Hands-On With The Extravagant Cyrus Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon

Last November, I got my first taste of the remarkable creations of Cyrus Genève. The Klepcys GMT Palm Green and Ocean Blue were a striking combination of state-of-the-art design and impressive watchmaking. They were a great first taste, for sure. Another one of the brand’s standout pieces is the Klepcys DICE, which Cyrus released just over two years ago. DICE stands for “Double Independent Chronograph Evolution,” which hints directly at what made this piece special. I got the opportunity to go hands-on with a new version of that same watch. It combines titanium and carbon for a piece that stands out both technically and visually. Could it be even better than the Klepcys GMT? I had a chance to find out.

After three years of development, the Cyrus Klepcys DICE was first unveiled in 2021. The technically striking timepiece is the brainchild of master watchmaker Jean-François Mojon, the creative mind behind the Cyrus brand. He is also the man behind movement manufacturer Chronode. On top of that, he has worked for many brands, including Czapek, MB&F, and Trilobe. He has also been working on some outrageous creations for Cyrus for over a decade. The Klepcys DICE was the world’s first watch to feature two independently operated monopusher chronograph mechanisms in the same movement. As such, it was a much-discussed innovation. Now, with the Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon, the DICE story continues…

The story of the new Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon

The idea behind the Klepcys DICE is quite simple in theory: would it be possible to time two events independently with the same watch? In 2018, this question inspired Jean-François Mojon to start looking for answers. While the question might be simple, answering it posed quite a technical challenge. But three years later, the first Klepcys DICE displayed Mojon’s brilliant solution. After that first release, which was available in both regular titanium and black DLC titanium, we have seen various versions of the watch.

The first was the Klepcys DICE Lime, which came in both natural titanium and black DLC titanium. After that, we saw the Klepcys DICE Racing, which combined a natural titanium or DLC titanium case with a carbon bezel. This new model we got in for review combines the Klepcys DICE Lime and Racing. This is the case of the Racing model in a combination of titanium and carbon contrasted by the Lime model’s green and yellow colors. On top of that, this is the first Klepcys DICE model that is available on a titanium bracelet.

The details of the Cyrus Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon

So, let’s start with some basics. The Klepcys line is instantly recognizable because of its cushion-shaped case. This Grade 5 titanium piece measures 42mm in diameter and 16.5mm in thickness with its carbon bezel. Consequently, it’s quite substantial. However, as you will understand, the combination of lightweight materials ensures that it is not too hefty.

In a nice visual twist, the layered carbon fiber bezel features luminescent material for a nice spectacle in the dark. The green lume parts contrast nicely with the blue lume of the minute track, hour markers, and hands. The version we had in for review came fitted with a titanium bracelet. It’s the same bracelet we saw on the two Klepcys GMT models that I reviewed in November.

Cyrus will produce 50 pieces of the Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon with this bracelet. Another 50 pieces will be fitted with a green Cordura strap. Visually, I think the Cordura straps on all the Klepcys DICE models are the better choice. They increase the colorful character even more and make the watch look a little less chunky overall. Nevertheless, the titanium bracelet is extremely comfortable and perfectly balances the watch on the wrist.

A perfect look into the inner workings of the watch

The case and bracelet are not necessarily matched with a dial simply because there is no real dial. It’s all about admiring the piece’s inner workings, and I understand that. The watch has several sapphire crystal discs to reveal as much of the movement as possible. All of the white numerals for the hours and the Cyrus logo sit atop one of these discs.

A black convex flange holds the two parallel 60-second chronograph scales with yellow and green numerals. These correspond with the centrally mounted chronograph hands in the same colors. The green chronograph hand is slightly longer to measure time on the outermost scale, while the shorter yellow hand indicates the elapsed time on the inner yellow scale. As you might have concluded from the parallel scales, the green hand resets to 12 o’clock, whereas the yellow hand resets to 6 o’clock.

