Fans of the sprawling fantasy world of "Game of Thrones" and its spinoff "House of the Dragon" know the thrill of watching mighty dragons take flight. These fire-breathing creatures aren't just symbols of power and ruin, they're also things of beauty and wonder.
Kross Studio has harnessed that feeling in a truly special timepiece: the Balerion Central Floating Tourbillon.
Kross Studio is known for breaking the mold of watchmaking. The Swiss brand consistently delivers cutting-edge designs and impressive mechanical skill. The Balerion Central Floating Tourbillon is a perfect example. This one-of-a-kind watch captures the spirit of Kross Studio, mixing amazing technology with careful craftsmanship and a touch of artistry.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
The Balerion Central Floating Tourbillon takes its cues from Balerion the Black Dread, the biggest, scariest dragon in all of Westeros. The watch's 45mm titanium case gleams with engraved scales, like the dragon's tough hide. The domed sapphire crystal offers a crystal-clear view of the amazing floating tourbillon, which seems to hang in mid-air as it spins above the dial.
The tourbillon is the centerpiece of any watch, and the Balerion's is truly a marvel. This complex mechanism balances out the pull of gravity on the timekeeping parts, keeping everything running smoothly. Kross Studio's special floating tourbillon takes this to the next level, suspending the whole tourbillon system right above the watch's movement. It's visually stunning and gives a unique glimpse into its inner workings.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
The Balerion's dial is built from Damasteel®, a special kind of steel famous for its layered pattern. This metal brings to mind Valyrian steel, the legendary material used to forge the finest swords in Westeros. The black and silver hues of the dial create a stark contrast, like a dramatic clash of ice and fire.
The Balerion Central Floating Tourbillon is a true work of art. It arrives with a unique Dragon Egg Functional Sculpture, dreamed up by Marco Tedeschi. This hand-painted sculpture isn't just a gorgeous display piece, it also has a purpose – it acts as a winder for the watch. The egg opens to show a soft microfiber nest, a safe haven for the watch when it's not being worn.
The Balerion Central Floating Tourbillon is a seriously limited edition – only a single piece exists, making it a true collector's treasure. This watch is proof of Kross Studio's technical skill and creative vision, but even more, it's a celebration of the lasting power of "Game of Thrones" and its world of dragons, warriors, and magic.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
The Balerion is powered by the KS 7'005 caliber, a manual-winding floating central tourbillon movement designed and built completely within Kross Studio's own workshops. This is a testament to their commitment to mastering every stage of watchmaking. It's like a master blacksmith forging their own steel rather than just buying it pre-made.
The central floating tourbillon is what steals the show. Traditional tourbillons rotate within a cage, but in the Balerion, the entire tourbillon assembly and its 'fixed' second wheel appear to float just under the sapphire crystal. Imagine a tiny dragon circling high above the other components of the watch. This special design gives a completely unobstructed view of this intricate engineering feat.
Hours and minutes on the Balerion aren't shown with traditional hands. Instead, they follow a planetary gear system orbiting 360° around the tourbillon. The hour and minute gears are attached to massive ball bearings, designed to reduce friction and keep everything running smoothly. It's not just innovative, it's visually stunning because you're not just checking the time, you're watching a little mechanical ballet.
The Balerion's dial is where the Valyrian steel inspiration really shines through. It's made of Damasteel®, the same kind of steel used to make some of the swords in the "Game of Thrones" universe. This steel features a striking layered pattern, with contrasting light and dark lines that bring to mind the folded steel used for the finest blades.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
The 45mm case is made from grade 5 titanium, a seriously tough and lightweight material. It features that incredible dragon scale engraving, making the watch feel substantial on the wrist but not heavy. The sapphire crystal dome gives both incredible clarity and keeps the watch safe from the elements with its impressive scratch resistance.
Winding the watch and setting the time is where things get really interesting. There's no traditional crown sticking out from the side. Instead, Kross Studio uses what they call a “D-ring crown” on the case back, along with a "Time Set" push button tucked discreetly into the edge of the case. This setup is not only visually sleek, but it also avoids the awkwardness of a crown poking into your wrist as you wear it. Plus, the D-ring system makes winding faster and smoother!
Even the most functional elements of the Balerion have a luxurious touch. The black PVD hour markers and hands are filled with black Super-LumiNova®, making them easy to read even in dim settings. The strap is held in place by a custom black DLC grade 5 titanium deployment clasp. Little things like this make a huge difference in both comfort and that feeling of wearing something truly special.
Each Kross Studio Collector Set offers both a timepiece and a piece of art. With the Balerion, that art takes a familiar form – a Dragon Egg. Designed by Marco Tedeschi and sculpted in partnership with French workshop Leblon Delienne (known for their incredible pop-culture pieces), this functional sculpture is stunning on its own. Each resin Dragon Egg is painstakingly hand-painted, giving every one a unique, lifelike finish. And yes, that's an actual 3D scan of a prop egg from the "Game of Thrones" show they used to create the shape!
The egg isn't just for show, though. It opens to form a secure and dramatic resting place for the Balerion watch. The interior boasts a design echoing the Targaryen's ancestral home of Dragonstone, with holders for the watch cushion modeled after the castle's towers. Even better, there are seven slots in the base – one for each of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Practical, beautiful, and oozing with the lore of the show.
The Balerion Central Floating Tourbillon is a true one-off masterpiece, but it's also a herald of things to come. Kross Studio has ambitious plans. They're going to release a whole series of these unique collector sets, each inspired by a different dragon from the "Game of Thrones" and "House of the Dragon" saga.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
There's something uniquely appealing about a watch like this. It's not just a well-made machine; it's drenched in the symbolism of a world millions of people adore. Every detail, from the floating tourbillon mimicking a dragon in flight to the Dragon Egg display, is designed to stir the imagination of fans.
The Balerion Central Floating Tourbillon isn't for everyone. Its six-figure price tag alone puts it into the realm of serious watch enthusiasts and dedicated collectors. But for those select few? This watch is a dream made real, a piece of mechanical ingenuity that also stirs the soul. It's that rare intersection of fine craftsmanship and the excitement of a beloved story brought to life.