Launching a new collection for the company, the Cyrus Etheral Twin Orbital Tourbillon is an astounding achievement in watchmaking and a triumph for Jean-François Mojon and his team. Featuring a spectacular dial arrangement that is alive with the motion of two flying tourbillons, and a jumping hour display paired with a triangular minutes indicator, each element of the dial is held on a frame that changes position with each passing hour. Presented in an 18ct rose gold and titanium case that is styled to showcase the incredible dial-side panorama, the watch is strictly limited in production and will be exclusive release of only 18 pieces.

Based in Geneva, and established in 2010, Cyrus have become widely acclaimed for their innovations. Nevertheless, the new Etheral Twin Orbital Tourbillon watch sees the company break new ground, taking the Manufacture onwards in their pursuit of technically advanced timekeeping. Six years in the making, and with no less than three patents pending, this is a profoundly complex model that launches a new collection for Cyrus and one that will surely elevate them into the highest echelon of the Independent Watchmaking landscape.

Endlessly fascinating, the dial of the watch has a three-dimensional aspect that changes with each passing hour, with each element reaching upwards to the domed sapphire crystal. The two parallel flying tourbillons, each moving clockwise and inclined at an angle of 20°, give the illusion of seemingly floating as they complete their one minute rotation. A triangular minute hand with a luminescent tip complements the tetrahedral shape-form of the tourbillon cages, and just beneath its openworked 18ct gold plated prongs, one can glimpse the inclined rotating discs for the jumping hour that is displayed at its centre via pristine white numerals.

As the hour passes, everything changes. In a stroke of horological wizardry, the frame on which the hour and minutes display and the two flying tourbillons are held moves forward changing the dial arrangement in an instant. Ingenious to the highest degree, the rotation of the dial has no effect on time reading, which remains horizontal regardless of the positioning of the components. Not simply an avant-garde composition, Cyrus have also created a beautifully arranged façade, and the interplay of 18ct rose gold, and the black and anthracite tones is stunning.

Notably this is the first watch by Cyrus to feature a round casing, and for this exclusive edition the housing is manufactured from 18ct rose gold with grade 5 titanium inserts and is sized at 44mm, with a height of 16.3mm. Perfectly proportioned flowing lugs ensure an ergonomic fit, and the trim bezel ensures that the dial side drama is fully showcased. The two grooved crowns add symmetry, with the winding and time setting via the example at 3 o’clock, and a clever quick time set that enables a one hour forward setting for the jumping hour via the crown at 9 o’clock. 

Beating within, the new manual winding Manufacture CYR518-E boasts a number of innovative features and as with all in-house Cyrus calibres exhibits immaculate finishing. The subject of three patent applications, the calibre beats at 21’600 vib/h, and features an inclined power reserve disc display viewable through the rear sapphire crystal. Frosted and microbeaded finishing combined with hand bevelled and polished edges leave one in no doubt of the Haute Horlogerie credentials of the movement, and running on two barrels it has an impressive 72 hour power reserve despite the energy required from the kinetic motion of the indications.

Presented in a limited edition of 18 pieces, the Cyrus Etheral Twin Orbital Tourbillon wears on black leather strap, secured with an 18ct rose gold and titanium pin buckle.