Hands-On With The Byrne Gyro Dial Zero

October 31, 2011

As a young kid, I played with Lego blocks, miniature cars, and trains, but when Hasbro released the Transformers toys and an animated TV show alongside them, I was hooked. This was before the first game console or computer entered the Broer residence. I still have most of my Transformers, some of them more complete than others (they had a lot of pieces!), but I cherish them as they remind me of my happy childhood.Byrne Gyro Dial ZeroWhen I opened the box we received from Byrne with this Gyro Dial Zero, I had a little flashback to the mid-1980s when I was sitting on the floor playing with Optimus Prime, Tracks, and Inferno (you can all look them up on eBay). Now, the Byrne Gyro Dial Zero is far from a plastic toy or a toy in general, but this watch, with its constantly changing face, immediately reminded me of the good times.The Byrne Gyro Dial Zero is a very impressive watch at first sight. The Grade 5 titanium case measures 41.7mm wide, 48.1mm long, and 14.45mm thick. But Byrnes Gyro Dial doesnt have a round case, so reading those dimensions is at least a bit deceiving.Caliber 5555 is visible from both sidesAccording to Byrne, the case has been finished by hand, using both polishing and sandblasting on the different surfaces. Youll find a sapphire box crystal on both sides of the watch, through which you look directly at the movement.This is Byrnes caliber 5555, featuring sandblasted finishing along with rhodium-plated bridges and plates. On the back side, you will find C?tes de Geneve decoration and beveling done by hand. The rotor has a large aperture, so you have a nice view of the movement and its manual finishing. Caliber 5555 has been developed at Le Temps Manufactures in Fleurier, Switzerland.A dial with animationThis movement consists of 261 components, 42 of which are jewels. It has a power reserve of 60 hours and ticks at a 28,800vph (or 4Hz) frequency. What these specifications dont tell you is that the movement is the dial and that it shows a beautiful animation. The four indexes at 12, 3, 6, and 9 oclock will rotate at midnight, noon, or on demand by simply using the crown. The four cubes will rotate instantly, each showing a new side with Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, or fantasy indicators. The hands and indexes all have an application of Super-LumiNova as well.All the cubes change instantaneously, which requires some power, but the LTM-based caliber 5555 is up to the task. Due to a dedicated spring, the mechanism works flawlessly and has enough power to make the change.The Byrne Gyro Dial Zero on the wristOn the wrist, this watch reminds me of a UFO with curves and a polished top surface. From the side, you will see a cavity with a sandblasted finish. The bezel of the Byrne Gyro Dial Zero also has a sandblasted finish, ensuring some contrast with the polished surface below.Because you look directly at the movement, the watch has a very industrial look. Combined with the futuristic case, it has a unique and distinctive appeal. This watch cant be mistaken for anything else, and it almost forces you to look twice to see both what it is and what it is doing. The four cubes are all visibly connected to the mechanism that rotates them. All the cavities, the screws, and the sandblasted finish add to the industrial look and feel of this Byrne Gyro Dial Zero.With such an entertaining front side, theres hardly any reason to turn the Byrne Gyro Dial Zero over to check for the movement. However, if you do, you will see a nicely decorated caliber and a rotor with the Byrne logo embossed. Engraved on the bezel of the case back, youll find the number of the watch, the model name, and the fact that it is water resistant to 50 meters.Finally, the watch we have here comes on a gray leather strap with a Grade 5 titanium pin buckle.Some afterthoughtsAfter playing with this Byrne Gyro Dial Zero and wearing it for a while, I have to say that I was just as intrigued by it when we had to box it up to send it back as I was when we received it. And its not only the transforming dial but also the case shape, the level of finishing, and the wearability that I find refreshing, to say the least.We often get watches in the Fratello office that do not stick with me for long, but this Byrne is different. And it s different enough from what else is out there to make me want to try it out again in the future.Byrnes Gyro Dial Zero has a retail price of $18,500 / CHF 18,500 / US$19,500 (excluding VAT).You can find more information on Byrne s official website.Watch specifications Brand Byrne Model Gyro Dial Zero Dial Gray with rotating hour markersCase Material Grade 5 titanium with high-polished and sandblasted finishesCase Dimensions 41.7mm (diameter) 48.1mm (lug-to-lug) 14.45mm (thickness)Crystal Box-shaped sapphireCase Back Grade 5 titanium with box-shaped sapphire window Movement Le Temps Manufactures 5555 - automatic winding, 28,800vph frequency, 60-hour power reserve, 42 jewels, rotating hour cubes, hand bevelingWater Resistance 5 ATM (50m)Strap Gray leather with titanium pin buckleFunctions Time (hours and minutes)Price $18,500 / CHF 18,500 / US$19,500 (excluding VAT)