Integrating an alarm function into a wristwatch requires careful engineering, particularly in terms of energy management, reliability and acoustic efficiency, which helps explain why the alarm function has become increasingly rare in contemporary watchmaking.
When executed properly, however, it remains one of the most engaging complications, offering a direct and practical interaction with a mechanical watch.
As an independent manufacture, Cyrus enjoys a level of creative freedom that allows it to approach such complications without compromise. Free from industrial constraints, the brand can rely on movements developed exclusively for its watches, enabling greater flexibility in both technical architecture and design.
The Klepcys Réveil is a clear expression of this independence, pairing a purpose-built alarm calibre with Cyrus’s distinctive three-dimensional case construction and bold visual identity.
With the Klepcys Réveil, Cyrus offers a distinctive interpretation of the mechanical alarm, turning a useful function into a fully immersive experience.
The alarm is not only heard but also seen, as the mechanism animates across the dial, allowing the wearer to follow the choreography of the complication while its sound completes the interaction.
Few functions engage the senses so directly, combining mechanical spectacle with genuine everyday usefulness.
Following our introductory article, we had the opportunity to spend several days with the Klepcys Réveil. We are now pleased to share our impressions, along with a closer look at the watch through our hands-on images.
The watch comes in the typical Klepcys cushion-shaped case, measuring 42 mm in diameter and 17.15 mm in thickness.
Crafted from polished and satin-finished stainless steel, it is a notably complex case comprising no fewer than 26 components. The ergonomic profile and curved lugs contribute to comfortable wearing on the wrist.
The three-dimensional bezel, applied to the central body of the case, has a square base with curved sides and corners that are clearly highlighted by polished facets and a matte satin-finished top that frames the sapphire crystal.
A strong element of characterisation, the twin crowns are positioned at 3 and 9 o'clock. They are encircled by a rubber ring for enhanced grip and embellished with the brand's emblem, a three-armed helix.
Both crowns are functional, and we will describe their specific roles later in the review. Water resistance is rated at 3 ATM (approximately corresponding to 30 metres / 100 feet).
The dial is enhanced by a refined grenage finish, a sophisticated surface treatment used by Cyrus for the first time on this model. The layout is organised around two off-centre displays arranged on different levels.
The larger upper dial features luminescent Arabic numerals in relief and indicates the hours and minutes via rhodium-plated openworked hands with electric blue tips, complemented by a slender central seconds hand.
A white lacquered minute track with glossy black indices frames the display.
Positioned between 10 and 12 o’clock, the day–night indicator plays an essential functional role, ensuring correct interaction with the alarm, which is set on a 24-hour basis.
A bright blue sky adorned with the sun indicates daytime, while the starry sky with the half-shaped moon reminds us that it is night.
The secondary dial, located between 3 and 6 o’clock, is dedicated to the alarm setting.
It is framed by two concentric rings: a 24-hour scale with Arabic numerals and an inner minute scale allowing precise adjustment.
Setting the alarm is straightforward: pulling the crown to the first position allows the desired alarm time to be selected on the 24-hour and five-minute scales.
The crown has a second position that is used to set the time.
Activation or deactivation of the alarm is managed via the crown at 9 o’clock.
Pressing it toggles the small indicator hand at 7 o’clock between Arrêt (off) and Marche (on). Selecting Arrêt disables the alarm function.
The Super-LumiNova luminescent material glows blue in low-light conditions, ensuring excellent legibility of all key indications.
An element which draws immediate attention is the alarm hammer, prominently showcased between 7 and 8 o'clock.
Recalling the shape of a bell, it is crafted from steel and beautifully finished with brushed surfaces and bevelled, polished corners.
When activated, the bell repeatedly strikes a gong to signal the set alarm time on the dial, producing a pleasant sound for 16 seconds (check this Instagram clip to listen to it).
Enjoying the alarm hammer in action while wearing the watch is pure fun.
Secured with four screws bearing the Cyrus symbol—a detail that demonstrates the brand’s meticulous attention to even the smallest elements—the caseback features a sapphire crystal porthole to display the in-house manufactured, hand-wound calibre CYR1280.
Comprising 340 individual components, this sophisticated movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and provides a substantial 72-hour power reserve.
To ensure high chronometric precision, the calibre is equipped with an annular balance wheel. This "ring-shaped" balance is designed for optimal thermal stability and weight distribution, allowing the watch to maintain a consistent rate across various positions and temperatures.
The regulating organ is paired with a traditional Swiss pallet fork lever escapement, chosen for its proven reliability and its ability to transmit energy from the gear train to the balance wheel with extreme precision.
The movement’s architecture is defined by its two parallel barrels, easily recognised by their black-lacquered ratchet wheels and the brand’s helix symbol.
The first barrel, located closer to the balance wheel, powers the main timekeeping functions, whilst the second barrel is dedicated exclusively to supplying the energy required for the alarm. This separation ensures that the alarm can chime for its full duration without affecting the precision of the time display.
The finishes are strictly in line with the highest haute horlogerie standards. The bridges are decorated with a striking engraved, curved sunray pattern, which creates a beautiful play of light and provides a dramatic backdrop for the jewels and the mirror-polished screws.
Completed by a luxurious black alligator leather strap secured to the wrist by a double folding clasp in steel, the Cyrus Klepcys Reveil, ref. 539.502.SS.C has a retail price of CHF 39,950 / €41,000, excluding local sales taxes.
With the Klepcys Réveil, Cyrus demonstrates how a rarely used complication can still feel relevant when approached with clear vision and technical depth.
The alarm is not treated as a secondary feature, but as the very heart of the watch, supported by a purpose-built movement and a design that makes the complication both visible and engaging.
Beyond the spectacle of the animated hammer and the clarity of the acoustic signal, the Réveil stands out for its coherence. Case, dial, and movement are conceived as a unified whole, reflecting Cyrus’s ability to explore new technical solutions while remaining firmly anchored in traditional watchmaking principles.
For collectors seeking a mechanical alarm that combines genuine functionality with a distinctive identity, the Cyrus Klepcys Réveil emerges as a refined and technically accomplished expression. cyrus-watches.ch
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