If the events of the last year on planet earth have you wondering what is happening elsewhere in our solar system, look no further than the Cyrus Klepcys Moon.
Cyrus have never been scared to “break the mould” when it comes to innovative design and this case is no exception. The independent brand has managed to mix horological wonder, using no less than two innovative mechanical patents and futuristic design, to bring a series of watches that should spark an emotion.
The emotion may be positive or negative for each individual, but the unorthodox display of how time is read, as well as the 3D elements and constant motion, should all inspire a reaction.
Developed by master watchmaker Jean-François Mojon, he explains the idea behind their creation so concisely:
The wish to explore the “3D universe” in watchmaking was the starting point for the creation of the models Klepcys Moon and Klepcys Mars. The idea was to translate the conventional indications of a timepiece into the “third dimension” conferring on each a totally new and unique interpretation, both from the mechanical and aesthetic side. It was above all the fact of “thinking in three-dimensions” that opened up unsuspected perspectives. During the creative process, each function was individually developed. Subsequently, a painstaking stylistic study was necessary in order to harmoniously integrate all the functions to achieve a balanced result of its distinctive architecture.
Cyrus Klepcys Moon (Red Gold/DLC Titanium)
Face & case
Before getting into it, just to point out that there are various versions of this watch available, however for the purpose of the review, we will focus on one version – the other references will be mentioned in more detail later in the article.
Made from 5N 18K Red gold, the 47mm case is topped with a black DLC coated titanium bezel. The DLC has been given a satin finish, whilst the gold has both polished and satin surfaces; 4 golden polished customized screws bearing the brand’s swirling logo secure the four corners of the bezel.
Instantly recognisable as a Cyrus watch, by the elongated oblong shape, which still has a round dial topped with anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
There is a lot going on in the dial, none of which appears to actually tell the time on first glance, however, look closer and you will see that the different elements have their functions and it isn’t actually hard to read at all.
The dial is visually (almost) vertically symmetrical, the left hand side delivering hours, whilst the right hand shows date and moon phase. Minutes and seconds are circular in the centre, by way of two concentric discs, with black matt “microbillé” finish and the Cyrus logo swirl is in the very centre at the central fixing point.
Starting on the left, numbers from 12 through to 12 are shown in luminescent Arabic numerals just inside the bezel, (where a rehaut would traditionally be). Indication of the hour is by a retrograde hour hand, which hovers above a black galvanised surface with a geometric triangle motif engraved across it. The hour hand has rounded and polished edges, travelling along the arch to show the hour; it also has lacquered cubes showing either blue or yellow, depending on the time of day (yellow for day and blue for night). When the hour hand reaches 12 at the top, rather than “jumping”, as most retrograde functions do, it is regulated to slowly returns to the bottom 12 to start the process again. At all times, the minute indication keeps the correct time on the outer of the 2 central discs. The seconds disc spins constantly and moves independently.
On the right hand side, using a traditional clock face as reference, a retrograde date is situated between 12 and 4 o’clock. The numbers 0-9 are engraved and filled with black lacquer, along the outer edge of a grooved rhodium-plated arch with circular satin finish. The date tens are delivered by a clever rotating retrograde cube, also engraved and filled with black lacquer. How it works is when (for example) the date is changing from 19 – 20, the tens cube will show 1 next to the static 9 and when it changes to the 20th of a month, the retrograde cube springs back down next to the static 0 and also changes to show a 2 on the cube.
The mechanism for regulating the speed of the retrograde hour, minute and second wheels, as well as the day/night indication is Patented. The retrograde calendar function is also Patented.
Located at about half past 4, a 6 mm 3D sphere is made from 5N 18K Rose gold and used to show the phases of the moon. A black ruthenium mechanical cover moves to show the different phases of the moon. The whole sphere is obviously on show for full moon and the cover closes at different intervals to full eclipse. The area the moon phase mechanics sit on are also rhodium plated and cover more of the dial than necessary, visually completing the semi circle to the vertical centre of the dial.
There are 2 polished gold crowns with deep diagonal ridges and the Cyrus logo on the end of each of them. The crown at 3 o’clock adjusts date by using a push button, whilst the crown at 9 o’clock winds the movement In position 1 and adjusts the time in position 2. There is also a micro push button at 4 o’clock, for moon phase correction (with special tool).
