In 2020, Marco Tedeschi founded Kross Studio, an independent watchmaking manufacture with a mission to create contemporary complication watches.
Kross Studio seamlessly blends form with function in their timepieces, all the while respecting the fundamental codes of watchmaking. Their creations are more than just instruments for telling time; they are works of art that tell stories and evoke emotions. Kross Studio collaborates with industry giants like Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO, DC Comics, Hasbro, and Lucasfilm to incorporate iconic elements from the worlds of entertainment and pop culture into their designs. These exclusive creations are complemented by Functional Art pieces and form highly sought-after Collector Sets. Kross Studio's dedication to innovation extends beyond watches to include remarkable accessories such as table clocks, rotating cases, and travel cases.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
The KS 05 collection is a prime illustration of Kross Studio’s philosophy. Each watch in this collection features a central floating tourbillon, the manufacture's signature movement, and a hard stone dial. The watches are available in a variety of materials, including 18-carat red gold or grade 5 titanium, and can be adorned with diamonds. The dial stones include blue aventurine, turquoise, and even meteorite. Each piece is produced in a limited series of 10 pieces, or as a unique piece.
The newest addition to the KS 05 collection is the KS 05 Titanium Moss Agate, a unique timepiece available exclusively at Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons in Dubai. The watch features a 45mm brushed titanium case that houses a moss agate dial and the manufacture's central floating tourbillon movement.
A watch collector would first be drawn to the watch's case, crafted from grade 5 titanium. This biocompatible material is not only stronger and more durable than stainless steel, but it also provides a pleasant tactile sensation. The use of grade 5 titanium underscores Kross Studio's commitment to using the most advanced materials in the industry. The circular satin finish of the case lends it an elegant and modern aesthetic. The case is devoid of lugs, angles, or even a crown, giving it a sleek profile that conforms to the wrist for a comfortable wearing experience. A push-button for setting the time is subtly integrated at 3 o'clock. On the case back, a D-ring is seamlessly integrated to allow for easy and efficient winding of the movement and time adjustment. The watch also features an interchangeable strap system, allowing the wearer to personalize their timepiece according to their preferences. The KS 05 Titanium Moss Agate comes with two straps.
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The domed and oversized sapphire crystal of the KS 05 watch offers a clear view of the movement's complexity from every angle. The crystal has been meticulously crafted with an anti-reflective coating applied to both its outer and inner surfaces. Anti-UV and anti-static treatments have also been applied inside the crystal, making it nearly invisible.
The most striking feature of the KS 05 Titanium Moss Agate is its dial, which is composed of two distinct parts. The outer dial, commonly referred to as the flange, is circular satin-finished in black PVD and features an engraved railway track filled with white lacquer. The rhodium-plated, satin-finished indexes are filled with white Super-LumiNova®, making them easily readable in low-light conditions.
The inner dial is the true star of the show. It is made of moss agate, a semi-precious stone that forms from mineral deposits within the cavities of volcanic rocks. Moss agate gets its name from the distinctive filaments or dendrites resembling moss that can be found inside the stone. The transparency of moss agate can vary depending on the density of the mineral deposits it contains, making each stone unique. In the KS 05 Titanium Moss Agate, the moss agate dial is designed with an opening at 9 o'clock, allowing a glimpse of the fascinating mechanism of the movement and its traditional watchmaking finishes, visible between the filaments embedded in the stone.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
The KS 7'005 caliber is a manual winding mechanical movement that comprises 220 components, including 27 jewels. The movement has been designed to provide exceptional performance and power reserve. To achieve this, the main functions of the watch – winding, energy accumulation, regulation, and time display – are placed on the same central axis. The mainspring barrel, whose diameter is larger than that of the movement plate, gives the KS 7'005 an impressive 120-hour (or five-day) power reserve.
The movement also features Kross Studio's signature innovation, the central floating tourbillon. Traditionally, tourbillons are placed off to the side or bottom of a watch dial. However, Kross Studio brings the tourbillon front and center, showcasing it like an artistic centerpiece. The tourbillon cage, with the balance wheel perched atop, rises above the movement and hands, offering a unique and mesmerizing perspective on its complex mechanics.
The KS 7'005 is not just about technical prowess - it's also about striking visuals. Imagine looking at the dial and seeing the tourbillon steadily rotate - it's like a miniature ballet right there on your wrist. Beyond just looking cool, the central tourbillon construction has practical benefits too. As it's elevated above the movement and hands, there's nothing blocking your view, letting you admire every intricate element of its operation.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
Another innovative aspect of the KS 7'005 is its peripheral hour display mechanism. To achieve this display, Kross Studio employs a planetary gear system mounted on two ball bearings. This frees the tourbillon from any obstruction and creates a visually striking presentation of timekeeping. The hour hand is shaped like an arrow and circles the central tourbillon, pointing to the hour markers on the outer dial (or flange).
The KS 05 Titanium Moss Agate's open dial design is not just for show; it serves a functional purpose. The transparency provided by the moss agate and the openness surrounding the tourbillon reveals the traditional watchmaking finishes of the movement's components. It's like giving watch lovers an inside peek at the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each timepiece.
Kross Studio's mastery shines not only in the watch's design but also in its execution. From the brushed titanium case to the polished tourbillon cage, every surface showcases attention to detail. The mix of textures and finishes, contrasting the rough beauty of the moss agate with the sleekness of metal, creates a captivating tactile experience.
It's important to understand that Kross Studio isn't some giant, faceless corporation churning out watches. Their creations are the product of a dedicated in-house manufacture located in Switzerland, ensuring absolute control over the design and production processes. This translates into pieces crafted with the utmost care and to demanding standards of Haute Horlogerie (high watchmaking).
A Kross Studio KS 05 isn't a watch you're likely to see on every other wrist. Pieces like the Titanium Moss Agate are either limited editions (10 pieces) or entirely unique. This exclusivity appeals to collectors who desire something truly special and rare. That uniqueness, combined with the quality, innovation, and attention to detail, helps Kross Studio watches hold (or even increase) their value over time, making them not only timepieces but potential investments.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
The Kross Studio KS 05 Titanium Moss Agate is a testament to the brand's ability to push the boundaries of watchmaking while staying true to its core principles. It combines modern design, technical ingenuity, and the use of exquisite materials to create a timepiece that is both visually arresting and mechanically sophisticated.
Sure, this isn't your everyday, grab-and-go watch. It's a statement piece. A conversation starter designed for those who demand more than just simple timekeeping, they want to own a unique piece of modern horological art.