ChatGPT: “Jean-François Mojon is a Swiss writer and professor, known for his work in literature and academia. He has written books on education and culture.”
Jean-François Mojon: “Oh no, definitely not (laughs)! Brilliant! That’s clearly not me. I notice there’s no date, so I’ve no idea if this namesake is even a contemporary of mine. Either way, I’ve never heard of him.”
When we specified “watchmaker Jean-François Mojon”, the results were more relevant: you have “collaborated with prestigious brands,” are known for your “commitment to watchmaking innovation” and have contributed to “projects that combine tradition and modernity.”
That’s much better! It’s spot on about the prestigious brands. I started with Urban Jürgensen, then moved on to Harry Winston, De Grisogono, now Hermès and many others, including Cyrus, of course. At Chronode, we work with a very select group of long-standing clients. We prioritise quality over quantity. What’s crucial for us is that these brands have a clear vision, as we only develop specific bespoke products for each of them.
“Cyrus Watches was founded in 2010 by Julien and Arnaud Boulanger. The brand takes its name from Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire, symbolising innovation and ambition.”
Absolutely not! The brand was indeed founded in 2010, but I’ve never heard of the Boulanger family. The reference to Cyrus the Great is accurate, but not really for the reasons stated. He was a historical figure who introduced a single currency and an early concept of human rights, making him a pioneer in many areas.
“Models such as the Kambys and Mars collection attract attention for their unique aesthetics and sophisticated mechanisms.”
That’s completely outdated. I suspect ChatGPT is drawing from very old data sets. These models are no longer in our collection. Our current focus is on the Twin Orbital Tourbillon and the Klepcys models. ChatGPT seems to be looking too far into the past without considering the present.
“Simple Cyrus watches can start at around 5,000 to 10,000 CHF, while more complicated pieces or limited editions can reach 30,000 CHF or more.”
No, not at all. Our entry-level price starts around CHF 15,000. The most advanced complications go up to CHF 330,000. The prices mentioned probably refer to our old collections. ChatGPT is once again struggling with current information.
“Cyrus stands out for its commitment to quality, using top-notch materials and elaborate movements, often designed in collaboration with renowned watchmakers.”
The renowned watchmakers are our own team at Chronode (laughs)! As for the selection of materials, that is indeed important to me, but only insofar as it’s functionally relevant. At Cyrus, we don’t choose materials simply because they’re innovative or novel, but for what they contribute to the watch and its complications in terms of precision and reliability.
“Chronode was founded by passionate watchmaking experts.”
No, I founded the company, on my own, in 2005. I considered several options, including creating our own brand, but that’s ultimately a different business. I couldn’t see myself travelling the world to close sales. It’s too far removed from my role as a movement maker.
“Chronode is a preferred partner for many brands looking to stand out in the market.”
Yes, that’s correct. Over time, we’ve expanded beyond pure R&D to develop a more comprehensive narrative. We work on product and brand positioning, crafting their stories. For instance, we now know that focusing solely on an escapement is no longer sufficiently compelling. This approach needs to be combined with design and aesthetics to tell a complete story. We are movement makers, but we’re just one element in a constellation of others.
“You can buy a Cyrus watch on the official website, from authorised dealers, at watch fairs like SIHH or Baselworld, but also in online luxury shops like WatchBox or Jomashop.”
You can indeed buy one of our watches, new or pre-owned, from our partners. However, our website isn’t an e-commerce platform, and neither Baselworld nor SIHH exist anymore! As for the two online sites mentioned – we’re not represented on either of them.
