• Kross Studio KS 06 Central Floating Tourbillon a Captivating Mechanical Ballet
  • Kross Studio KS 06 Central Floating Tourbillon

    A Captivating Mechanical Ballet

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    August 22, 2024
  • Founded in 2020 by Marco Tedeschi, the brand has swiftly risen to prominence, celebrated for its audacious designs that push the boundaries of horological convention. With the recent unveiling of the KS 06 Central Floating Tourbillon collection, Kross Studio once again demonstrates its unwavering commitment to innovation, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with the timeless elegance of traditional watchmaking.

    While Kross Studio may be a relatively young brand, its roots are deeply embedded in the rich tapestry of Swiss watchmaking heritage. Marco Tedeschi, the visionary founder, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having honed his skills at some of the most prestigious names in the industry. Under his leadership, Kross Studio has cultivated a reputation for its fearless approach to design, consistently challenging the status quo and redefining the possibilities of horological artistry.

    Courtesy of Kross Studio
    Courtesy of Kross Studio


    From its inception, Kross Studio has embraced a philosophy of "functional art," where timekeeping transcends mere utility and becomes an expression of creativity and ingenuity. The brand's creations are not simply timepieces; they are meticulously crafted objets d'art that ignite the imagination and evoke a sense of wonder.

    The KS 06 collection is a testament to Kross Studio's unwavering pursuit of horological excellence. Encased in a meticulously crafted 42mm grade 5 titanium case with integrated lugs, these timepieces epitomize the brand's dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. At the heart of the collection lies the mesmerizing central floating tourbillon, a patented technical marvel that showcases the intricate ballet of gears and springs in all its glory.

    The KS 06's allure extends beyond its mechanical prowess. The collection embraces a minimalist aesthetic, meticulously preserving flawless symmetry and prioritizing comfort with its crownless design. The absence of the traditional three o'clock crown not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also ensures an uninterrupted wearing experience.

    The KS 06's case is a masterpiece of engineering and artistry. Crafted from grade 5 titanium, a material renowned for its exceptional strength and lightness, the case exudes a sense of understated luxury. The integrated lugs seamlessly blend into the case's contours, creating a fluid and harmonious silhouette. The bezel and case back are meticulously polished, a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to perfection.

    The crystal dome that crowns the KS 06 is a marvel in its own right. Generously oversized and crafted from sapphire glass, it offers an unobstructed view of the intricate mechanics within. An anti-reflective coating on both its inner and outer surfaces ensures optimal clarity, allowing the central floating tourbillon to take center stage.

    Courtesy of Kross Studio
    Courtesy of Kross Studio


    Turning the watch over reveals another feat of engineering: the flat D-ring winding system. Ingeniously centered on the case back, the crown engages directly with the barrel, enabling effortless winding and time-setting. Kross Studio's engineers overcame significant challenges to create a sealing system that allows the passage of a mobile winding stem through the center of the case back glass while maintaining optimal clarity and water resistance.

    One of the KS 06's most innovative features is its patent-pending interchangeable strap system. Hidden discreetly within the lugs, this system allows for effortless strap changes without the need for tools or specialized knowledge. Simply slide the strap between the lugs, and the spring bar will glide into place, securely fastening the strap to the watch. This ingenious solution offers unparalleled versatility, allowing the wearer to effortlessly transform the watch's appearance to suit any occasion.

    The beating heart of the KS 06 is the KS 7’006 caliber, a testament to Kross Studio's in-house manufacturing capabilities. This manual-winding mechanical movement comprises 220 components, including 27 jewels, and boasts an impressive power reserve of 120 hours. The movement's architecture is a marvel of engineering, with all the main functions – winding, energy accumulation, regulation, and display – concentrically arranged at the center of the plate.

    The central floating tourbillon, Kross Studio's signature complication, takes pride of place within the movement. Elevated above the movement and hands, the tourbillon appears to defy gravity, its intricate dance of gears and springs captivating the observer's gaze.

    The KS 7’006 caliber also features a peripheral hour display mechanism, another innovation that sets Kross Studio apart. This mechanism utilizes a planetary gear system mounted on two ball bearings, allowing the hour hand to rotate around the periphery of the dial, leaving the tourbillon unobstructed.

