In this feature, we look into the story behind BYRNE Watch and its two latest creations, which the brand will be showcasing at the forthcoming ‘Geneva Watch Days Zurich’.
Launched less than two years ago, during the Geneva Watch Days in September 2022 by John and Claire Byrne, the BYRNE Watch brand – whose watches are developed and manufactured in Switzerland – is based on a simple vision:
Since then, the watch brand has been on an upward trajectory, garnering acclaim from all parts of the world. Renowned retailers – ChronoPassion/Laurent Picciotto in France, Provident in the USA, Noble Styling Gallery, Mitsukoshi, and Kijinkan in Japan, EBillion in Canada, James Porter & Son in the UK, Haag Juwelier and Pletzsch in Germany, and 10:10 LABS in the Middle East (Kingdom of Bahrain) – have all chosen to embrace the brand for its creativity, inspiration, dynamism, and watchmaking.
“Meeting independent watchmaking enthusiasts, being able to present our famous Gyro Dial and our various models and seeing the stars in the eyes of those discovering our complication for the first time, is a true driving force for us,” explains John Byrne, the passionate creator and founder of the House with his wife Claire Byrne, the CEO of the company, by his side.
The Gyro Dial stands out with the motto: ‘One watch, four faces’. Every day at midnight – or when the wearer wants with a twist of the crown, the four cardinal indexes at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock pivot in a flash, altering the watch’s face to mirror the wearer’s mood.
The brand’s two latest creations will be showcased in Zurich:
LE GYRO DIAL ‘GOLF’, a limited edition series that fully embodies the passion for golf.
Building on the success of its Casino series, which was inspired by games of chance, and the Indo-Arabic series, influenced by the Orient, Byrne now sets its sights on a new frontier – the lush greens of the world of golf.
The founder’s love for golf has sparked the creation of this unique timepiece, a first in the realm of watchmaking. From classic to sporty, and back again – this ‘player’ timepiece captures the spirit of golf with a dial in a vibrant, deep green, like the freshly cut grass of verdant golf greens, and changing cardinal indexes that represent the symbols of the game.
With this limited series of 24 pieces, Byrne Watch enters a new artistic dimension. In this rendition of the Gyro Dial concept, engraved indexes at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock are replaced by miniature sculptures.
Retail Price: CHF 25’000 / USD 27’700 / EUR 25’850.
LE GYRO DIAL ‘MECA’, a more sophisticated and elegant version of the first GYRO DIAL.
A new model that heralds a new staple collection – more sophisticated, more elegant, designed for collectors and aficionados of independent and creative Haute Horlogerie. With a fresh and unexpected perspective on its hallmark complication, BYRNE is rethinking its entire aesthetic while amplifying its singular interpretation of timekeeping.
With its sleek, sport-chic look and advanced engineering, it packs in a smaller, slimmer 38mm diameter.
The GYRO DIAL MECA watch has been created to target a new segment of discerning customers who are eager to own an exceptional timepiece. As the third pillar of the BYRNE brand, it offers an innovative, gender-neutral take on its distinctive interpretation of timekeeping.
Retail Price: CHF 25’000 / USD 27’700 / EUR 25’850.
The BYRNE Watch Collections:
The brand – whose watches are developed and manufactured in Switzerland – has consistently distinguished itself by its avant-garde design and deep respect for watchmaking craftsmanship.
BYRNE Watch’s range now comprises three collections and a variety of singular creations: The GYRO DIAL, which debuted in September 2022 with the inaugural 311 GTS series, presents a full dial and a full case; it was the first watch to mechanically change its face thanks to 4 small cuboids positioned at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock and pivoting synchronously every evening at midnight or when the wearer wishes.
From day one, BYRNE has been offering bespoke versions of its pivoting indexes, decorated with numbers or symbols by special order.
In March 2023, on the occasion of the Geneva Watch Week, BYRNE presented the ‘dial-less’ GYRO DIAL ZERO, boldly showcasing the movement’s distinctive industrial aesthetic on the watch face. The model swiftly became a bestseller.
In May 2023, the brand began to introduce a collection of limited series, such as the GYRO DIAL INDO-ARABE. This model featured a solid dial in a striking green hue, reflecting multiple shades of blue, green and turquoise reminiscent of the Indian Ocean. True to its name, the indices feature Indo-Arab numerals.
That same year, bridging sophistication and industrial design, the GYRO DIAL ZERO PINK GOLD (available with or without diamonds) introduced a new, more refined realm for creative expression and exclusivity.
In February 2024, embracing its sense of humour and whimsy, BYRNE introduced a playful twist with the GYRO DIAL CASINO, offered in two versions: Midnight Blue and Jet Black. Complete with symbols from the green felt and slot machines, this timepiece captures the spirit of chance and sizzles with the energy.
In March this year, the GYRO DIAL GOLF limited series made its debut during Geneva Watch Week 2024. Inspired by the verdant greens of Scotland’s golf courses, this watch also represents the brand’s first foray into the realm of Métiers d’Art artistic crafts – it features exquisitely sculpted three-dimensional micro-artworks of symbols that reflect John Byrne’s deep-seated passion for golf.
Finally, the GYRO DIAL MECA also launched in March of this year.
You can learn more about the watch brand and view its current range of models at byrnewatch.com.