6017-LA21-GR

If you recall, I was rather impressed by the Chyros when we reviewed it (here) last year.  This year, they’ve added an interesting twist to the model, placing a cutout on the dial, allowing you to see the balance wheel at work.

When you’re viewing a mechanical movement, be it manual or automatic, the most active portion of a standard (non-chronograph) one is going to be the balance wheel.  So, in many ways, it makes sense to include a cutout on the dial to allow you an easily-accessible glimpse at the wheel.

6017-LA21-det1-GR

Sure, you could see the movement through the display caseback, but how often are you taking your watch off throughout the day?  While this isn’t something I would want on every watch, I do appreciate it on a few models that have it.  Even with a fully skeletonized dial, often times that just makes things difficult for telling the time.  With this, you maintain legibility while seeing the machine work.

6017-LA23-GR

On this particular model, though, it’s a tradeoff of sorts.  With the original Chyros, you get a date display (personally, the complication that I find to be one of the most useful); with the Open Balance variant, you lose the date display in favor of the “open heart” design.

6017-LA21-dia-GR

Regardless of the model you choose, it’s a watch that packs some visual impact, and is well built with a reliable movement.  You can purchase the new Open Balance for a bit over $1400, once you exchange the currency and exclude the VAT charges (pricing is listed as 1380 EUR within the EU).

Categorized in:

New Models,

Last Update: May 6, 2013