Gland, Switzerland (June 12, 2024) – Kross Studio marked the first anniversary of its KS 05 Stone Dial collection with the launch of eight distinct new floating central tourbillon timepieces adorned with mineral dials. The collection’s new 45mm wristwatch models feature a range of Intriguing and textural stone dials crafted in sodalite, mahogany obsidian, violet jade, specular hematite, malachite, lapis lazuli, maw sit sit jade, and ruby —each a testament to Kross Studio’s daring design ethos and technical expertise. These new KS 05 editions are limited to just 10 pieces per dial variation.
The KS 05 Movement: A Testament to Engineering Prowess
The KS 05 collection showcases Kross Studio’s passion for exceptional engineering. At the heart of each of its watches lies the patented caliber KS 7’005, a manual-winding floating central tourbillon conceived by the brand’s founder, Marco Tedeschi – a signature achievement designed, manufactured, finished, and assembled in-house. Its architecture, made up of 220 components including 27 jewels, provides it with exceptional performance. Its main functions such as winding, energy accumulation, regulation, and display are concentric and coaxial in the center of the plate. Thus, the barrel, which is almost as large as the main plate, gives the movement a power reserve of 120 hours with chronometric performance.
The tourbillon, its balance wheel and its fixed seconds wheel are raised above the movement and the hands, overlooking the barrel, and offering an unprecedented perspective on its complex mechanics. The floating tourbillon cage is ultra-light, weighing only 0.488 g. It is made of grade 5 titanium, a material chosen for its high strength and lightness.
The innovation of the KS 7’005 movement also lies in the peripheral hour display mechanism, achieved by a planetary gear system mounted on two ball bearings, freeing the tourbillon from any obstruction. The hands of the KS 05 watch are rhodium-plated and filled with white Super-LumiNova®.
The Art of Finishing
The components of the KS 05 watch are decorated according to the codes of traditional watchmaking. The angles of its components are chamfered by hand, the sides are drawn, and the pivots are pearled. This high-level finishing, performed entirely in-house, is made possible by the development of Kross Studio’s decoration department.
The Case
The circular-brushed 45mm case of the KS 05 watches is devoid of lugs, Imparting an elegant and minimalist silhouette. This, combined with the absence of a traditional crown at 3 o’clock, reinforces Its ergonomic appeal. The D-shaped crown cleverly integrated into the case back allows winding and time setting with ease while preserving the watch’s minimalist form. In addition, an interchangeable strap system hidden on the case back allows the wearer to easily swap straps and personalize their watch.
Made of grade 5 titanium, a biocompatible material that surpasses stainless steel in terms of strength and durability, the case of the KS 05 watches underlines Kross Studio’s commitment to using the most advanced materials in the industry. Kross Studio also offers the KS 05 watch in an 18 karat rose gold case option. Both versions, titanium, or gold, can be fully pavé-set, adorned with 281 D-F VVS1 quality pavé diamonds, totaling approximately 5.09 carats.
The Crystal Dome
The oversized domed sapphire crystal of the KS 05 watch allows the wearer to appreciate the complexity of the movement and the dial from all angles. The crystal has received special technical attention: an anti-reflective coating has been applied to both its outer and inner faces, and anti-UV and anti-static treatments have been applied to the inside of the crystal, making it almost invisible, highlighting the floating central tourbillon.
The Dials
The KS 05 collection timepieces feature dials crafted in three distinct parts, each playing an essential role.
The outer dial, known as the rehaut, is affixed directly onto the case. It bears the hour markers and minute track, ensuring clear legibility and time reading at a glance. Its design and position offer an aesthetic and fluid transition from the case to the heart of the watch, drawing the eye towards the intricate mechanisms within.
The intermediate dial is mounted on top of the movement, specifically on the fixed hour wheel, and serves as a harmonious bridge between the outer dial and the heart of the watch.
The inner dial, designed with an opening at 9 o’clock, is fixed onto the main plate of the movement. Positioned beneath the floating tourbillon and the hour display mechanism, it allows an unobstructed view of the gear train and creates a captivating backdrop for the tourbillon, lending depth and providing a visual stage showcasing the watch’s meticulous engineering.
A Canvas of Natural Splendor
The dials of the KS 05 collection are crafted from a variety of natural stones. Watch enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity of hues and textures presented, from vibrant green Malachite, nuanced, verdant Jade, and Maw Sit Sit, to intense blue of Sodalite and deep, glinting Lapis Lazuli, to the vibrant Ruby and softer shade of Purple Jade.
The new series of eight mineral dial variations makes a fitting complement to Kross Studio’s preexisting KS 05 models in blue and black Aventurine glass. With the launch of these new stone dial models, the current Kross Studio KS 05 collection now numbers 10 distinct dial variations, each limited to just 10 pieces each.
The KS 05 has also become a stage to showcase retail exclusive piece unique mineral models – including KS 05 single editions in Moss Agate, Meteorite, and Spider Turquoise(sold out), and Kross Studio plans to continue exploring the creative possibilities inherent in this unique juxtaposition of natural minerals and horological excellence.
The KS 05 Collection
At the heart of each KS 05 watch lies the KS 7’005 caliber, an engineering masterpiece from a pioneering Swiss manufacture that continues to set new standards and surpassed them. This world-first manually wound floating central tourbillon, housed in a sleek and functional case, embodies the brand’s horological excellence.
Each edition of KS 05 watches is limited to 10 numbered pieces. The KS 05 collection is available for purchase on kross-studio.com, from official partners, and select authorized retailers.
ABOUT KROSS STUDIO
Founded in 2020 by Marco Tedeschi, Kross Studio creates contemporary complication watches, seamlessly blending form with function, all the while respecting the fundamental codes of watchmaking. The creations go beyond the simple measurement of time.
At the center of universes or collaborations that convey emotions, revive memories, and captivate the imagination, Kross Studio is the true embodiment of the concept of Functional Art. With complete control over design and production in its Manufacture in Switzerland, we unleash creativity without constraints, crafting exceptional watches that defy convention, done to the highest standards of Haute Horlogerie.
When collaborating with industry giants like Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO, DC Comics, Hasbro, and Lucasfilm, Kross Studio puts entertainment and pop culture iconic elements at the heart of their designs. These exclusive creations are complemented by a Functional Art piece and form highly sought after Collector Sets. Imagination even extends beyond watches to include remarkable accessories such as table clocks, rotating cases, and travel cases, all crafted with the same dedication.
Kross Studio invites you to explore a world where timekeeping transcends the ordinary, narrating stories of innovation and the seamless fusion of art and functionality.
Kross Studio’s products are available at Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons (UAE), Al Majed (Qatar), Berger and Emwa (Mexico), Chronopassion (France), Europe Watch (Hong Kong & Macau), Pisa (Italy), Sonraj (Pakistan), Swiss Prestige (Taiwan), Watches of Switzerland (UK & USA), and on kross-studio.com.