Captivate Precision, Fulfill Aesthetic Desires
The Cyrus “Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon Malachite”
The Cyrus “Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon Malachite” emerges as a masterstroke in haute horology, weaving together bold design, advanced engineering, and artisanal craftsmanship. Limited to just two pieces (!), this watch is a rare celebration of mechanical ingenuity and aesthetic brilliance, cementing Cyrus’s position as a vanguard in contemporary watchmaking and placing the watch among the most innovative offerings in modern horology.
Distinctive Design Features
At first glance, the Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon Malachite demands attention with its striking architecture. The cushion-shaped 4N 18-carat rose gold case, measuring 44 mm in diameter–water-resistant to 30m and with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass on the dial and case back–houses a marvelously intricate skeletonized dial. Dominating the design is the vertical tourbillon, positioned at the center and angled at 90°. This unique positioning enhances precision by keeping the tourbillon cage vertically aligned on the wrist, a feature perfected through Cyrus’s technical expertise.
The twin crowns, a hallmark of Cyrus, add functional symmetry. The crown at 3 o’clock handles time adjustment and movement winding, while the crown at 9 o’clock facilitates quick hour corrections. The interplay of these elements underscores the brand’s commitment to combining utility with artistry.
The Allure of Malachite
Malachite, with its vibrant green hues and naturally variegated veins, defines the watch’s visual and emotional appeal. The gemstone adorns the retrograde hour and minute arches, framed in golden accents that mirror the warmth of the rose gold case. This choice of material lends a textured brilliance and evokes rarity and opulence. Historically, malachite has been prized across cultures for its protective and transformative properties. Often used in ancient amulets and royal adornments, This cultural significance imbues the Klepcys with an additional layer of mystique that transcends conventional design.
By integrating malachite into the timepiece, Cyrus elevates it from a mere instrument of timekeeping to an objet d’art, a conversation piece for collectors who value craftsmanship intertwined with nature’s artistry. The use of this semi-precious stone also increases its perceived value, catering to a clientele that appreciates uniqueness and a connection to Earth’s natural treasures.
Vertical Tourbillon: Precision Redefined
The vertical tourbillon is more than a centerpiece; it’s a testament to Cyrus’s pursuit of mechanical perfection. Traditionally, the tourbillon counters gravitational forces to enhance accuracy. Abraham-Louis Breguet, the inventor of the tourbillon, created this mechanism for French nobility who demanded precise timekeeping for their extravagant travels, laying the foundation for the tourbillon’s storied legacy. Cyrus takes this a step further by positioning the cage vertically, a configuration that keeps it consistently aligned for peak performance on the wrist. This design aligns with principles observed in other high-end models featuring tilted or multi-axis tourbillons (e.g. Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30˚, yet Cyrus’s solution achieves comparable precision through a single vertical axis. The cage itself, a delicate assembly of 52 components weighing just 0.706 grams, completes a full rotation every minute, revealing a mesmerizing interplay of precision and engineering.
This unique orientation minimizes positional errors commonly encountered in traditional horizontal tourbillons, a feature corroborated by independent reviews and comparisons within the industry, such as detailed analyses in "WatchTime" and "Watches by SJX." The innovation reflects Cyrus’s ethos of merging science with art, presenting not only a mechanical marvel but also a significant leap in precision timekeeping.
Skeletonized Craftsmanship
Skeletonization in the Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon Malachite isn’t just a design flourish—it’s an exhibition of masterful craftsmanship. The arched bridge, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s self-supporting bridge, frames the tourbillon with micro beaded textures and polished bevels, adding dimensional depth. The rhodium-plated barrels at the dial’s apex are engraved with triangular motifs, a recurring Cyrus signature. According to interviews with Jean-François Mojon published in industry sources such as "Le Temps" and "Europa Star," the master watchmaker behind Cyrus, this meticulous attention to detail stems from a philosophy of merging artistic inspiration with mechanical innovation, as further documented in the brand’s official materials.
The retrograde indicators for hours and minutes are equally intricate. Crafted with malachite inlays and framed in gold, they maintain the watch’s harmonious design symmetry. The hands, openworked and plated in 4N gold, ensure clarity while maintaining the skeleton’s delicate balance. Meanwhile, the power reserve indicator, a micro beaded black DLC sphere at 12 o’clock, adds a touch of technical whimsy to the composition.
Every component of the in-house calibre CYR625 movement is a canvas for artisanal finishing. From the dark grey NAC-treated bridges adorned with sunray patterns to the mirror-polished cams and rhodium-plated wheels with cerclage decoration, the watch’s interior is as captivating as its exterior. Even the reverse side of the movement, visible through the sapphire case back, reveals a meticulous interplay of textures and finishes, including the signature propeller-like logos on the barrels’ lacquered ratchet wheels.
Three hundred and forty-four components and fifty-one jewels make up the movement, which ticks at a frequency of 3Hz and delivers a 100 hours of power reserve.
Reflecting Industry Trends
The release of the Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon Malachite mirrors key trends in the luxury watch market. Collectors are seeking timepieces that merge intricate mechanics with artistic flair. According to market analyses from industry publications such as WatchPro and Hodinkee, skeletonized designs have seen a steady rise in popularity, evolving from niche creations to a hallmark of modern haute horology. This shift reflects a growing demand for transparency—both literal and metaphorical—into the watchmaker’s art, aligning perfectly with Cyrus's innovative approach.
Investment Appeal and Collector Value
The scarcity of the Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon Malachite elevates it to a collector’s treasure. Limited to just two pieces, it represents the pinnacle of exclusivity. Its innovative vertical tourbillon mechanism, coupled with the intricate use of malachite, ensures that it will remain a sought-after treasure among connoisseurs. High-end collectors understand the enduring value of such a watch, not merely as a timekeeping instrument but as an investment in artistry and engineering.
Furthermore, the integration of exotic materials like malachite signals a broader movement towards personalization and storytelling. Today’s discerning buyers seek watches that are not only rare but also imbued with unique narratives.
Cyrus’s emphasis on precision craftsmanship and its reputation for creating avant-garde designs position the Klepcys as a standout piece in any collection. The watch’s unique combination of technical mastery and aesthetic innovation ensures its desirability, both now and in the future.
Competitive Positioning in High-End Horology
In the fiercely competitive landscape of luxury watchmaking, Cyrus stands apart. The Klepcys Vertical Skeleton Tourbillon Malachite epitomizes this ethos, blending a revolutionary approach to timekeeping with the brand’s signature bold aesthetics. Its vertical tourbillon alone places it in a league of its own, competing with established giants while offering something genuinely unique.
By focusing on limited production runs and incorporating rare materials, Cyrus appeals to a niche audience that values individuality and innovation over mass appeal. This strategy not only differentiates Cyrus but also reinforces its position as a leader in the realm of independent haute horology.
(Price: 243’000 CHF)