Turn the watch over and the DLC coated case back is fully closed, with 8 customized polished gold screws to secure it. There are 2 interconnected circular areas of intricate engravings, including information on the movement, the piece number, Cyrus Logo, water resistance etc, as well as a gold reproduction of the coin first minted during the reign of Cyrus the Great.
Cyrus Klepcys Moon (Red Gold/DLC Titanium) Case Back
Movement
The calibre CYR598 is an automatic movement and manufactured in house, using no less than 390 components, including 40 jewels.
The oscillating weight spins on ceramic ball bearings, without the need for lubrication and it’s heart beats at 28,800 vibration per hour at (4Hz).
As mentioned previously, the mechanism for regulating the speed of the retrograde hour, minute and second wheels and the day/night indication is patented; as is the retrograde calendar.
Owners should expect around 40 hours power reserve once fully wound and the watch has been tested at 3 ATM (30m/100 ft) for water resistance.
Cyrus Klepcys Moon (Red Gold/DLC Titanium) Side and Crown
Strap
The strap is made from black alligator leather, with black stitching. Being as thick (about 5mm at the case end!) and rigid looking, it is surprisingly supple and easy to get on and fasten.
Secured with a black DLC coated titanium folding clasp, the shape is customised and looks fairly unique, with protruding “lugs” stretching away from the body of the clasp. The Cyrus 3 point swirl logo is stamped proudly in the centre.
Cyrus Klepcys Moon (Red Gold/DLC Titanium) Strap and Buckle
Other stuff
The Cyrus Klepcys Mars is in the same “family” as the Klepcys Moon; they both share similar features by utilising the same movement, but having different planetary themes.
The Klepcys Mars is available in 2 limited edition references:
- Klepcys Mars Red (Ref. 539.101.B) in Titanium – Limited to 33 pieces
- Klepcys Mars Black (Ref. 539.102.B) in Black DLC Titanium – Limited to 33 pieces
This version of the Klepcys Moon featured, is one of 5 references available in the Moon range:
- Klepcycs Moon (Ref. 539.003.B) in Red Gold & Black DLC Titanium – Limited to 88 pieces (Featured here)
- Klepcycs Moon (Ref. 539.001.A) in Red Gold – Limited to 33 pieces
- Klepcycs Moon (Ref. 539.002.A) in White Gold & Black DLC Titanium – Limited to 88 pieces
- Klepcycs Moon Blue (Ref. 539.005.C) in White Gold & Black DLC Titanium – Limited to 7 pieces
- Klepcycs Moon Master (Ref. 539.003.B) in Titanium – Limited to 33 pieces
Cyrus Klepcys Moon (Red Gold/DLC Titanium) On the Wrist
Our verdict
I am personally a big fan of Cyrus and their creations. Readers of our original blog pages will likely recall our hands on review of the Klepcys Vertical Tourbillon Skeleton back in 2019 and I’m just as impressed by the Klepcys Moon.
I know it was the idea by design, but it really does look like something from a different planet, with it’s alien time telling display, spinning cubes, retrograde functions and the constant spinning of seconds in the centre. Add that to the flashiness of 18k red gold not only on the case, but a solid gold construction inside the dial too and we have a piece that ticks a lot of boxes for me.
In it’s presentation box, it looks like a big and bulky watch, however on the wrist, it’s appearance actually seems to reduce in size. It does have a fair bit of weight to it, but the design of the case and strap fittings are so well thought out that it really does fit well. On the wrist, the size seems to reduce slightly, again it can only be due to the aesthetics of the bold shapes softening towards the edges.
At 22 mm in depth, it’s really quite thick in relative terms, but the soft edges and rounded crystal top allow cuffs to pass without much fidgeting.
With only 88 pieces being made of this version and at a price just shy of £70,000 (plus VAT in the UK), unless your friends have eccentric taste, there’s probably not much chance you would see many others with a Klepcys Moon (or Mars) on their wrist.
It probably wouldn’t be a bad thing if it did happen to be honest, as you’d both know you were in good company!!
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