    Kross Studio's dedication to craftsmanship extends to the movement's decoration. The components are adorned with traditional hand-finishing techniques, including anglage, perlage, and côtes de Genève. The barrel bridge, in particular, is a showcase of the brand's expertise, featuring hand-beveled angles, stretched edges, and pearl-shaped recesses.

    Courtesy of Kross Studio
    Courtesy of Kross Studio


    The KS 06 collection is available in five captivating dial colors: blue, black, gold, green, and purple. Each dial is meticulously crafted, featuring an ultra-fine opal sandblasted flange and a grained central section. The rhodium-plated hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova®, ensuring optimal legibility in any lighting conditions.

    The KS 06, measuring a comfortable 42mm in diameter, strikes a perfect balance between boldness and wearability. Its grade 5 titanium construction ensures it's lightweight yet robust, ready to accompany you on any adventure. The case's satin finish and polished bevels create a captivating interplay of light and shadow, while the integrated lugs seamlessly flow into the case, resulting in a sleek and streamlined silhouette.

    The dial of the KS 06 is a study in minimalist elegance. It's designed to showcase the mesmerizing central floating tourbillon, allowing the intricate mechanics to take center stage. The dial is available in five striking colors - blue, black, gold, green, and purple - each offering a unique personality to the timepiece. The rhodium-plated hands, filled with white Super-LumiNova®, ensure optimal readability even in low-light conditions.

    The KS 06's defining feature is undoubtedly its central floating tourbillon. This patented complication is a marvel of engineering, seemingly defying gravity as it rotates gracefully at the heart of the watch. The tourbillon's intricate ballet of gears and springs is a mesmerizing spectacle, a testament to the skill and dedication of Kross Studio's watchmakers.

    Courtesy of Kross Studio
    Courtesy of Kross Studio


    The tourbillon serves a practical purpose as well. By constantly rotating the escapement, it counteracts the effects of gravity on the watch's accuracy, ensuring precise timekeeping. However, in the KS 06, the tourbillon transcends its functional role, becoming a captivating work of art that draws the eye and sparks conversation.

    Powering the KS 06 is the in-house KS 7’006 caliber, a manual-winding mechanical movement that showcases Kross Studio's mastery of haute horlogerie. Comprising 220 components and 27 jewels, this movement is a testament to the brand's commitment to precision and performance.

    The KS 7’006 caliber boasts an impressive 120-hour power reserve, ensuring the watch keeps ticking even after days of inactivity. The movement's architecture is a marvel of efficiency, with all the main functions – winding, energy accumulation, regulation, and display – concentrically arranged at the center of the plate.

    The peripheral hour display is another innovation that sets the KS 06 apart. This unique mechanism allows the hour hand to rotate around the periphery of the dial, leaving the central tourbillon unobstructed. The result is a clean and uncluttered dial that allows the wearer to fully appreciate the beauty of the tourbillon.

    Kross Studio's dedication to craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of the KS 06. The movement's components are meticulously decorated with traditional hand-finishing techniques, including anglage, perlage, and côtes de Genève. The barrel bridge, in particular, is a masterpiece of artistry, featuring hand-beveled angles, stretched edges, and pearl-shaped recesses.

    The case back of the KS 06 offers a glimpse into this world of meticulous craftsmanship. The sapphire crystal case back provides an unobstructed view of the movement, allowing the wearer to admire the intricate details and finishing. The flat D-ring winding system, ingeniously centered on the case back, is another testament to Kross Studio's innovative spirit.

    Courtesy of Kross Studio
    Courtesy of Kross Studio


    The Kross Studio KS 06 Central Floating Tourbillon is not just a timepiece; it's a statement of individuality and a celebration of horological artistry. With its bold design, innovative complications, and impeccable craftsmanship, the KS 06 is a watch that will appeal to the most discerning collectors.

    Each of the five dial color variations is limited to just 10 pieces, making the KS 06 a truly exclusive timepiece. Priced at CHF 68,000, it represents a significant investment, but one that is sure to appreciate in value over time.
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