshing the look of its emblematic model with the introduction of the new KLEPCYS DICE SAFFRON.
The name DICE is the acronym of Double Independent Chronograph Evolution and indicates a new evolution of the traditional chronograph.
A much-appreciated technical innovation that allows two-time intervals to be measured independently or in synchrony, developed by master watchmaker Jean-François Mojon, the mastermind behind all Cyrus Geneva creations. And different from the split-seconds complication, where the two hands track the time of two events that start simultaneously but end at different times or indicate an intermediate elapsed time.
Powered by the outstanding self-winding manufacture movement, calibre CYR718, Klepcys DICE Saffron is equipped with an unprecedented double independent monopusher chronograph. Crafted in a 42 mm cushion-shaped case in polished/brushed grade 5 titanium, this creation is completed by an orange Cordura fabric strap with a titanium folding clasp or with an integrated satinfinished titanium bracelet with polished hexagonal central links.
Klepcys DICE Saffron is a 50-piece limited edition per version.
Why a double independent chronograph?
The inspiration behind the creation of the original “Klepcys DICE” comes directly from the world of sports.
This modern chronograph is the result of a deep reflection on the role of timing in sports competitions. In many sports, it is often important to record elapsed times with different starting times for every sportsman. The Klepcys DICE Saffron chronograph can therefore measure the times between two consecutive runners or racing drivers. A similar situation occurs in car rallies, where it is common to use two independent chronographs. Our latest timepiece makes this operation easier thanks to the two monopusher crowns, which are essential to avoid any unwanted manipulation.
A contemporary and unconventional style
The case
The signature feature of CYRUS Genève’s KLEPCYS timepieces is the iconic cushion-shaped case with elongated lugs on the case body, a three-dimensional bezel with rounded corners, and symmetrical twin crowns. Assembly of the case is a complex process involving no less than 26 polished and satin-finish parts.
Klepcys DICE Saffron comes in polished/brushed grade 5 titanium case, 42 mm in diameter and 16.5 mm in thickness and is water resistant to 10 atm.
The functional twin crowns are equipped with a pusher that adjusts the three chronograph functions (start/stop/reset). Personalised with the brand's helix logo, they are fitted with an orange and green anodised aluminium ring that allows you to select the chronograph you wish to activate.
The sapphire crystal case back is sealed with customised screws with the Maison's three-armed helix logo. Through the transparent porthole the satin-finished/microbeaded NAC-treated bridges with raised sunray motif and hand-bevelled edges can be admired. The open-worked monobloc rotor boasts the engraving of the company's motto “The Conquest of Innovation” and is adorned with an 18K 4N gold helix.
The dial
The 3D architecture of the open-worked display is a key-feature in all the Swiss Maison’s watches. It is a meditated approach and designed to allow the chronograph mechanism to be seen in action from the dial side, from which the two column wheels are clearly visible. The unusual arrangement of the chronograph mechanism on the dial side reveals the motion of the finely decorated wheels, levers and gears assembled on a double mainplate with a black microbeaded PVD treatment.
Thanks to the clever solution of a two-colour scheme, saffron orange and bright green, it is easy to read the recorded elapsed time intervals at first glance.
Both hues feature on the two hands of the 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, on the double-scale flange, on the column wheels and the respective crowns. The chrono minute and second hands are specular. The first chronograph is picked out in saffron orange; the crown at 3 o’clock starts, stops and resets it to 12 o’clock. The second chronograph is set with the pusher on the crown at 9 o’clock; it is highlighted in bright green and resets to 6 o’clock.
The Arabic numerals displaying the time, coated with white Super-Lumi-Nova emitting blue-glow, are applied to a transparent sapphire crystal ring with bevelled and polished edge. Interrupted at 12 and 6 o'clock, it allows a full view of the column wheels, and at 3 and 9 o'clock it makes room for the chrono counter and small seconds, both crafted in smoked sapphire crystal. The rhodium plated microbeaded helix of the small seconds is decorated with circular satin finish and doubles up as an original seconds hand with a luminescent tip. These sapphire glass elements offer an unhindered view of the extraordinary calibre equipping the timepiece.
Latest-generation calibre developed in our Manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland
Klepcys DICE Saffron is powered by the manufacture self-winding movement, calibre CYR1718, comprising 443 components, beating at 28,800 vibrations/hour, with a single barrel offering 55hour power reserve at full charge. It is equipped with two independent chronograph movements and two display axes: one corresponds to the chronograph seconds and the second to the 30minute counter of the double chronograph. The chronographs are activated by two column wheels, which in turn activate the different levers and couplings that move the seconds and 30minute chronograph display.
The activation of chronograph levers generates considerable shocks and dispersion of energy, especially during the return-to-zero phase when the hammer on the heart cam is activated. Thanks to a special system of insulation, which ensures precision measurements for the duration of the event, these shocks have no repercussions on the display of the functions. In short, the two chronographs function independently without exerting any influence on one another.
The motion work mechanism that carries the hours and minutes hands also required special attention. To free up as much space as possible for the double independent chronograph complication, Mojon came up with a concentric mechanism for the motion work. Not only is the mechanism more compact, but it is coaxial to the axes of the hands.
Two mainplates were required for this innovative mechanism. Treated with black microbeaded PVD, the 218 components of the additional module corresponding to the two independent chronographs are assembled on the this two mainplates.
It is worth noting that since the chronograph mechanism is visible on the dial side, the movement has been reversed. Its symmetrical design offers a fascinating view of the two column wheels that are the "heart" of this complication.
