Kross Studio KS 06 redefines horological innovation with its central flying tourbillon, unique crown system, and exquisite craftsmanship.
In the ever-evolving world of haute horlogerie, Swiss watch manufacturer Kross Studio has once again pushed the boundaries of watchmaking with their latest creation, the KS 06 Central Flying Tourbillon Collection.
This remarkable timepiece not only showcases the brand’s commitment to technical innovation but also demonstrates their unwavering dedication to outstanding design.
A Bold Design Journey
Kross Studio has been steadily building momentum in the watchmaking industry, consistently defying expectations with each product reveal. Known for their dramatic entertainment collaborations, the studio has now taken a bold step forward by creating its own stand-alone Kross Studio branded collections.
It started in late 2023 with the KS 05, the first watch to feature Kross Studio’s in-house movement with a central floating tourbillon. This watch laid the ground for what was to come, showing the studio could combine technology with beauty.
The Evolution of Excellence: Introducing the Kross Studio KS 06
In early 2024, Kross Studio released the KS 06 collection, a major design evolution. The KS 06 brought a 42 mm case with integrated lugs, keeping the design DNA of the Kross Studio brand while going back to a traditional lug-style case.
This reimagined contemporary case design of the KS 06 collection expertly blends tradition and innovation. It houses the studio’s groundbreaking central flying tourbillon movement within a more classic case structure, all while showcasing it under an ethereal crystal dome.
The 42mm Case: Elegance and Ergonomics
The KS 06 boasts a classic yet contemporary allure, achieved through its round shape and integrated lugs. The 42mm grade 5 titanium case features an open case back, allowing enthusiasts to marvel at the intricate movement through an oversized crystal.
In a bold move that prioritises both aesthetics and comfort, Kross Studio has omitted the typical crown at 3 o’clock. This decision preserves the watch’s minimalist, symmetrical appearance while enhancing its ergonomic qualities.
The middle band, lugs, and time set button showcase dual satin and polished bevelled finishes, a testament to the brand’s attention to detail.
The bezel and case back offer a contrasting polished finish,a feat that is particularly challenging to achieve in grade 5 titanium. On the case back, the central crown features a circular satin finish, with bevelled, polished edges stretched along its perimeter, further emphasising the watch’s refined aesthetics.
The Crystal Dome: A Window to Horological Mastery
One of the most beautiful features of the KS 06 is the arched sapphire crystal dome. This allows to see the movement from all angles, the central floating tourbillon.
To ensure optimal visibility, anti-reflective coating has been applied to both the outer and inner surfaces of the sapphire crystal. Additionally, anti-UV and anti-static treatments have been applied to the inside of the crystal, rendering it nearly invisible and allowing the central floating tourbillon to be displayed to its best advantage.
A Revolutionary Winding System and Clear Case Back
In what has become a signature feature of Kross Studio timepieces, the KS 06 features a unique crown located on the centre of the case back. This innovative design directly engages with the barrel, making time setting as simple as the twist of a finger.
While this feature has become a symbol of Kross Studio’s excellence, its implementation in the KS 06 presented a significant technical challenge. For the first time, the studio’s engineers were tasked with creating a transparent case back that incorporated this unique crown system.
This demand necessitated the development of a new sealing system that would allow the passage of a mobile winding stem through the centre of the case back glass, all while ensuring optimal clarity of the movement.
Unlike a traditional case, which typically requires only one or two case back seals, the KS 06 case incorporates nearly ten seals to ensure its waterproof capabilities.
Interchangeable Strap System: Form and Function
Kross Studio has introduced a patent-pending interchangeable strap system hidden on the lugs. This makes removing and replacing watch straps a breeze, no tools required and super convenient.
The strap is simply placed between the lugs, and the spring bar slides along a dedicated groove until it is securely affixed in position. This system offers greater flexibility and ease of use, allowing KS 06 watches to be fitted with any standard strap measuring 20 mm in width.
The KS 7’006 Movement: A Triumph of Horological Engineering
At the heart of the KS 06 lies the KS 7’006 movement, Kross Studio’s iconic manufacture calibre. This manual-winding mechanical movement seamlessly integrates within the new case, its architecture consisting of 220 components, including 27 jewels, to provide exceptional performance.
The movement’s design is a testament to Kross Studio’s innovative approach to watchmaking. Main functions such as winding, energy accumulation, regulation, and display are concentric and co-axial at the centre of the plate. This unique configuration allows for a barrel with a diameter larger than the radius of the plate, delivering an impressive 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. This central floating tourbillon, a patented technical revolution, offers a unique perspective on its complex mechanics.
Another significant achievement is the peripheral hour display mechanism, driven by a planetary gear system mounted on two ball bearings. This ingenious design frees the tourbillon from any obstruction, allowing it to take centre stage.
The hands of the KS 06 watch are rhodium-plated and filled with white Super-LumiNova®, ensuring excellent legibility in all lighting conditions.
Showcasing Expertise: A Commitment to Traditional Craftsmanship
The components of the KS 06 watch are decorated according to the codes of traditional watchmaking, demonstrating Kross Studio’s commitment to preserving horological heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
The barrel bridge of the KS 7’006 calibre has been redesigned to integrate seamlessly within the KS 06 case. Its diameter has been increased to accommodate top-level decoration, with hand-beveled angles, stretched edges, pearl-shaped recesses, and an upper surface adorned with côtes de Genève.
This exceptionally high level of finishing, executed entirely in-house, is made possible thanks to the development of Kross Studio’s dedicated decoration department. The dial, too, has received expert attention. The flange has undergone an ultra-fine opal sandblasting process, while the rhodium-plated surface reveals a shiny black decal railway track.
Applied to the fixed hour wheel, the second part of the dial is grained and comes in five different colours: blue, black, gold, green, and purple. This variety allows for a range of aesthetic options, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Unwavering Novelty: A Testament to Innovation
The KS 06 is a proof of Kross Studio’s never ending quest for excellence. The innovation is everywhere in the new case design, from the winding system to the strap mechanism.
These watches open new horizons within the universe of Kross Studio collections, offering a perfect blend of technical innovation and aesthetic refinement. The initial release includes five versions, each equipped with coordinated interchangeable straps and limited to just 10 pieces.
A New Chapter in Haute Horlogerie
With prices starting from 68,000 CHF, the KS 06 watches represent a significant investment in horological excellence. Available for sale on kross-studio.com as well as via authorized retailers, these timepieces offer watch enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to own a piece of watchmaking history.
The KS 06 Central Flying Tourbillon Collection is more than just a series of watches; it’s a bold statement of Kross Studio’s position at the forefront of watchmaking innovation.
By seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and design, Kross Studio has created a timepiece that is sure to captivate horological enthusiasts and set new standards in the industry.
As Kross Studio continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in watchmaking, the KS 06 collection stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the art of horology. It’s not just a watch; it’s a glimpse into the future of haute horlogerie, crafted with passion and precision by one of the most daring design studios in the industry.
