What dial style do you prefer? Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, markers… the good news is that you no longer have to choose. With the Byrne Gyrodial, the face of your watch changes over time or depending on your mood, with markers rotating every 24 hours to change their appearance. Byrne was founded by John and Claire Byrne, who launched their independent watchmaking brand during Geneva Watch Days in September 2022. John, a watchmaker with a design background, is the creative force behind the brand. Claire, his wife, is the CEO and focuses on business-related matters. Their GyroDial has now been stripped down to display its inner workings and ingenious mechanism.
Four different looks in one watch. If the idea seems quite simple, this original and playful concept is a first for the industry and is far more complex than it may appear. To change its face on a daily basis, the Byrne GyroDial features cubes at 3, 6, 9 and 12 displaying digits or markers, each making a jump every day (at midnight or midday, depending on how you’ve set your watch) or on-demand via the crown. With customisation in mind, Byrne also caters to personal numbers or bespoke logos or symbols.
The latest version of the Byrne GyroDial no longer features a dial and exposes the magic tricks of its mechanism. As such, it has been dubbed Zero as it shows the essence and origin of the concept. With its monochromatic look, the Gyrodial feels more modern, industrial, and technical. The sandblasted mainplate, which doubles as the dial, is engraved with a minute track partially filled with luminescent material for optimal legibility in all conditions.
The Byrne GyroDial relies on the automatic calibre 5555, developed and assembled with Le Temps Manufacture, a movement maker based in Fleurier, which works behind the scene for some of the greatest names in the industry. This 30mm calibre runs at 4Hz and has a 60-hour power reserve when fully wound. It comprises 261 parts, including the mechanism driving the rotation of the indexes. From a technical perspective, each rotating cube is connected to a central gear by a small upright wheel. These make an instant jump once a day. One of the main challenges relates to power management. Given the inertia of the four revolving blocks, the mechanism needs to accumulate energy in a dedicated spiral spring. A finger triggers the rotation when required. The jump must be precise, rotating the cubes exactly 90 degrees. Nothing more, nothing less.
Turning the watch over, the sapphire caseback provides a view of the other side of the calibre 5555 with its openworked rotor. The decoration features beautiful deep stripes of different widths and circular graining.
The watch comes in the brand’s distinctive case. Its cushion shape is enhanced by taut lines, a curved profile and a round bezel opening. Measuring 41.7mm in diameter, it is fashioned out of grade 5 titanium with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The bezel is now brushed to match the movement.
The Byrne GyroDial Zero comes in two versions: Rhodium Silver or Black Rhodium. It is presented on a leather or rubber strap and secured to the wrist by a titanium folding buckle. The price is set at EUR 17,500. For more information, please visit www.byrnewatch.com.
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