Accompanying the chronograph hands are the partially skeletonized central hour and minute hands. The upper half of each is filled with Super-LumiNova to ensure that you can read the time in the dark. The sub-dial at 9 o’clock indicates the running seconds via the luminous arm of the three-armed helix logo that graces the sub-dial. What I love about the execution is that the logo is much less prominent than on the Klepcys GMT. It integrates better here, and therefore, I like it much more. Finally, the right sub-dial is the 30-minute counter for both chronographs, again indicated by the small hands’ corresponding yellow and green colors.

The spectacular caliber CYR718

Let’s take a closer look at the engine within the Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon. Essentially, it is what makes this such a special creation. The lacquered yellow and green column wheels of the double-monopusher chronograph movement are nice touches that visually link to the chronograph scales and hands. The green and yellow colors are also on the pushers, taking the form of anodized aluminum rings. These let you know that the right pusher activates the green column wheel and the corresponding hands, while the left pusher activates the yellow chronograph.

The movement that makes this all possible is the automatic caliber CYR718. It consists of 443 parts, runs at 28,800vph, and has a 55-hour power reserve. Usually, I would say that you can get a nice view of the movement through the display case back. With this watch, however, the front reveals the greater part of the movement. Still, through the sapphire window on the back, you can see the skeletonized rotor with the brand’s logo in 18K gold and the Cyrus motto. The bridges have a dark gray NAC treatment and an embossed sunray pattern as well as satin and microbeaded finishes. On the front, many of the components also have a gray NAC treatment, ensuring plenty of contrast with the colorful elements and guaranteeing readability.

Wearing the Cyrus Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon

Once on the wrist, there is a lot to take in. First, the combination of materials has a very distinct look. I prefer the previous full-titanium version because the mix of black carbon and brushed titanium initially looked odd. Over time, I got used to it, but it felt less natural due to the stark contrast between the two materials. The Grade 5 titanium bracelet is the same one used on the Klepcys GMT. The design features brushed H-links with polished hexagonal center links, also contrasting with the movement and bezel.

The large watch is easy to wear on my 19cm (7.5″) wrist. This is thanks to the slightly curved case and the well-made and super comfortable bracelet with its butterfly clasp. But even if you can pull its size off, it’s still a very prominent watch due to the colors and materials. In any case, thanks to the revolutionary movement, it is a great timepiece to experience in real life. Playing with the two chronographs and seeing them interact is pure horological fun. In its default position, the pusher at 3 o’clock also winds the movement. Pulling it out to position one will let you set the time and activate the first chronograph. As mentioned, the second chronograph is activated via the pusher at 9 o’clock. Thanks to the open dial, seeing the double chronograph in action makes the experience a true joy.

Final thoughts on the Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon

Overall, I had great fun wearing the Cyrus Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon when we had it in the office. Funnily enough, I prefer the previously released full-titanium version because I found it harder to get used to the combination of carbon and Grade 5 titanium. On top of that, the version with the green Cordura strap gives the watch a less chunky feeling, and I prefer the light-heartedness that it lends to the watch’s look. But those personal preferences do not take anything away from the fact that this is a spectacular timepiece.

It’s fun to wear and use thanks to the technical brilliance of the movement that Mojon developed. Yes, you can debate the style of the watch, but it’s way more than just the watch’s design that makes this such an impressive timepiece. I certainly prefer it over the Klepcys GMT.

As mentioned, Cyrus will only produce 50 pieces of this watch on the bracelet, each with a price of €50,300. If you prefer the same watch on a light green Cordura strap, it is also available in a limited run of 50 pieces and priced at €48,700. That is serious money for a serious watch. However, as Cyrus creates watches for a small audience that loves the brand, I am sure that these pieces will find their way to Cyrus collectors.

For more information on the Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon, visit the official Cyrus Genève website. Let us know your thoughts on this extraordinary timepiece in the comments section.