Cyrus Welcomes the Intuitive Klepcys GMT Retrograde

Cyrus Geneva, the independent Swiss maison with its manufacture based in Le Locle, is moving forward from its explorations into watchmaking complications such as the moon phase, alarm and vertical tourbillon to introduce a newcomer. This timepiece will further join the Klepcys collection: the newly developed automatic movement sees a “second time zone” function, housed in a titanium case which is smaller than existing models.

The result is the Klepcys GMT Retrograde, yet another work of art which lives up to the high qualitative standards of traditional watchmaking. It is the brainchild of Jean-François Mojon, a master watchmaker deemed one of the most highly skilled and prolific of the 21st century.

Time to Move

Cyrus has incorporated one of the most useful functions a watch can have into this latest creation. We live in an age when many travel around the world, be it for business or pleasure. And timepieces with GMT allow two time zones to be displayed at the same time: local time and home time.

Traditionally indicated with the acronym GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), this function is named after the English town of Greenwich, through the middle of which runs the “0” meridian. From this reference point, other zones indicate time that is either ahead of (+) or behind (-) GMT. On January 1st, 1972, the GMT definition was replaced with the initials UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), even though GMT continues to be used. Now UTC represents a time benchmark worldwide.

Designed to be a time instrument that is practical, easy to use and a trusty companion in our globetrotting adventures, the new Klepcys GMT Retrograde incorporates all the brand’s hallmark features, both in terms of cutting-edge technology and its futuristic, “unconventional” style.

A New Size

This extraordinary timepiece encompasses all the features that set Cyrus creations apart: the functional double crown, the 3D architecture of the dial, the exceptional decoration and finishings are all combined with a reliable, newly designed manufacture movement.

For the first time, the ergonomic cushion-shaped case with elongated lugs is waterproof to no less than 100m. The case has been resized and now comes in a diameter of 42mm. The watch is thinner and ultra-light on the wrist as it is made of grade 5 titanium. Available in three versions, in natural polished titanium, two-tone with a black DLC titanium bezel and all black DLC titanium, with its characteristic crowns set at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock. The 3 o’clock crown is easy to pull out and turn, thanks to the caoutchouc rubber ring that envelops the crowns and improves grip. The 9 o’clock crown is fix and incorporates a pusher for a quick set function.

Unconventional Style

Cyrus remains loyal to its philosophy of “The Conquest of Innovation,” and imposes no limits where creativity is concerned. The Klepcys GMT Retrograde once again surprises with the exclusive style of the dial, and a state-of-the-art automatic movement crafted in its own ateliers.

The original three-dimensional structure of the dial, long a key feature of the Swiss maison’s masterpieces, is achieved with overlapping layers that give the watch depth and a style all of its own. The first element is a transparent antireflective sapphire disc with Arabic luminescent numerals indicating the hours of local time. On the minutes ring each five-minutes indicators are also luminescent.

The transparent sapphire crystal showcases the upper plate of the movement, which has an elegant sunray openworked pattern. The result is an appealing “squelette” effect which gives enthusiasts and collectors alike the chance to dive into the very heart of the watch and follow the harmonious movement of wheels and gears. The golden hue adds a further delicate color contrast.

The display of the Klepcys GMT Retrograde is completed with a blue lacquer ring, with a luminescent indication of the 24-hour second time zone in even Arabic numerals. This is interrupted at 6 o’clock to make room for the small seconds.

The star of this sub-dial, which is adorned with the typical raised triangle embellishment and black PVD treatment, is the blue three-armed helix, the Cyrus logo; it has been given a luminescent finish, allowing the seconds to be read off. The end result is an exquisite dial which is harmonious in its many details. The indications are intuitive and can be read off with ease. 

High Functioning

During the design phase, Cyrus opted to set local time as the main time; it is displayed with the newly designed, open-worked rhodium-plated hands.

Now the two crowns come into play. In the first position, the crown at 3 o’clock is used to wind the movement. In the second position, it adjusts the hour and minute hands of local time. These rotate at the same time as the blue central retrograde hand with a luminescent triangular tip to indicate the home time. Subsequently, by pressing the push button of the crown set at 9 o’clock, the local time hand jumps by one hour each time it is pressed until it displays the desired local time. During adjustment, indications of the minutes and the home time remain unchanged. Thus, adjusting to the correct time zone while traveling is made extremely simple.

Engine of Change

Klepcys GMT Retrograde has been painstakingly designed. It is driven by a powerful customized “engine” that offers outstanding precision performance. Working with his team of skilled watchmakers and constructors, Jean-François Mojon has developed the new CYR708 in-house automatic caliber. Designed to be robust and reliable, it is set apart by a design that lives up to the brand’s philosophy. Its annular balance wheel beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, achieving a power reserve of 55 hours.

The sapphire crystal caseback also makes it possible to admire the meticulous work of the skilled craftsmen, who decorate the anthracite grey NAC bridges with slightly curved sunrays in a satin and microbillé finish. The single-block oscillating mass is openworked with a style that recalls the design on the plate as seen from the dial.

Klepcys GMT Retrograde comes complete with a customized black caoutchouc rubber strap with a central groove bearing the Cyrus symbol. It fastens with a folding customized clasp in titanium. Klepcys GMT Retrograde is the perfect watch for globetrotters, but also for fans of exclusive watches, in search of a sophisticated time accessory made in just 50 pieces per version.

Discover more about the Cyrus Klepcys GMT Retrograde.