Watches
Kross x Studio - presents the KS 06 collection - Central Floating Tourbillon
| 2024-08-22 |    |
Following the success of the KS 05 collection launched in 2023, Kross Studio presents a new case for its iconic in-house movement, the central floating tourbillon. The Swiss manufacture successfully preserves all its distinctive codes in a new 42mm case with integrated lugs, thus offering a more traditional aesthetic without compromising on innovations, from the movement to the bracelet. Housed under a crystal dome that contributes to Kross Studio's renown, the central tourbillon appears to float in the air, ingeniously blending horological traditions with ingenuity.
The new 42mm case
The KS 06 boasts a classic yet contemporary allure, achieved through its round shape, the integrated lugs in a 42mm grade 5 titanium case, and its widely open case back exposing the movement through an oversized crystal. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, its inception embodies a minimalist ethos, meticulously preserving flawless symmetry without the three-o'clock crown, thereby prioritizing comfort to ensure an uninterrupted wearing experience.
Special attention has been given to the manual finishing of the case. The middle band and lugs are satin-finished and polished beveled, like the setting time pusher button. The bezel and case back, on the other hand, are polished, a true challenge on these grade 5 titanium components. On the case back, the central crown is circularly satin-finished, beveled and polished, and stretched along its perimeter.
The Crystal Dome
The crystal dome of the KS 06 watch features generously oversized sapphire glass, allowing the complexity of the movement to be appreciated from all angles. The crystal has received special technical attention: an anti-reflective coating has been applied to both its outer and inner surfaces and anti-UV and anti-static treatments have been applied inside the crystal, making it nearly invisible and highlighting the central floating tourbillon.
A New Winding System
Ingeniously centered on the back of the case, as in every Kross Studio watch, the crown is in direct engagement with the barrel. Winding the movement and setting the time is accomplished using a finger to rotate the crown. An effortlessly user-friendly mechanism, yet so complex to achieve. Kross Studio engineers were challenged to conceive a sealing system that would allow the passage of a mobile winding stem through the center of the case back glass, all the while ensuring optimal clarity of the movement. While a traditional case usually requires only one or two case back seals, the KS 06 case requires nearly ten to ensure its waterproofing.
A new interchangeable strap system
Hidden on the inner side of the lugs, the interchangeable strap system is one of a kind and patent pending. Reattaching the strap, typically a meticulous and intricate task has now been streamlined for simplicity. This involves placing the strap between the lugs, allowing the spring bar to slide along a specific groove until it reaches its final position. Holding the spring bar or positioning it beforehand is not necessary, nor is the use of specific tools. Additionally, KS 06 watches can be fitted with any standard strap measuring 20 mm in width.
The KS 7’006 Movement
The central floating tourbillon, Kross Studio’s iconic manufacture caliber, seamlessly integrates within this new case. The architecture of this manual-winding mechanical movement, comprising 220 components including 27 jewels, provides exceptional performance. The main functions such as winding, energy accumulation, regulation, and display are concentric and co-axial at the center of the plate. Thus, the barrel, with a diameter larger than the radius of the plate, gives the movement a power reserve of 120 hours with chronometric performance. The tourbillon, its balance wheel and its fixed second wheel are elevated above the movement and hands, overlooking the barrel. Kross Studio’s central floating tourbillon, a patented technical revolution, offers a unique perspective on its complex mechanics. Another innovation of the KS 7’006 movement lies in the peripheral hour display mechanism, achieved through a planetary gear system mounted on two ball bearings, freeing the tourbillon from any obstruction. The hands of the KS 06 watch are rhodium-plated and filled with white Super-LumiNova®.
Showcasing Expertise
The components of the KS 06 watch are decorated according to the codes of traditional watchmaking. The first testament to this expertise is the barrel bridge. Its angles are hand- beveled, its edges stretched, its recesses pearl-shaped, and the upper surface of the bridge is adorned with côtes de Genève. This very high level of finishing, entirely carried out in-house, is made possible thanks to the development of Kross Studio’s decoration department.
A Dial Open to the Movement
The dial of the KS 06 model consists of two parts. The flange has undergone an ultra-fine opal sandblasting. Rhodium-plated, it reveals a shiny black decal railway track. Applied to the fixed hour wheel, the second part is grained and comes in five different colors: blue, black, gold, green, and purple.
Unwavering Newness
Fundamental features of the house’s pieces: ingenious innovations that reside in several elements of this new case and serve as a common thread, bearing witness to the constant commitment to excellence and the pursuit of perfection. From the performance of its in-house movement to its interchangeable strap system offering unmatched versatility and ease of use, KS 06 watches reflect the ongoing determination of the Kross Studio teams towards a spirit of innovation.
Amidst mastered complexity and technical ingenuity, this novelty undoubtedly concentrates all the elements necessary to ascend into the realm of timeless iconography.
The KS 06 watches open up new horizons within the universe of Kross Studio collections. Five initial versions are presented, each equipped with coordinated interchangeable straps. Each iteration is limited to 10 pieces. KS 06 watches (starting from 68,000 CHF) are available for sale on kross-studio.com as well as from authorized retailers.
