Existing Habits can be Deceptive
In general watchmaking parlance, the term double chronograph refers to the German expression “Doppel Chronograph”, used for split-seconds models. Cyrus gives it an entirely literal meaning with its Klepcys DICE, a capitalized acronym standing for Double Independent Chronograph Evolution. By ‘double’, the brand from Le Locle is designating two independent chronographs housed in the same polished titanium or black DLC titanium case and powered by Caliber CYR718.
One or Two
In practice, each of the two chronographs can be started, run and then stopped either together or separately. They make it possible to measure two events with different start and finish times, or to perform the same tasks as a split-seconds mechanism, i.e. recording a simultaneous start with finishing times that need to be distinguished from each other. This implies almost duplicating the chronograph organs, and in particular the column wheel that controls the movement’s activation sequence. There is only one such sequence, because Caliber CYR718 is a (double) monopusher movement and this determines the start-stop-reset order. These pushers are integrated into the crowns. True to a proven design principle that is more appropriate than ever on this model, they are symmetrically positioned on either side of the case and thus reflect the inner workings of the mechanism.
One and Two
The issue of legibility is crucial in such a timepiece. Cyrus has opted to position the seconds hands like a mirror image to enable the best possible readability. This is a feature that distinguishes this model from split-seconds chronographs and clearly underlines the fact that the two chronographs are independent, each with its column wheel. The resting position of the first is at 12 o’clock, and that of the other at 6 o’clock. Each has its own color code, and they coexist in an aesthetic environment that will be familiar to those acquainted with Cyrus: an openworked dial pared down to an absolute minimum; a 3D design with a plunging view into the movement; a combination of textures and finishes; and of course the cushion-shaped case with double crown that has become a brand signature.
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