Over the last few years the lucrative world of horology has been flooded by dynamic and exciting new watch brands. One of these is a progressive thinking company called CYRUS.
Established in the city of Geneva, Switzerland the business is currently owned by cousins Laurent and Julien Lecamp. The name is derived from ‘Cyrus the Great’ who also was known as ‘King of the four corners of the world’.
The partnership of Laurent and Julien Lecamp has been integral in the ongoing success of CYRUS. Julien has utilized his training as an architect and engineer to design and manufacture a fantastic range of watches. Predominantly they have enjoyed international acclaim from their KUROS and KLEPCYS series of watches. The stunning new KAMBYS model is the brands latest and in my opinion most distinctive range. The first piece (Pièce unique) in the collection has been generously donated to the ‘Only Watch’ auction to be held in Monaco on September 28th 2013.
With a colossal diameter of 50mm (including the two crowns) this watch is clearly designed to make a bold statement. I absolutely love the oversized proportions but concede they won’t appeal to everyone’s tastes. The KAMBYS Pièce unique should be a practical option to wear for most occasions both formal and casual. This is down to the intuitive design and lightweight brushed titanium case. Due to the nature of this exclusive timepieces I feel this objet d’art may only be worn on very special occasions.
On a visual level the sublime KAMBYS Pièce unique delivers a really mean punch. The façade is astounding and is unlike any other watch I have ever seen. CYRUS has designed a wonderful skeleton dial that has super cool industrial feel. Laurent and Julien obviously enjoy experimenting with different colours and textures. I love the revolving cylinders that highlight in red the watches power reserve. Other amazing elements include open worked hour minute/hands and mesmerizing red chapter ring. Overall the attention to detail is astonishing and exceptionally stimulating.
In collaboration with the extraordinarily talented Jean-François Mojon the company have devised the highly complex Calibre 7778. It is important to mention that this number signifies Laurent and Julien Lecamp’s year of birth. Mechanically the movement comprises 50 jewels and 290 hand finished components. This in house mechanism is manual winding and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The KAMBYS Pièce unique has a long list of functions, which include hours, minutes, seconds, seven-day power reserve and secret animation. By operating the crown (located at 9 0’clock) this ingenious feature displays the following elements: Pièce unique, Flagship of the principality of Monaco and the CYRUS Geneve logo.
The amazing KAMBYS Pièce unique has an anti-allergic rubber bracelet with a triple folding, titanium clasp.
You can read more of Steve Huyton’s watch reviews on his website www.totalwatchreviews.com