Kross Studio has introduced a significant timepiece, the MT1 Chronomètre Tourbillon 7 Jours, marking a new chapter for the independent watchmaker. This watch is not only the first in a signature collection from founder Marco Tedeschi but also a testament to the brand's commitment to in-house manufacturing and innovative design. Unveiled during Kross Studio's inaugural participation at Watches & Wonders Geneva, the MT1 embodies a distinct vision of contemporary haute horlogerie.
At the core of the MT1 is the newly developed KS 7010 MT caliber. This movement, entirely designed, produced, decorated, and assembled at the
Kross Studio manufacture, signifies a considerable achievement in independent watchmaking. It features a prominent flying tourbillon, a complication highly regarded for its visual appeal and its historical importance in counteracting the effects of gravity on a watch's escapement. This tourbillon is strategically positioned at the 6 o'clock position on the dial, providing a captivating mechanical spectacle. The movement operates at a frequency of 3 Hz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour, a standard for many high-precision mechanical watches.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
A standout feature of the KS 7010 MT caliber is its remarkable 7-day power reserve. This extended running time is achieved through an innovative architectural approach. Once the tourbillon cage is set, an oversized barrel is integrated into the main plate, maximizing the available space. This barrel extends beyond the typical radius and notably dispenses with a central pinion. This clever engineering allows for the substantial power reserve while maintaining a relatively compact 44mm case diameter for the watch. The commitment to precision is further underscored by the movement's COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certification, guaranteeing its chronometric performance.
The visual presentation of the MT1 is a study in contrasts and meticulous craftsmanship. The dial side showcases a skeletonized architecture, revealing the intricate workings of the movement. The bridges are hand-chamfered, a traditional finishing technique that requires significant skill and attention to detail, adding depth and visual interest to the openworked design. The interplay of different materials and finishes on the moving components further enhances the mechanical sophistication on display. The satin-finished rose gold colored hands, with straight-grained flanks and white Super-LumiNova, offer clear legibility against the complex backdrop of the movement.
Turning the watch over, the case back presents a dramatically different aesthetic. Inspired by the tranquility of Japanese gardens, it offers a clean and calming visual experience. The barrel bridge is adorned with an exclusive decorative motif named "Raindrop." This pattern artfully mimics the concentric ripples created by a droplet falling onto a still water surface, showcasing Kross Studio's creative approach to traditional watchmaking artistry. This juxtaposition of mechanical complexity on the front and serene artistry on the back gives the MT1 a unique and compelling identity.
The case of the MT1 is crafted from Grade 5 ELI (Extra Low Interstitials) titanium. This specific grade of titanium is a highly purified version, characterized by reduced levels of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and iron. This not only contributes to its lightweight nature but also enhances its biocompatibility, making it comfortable for prolonged wear. The 44mm circular case features an elegant circular satin finish, which is subtly contrasted by polished chamfers. These polished edges highlight the refined character of the case and its smooth, flowing lines. A notable design choice is the absence of traditional lugs and a visible crown on the profile of the watch. This streamlined approach contributes to an integrated fit on the wrist and enhances overall comfort.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
Ergonomics and user experience are clearly central to the MT1's design. The domed sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, not only provides excellent scratch resistance but also enhances the fluidity of the watch's lines, contributing to its pebble-like feel. The crown, a flat D-ring design also crafted from Grade 5 titanium, is cleverly integrated into the case back. This unconventional placement further improves the watch's ergonomic profile and handling, preventing any potential discomfort often associated with traditionally placed crowns. The case has a total thickness of 15.30mm, while the thickness without the crystal is a more modest 10.30mm. It offers a water resistance of 30 meters or 3 ATM, suitable for everyday wear and accidental splashes but not for swimming or diving.
Further enhancing the user experience is the MT1's patent-pending interchangeable strap system. Equipped with a discreet push-button mechanism, this system allows the wearer to easily and quickly customize the look and feel of the watch. A variety of strap options are available, including calfskin leather, alligator, textile, or rubber, catering to different styles and occasions. These straps can be paired with either a Grade 5 titanium pin buckle or a deployant clasp, offering further personalization.
The main plate and bridges of the KS 7010 MT caliber are constructed from lead-free German silver, a material prized in watchmaking for its stability and aesthetic qualities. The surfaces of these components feature a combination of satin-brushed and perlage (circular graining) finishes, while the edges are meticulously brushed, and the bevels are polished by hand. A dark ruthenium treatment is applied to these parts, creating a striking visual contrast with other elements of the movement and adding to its contemporary feel.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
The steel components within the movement also receive careful finishing, displaying a satin finish with polished angles. Each wheel is openworked and circled, a detail that not only reduces weight but also reinforces the visual harmony and perceived depth of the caliber. The dial itself is minimalist in its approach, featuring a black circular satin-finished and sandblasted opaline flange. White pad-printed markings provide clear and instantaneous legibility, ensuring that the focus remains on the purity of the design and the captivating mechanics beneath.
The MT1 Chronomètre Tourbillon 7 Jours is more than just a display of technical prowess; it is a reflection of Marco Tedeschi's personal horological vision. With a career spanning over two decades in high watchmaking, Tedeschi has held significant roles in major watchmaking houses, overseeing innovative and strategic projects. He founded Kross Studio in 2020 with the ambition to explore new avenues in watchmaking, emphasizing a bold approach where technical expertise and emotional resonance are central to every creation. The MT1, as the inaugural piece in his signature collection, aims to combine exceptional mechanical craftsmanship with a refined aesthetic.
Kross Studio, since its inception, has focused on creating contemporary complication watches that seamlessly blend form and function while adhering to the foundational principles of watchmaking. The brand positions its creations as "Functional Art," aiming to evoke emotions and captivate the imagination. With complete control over design and production within its Swiss manufacture, Kross Studio prides itself on its ability to unleash creativity without constraints, resulting in watches that often defy convention while upholding the highest standards of Haute Horlogerie.
Beyond its own signature collections, Kross Studio has also gained recognition for its collaborations with major entertainment and pop culture entities such as Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO, DC Comics, Hasbro, and Lucasfilm. These projects often place iconic elements from these universes at the heart of their watch designs, creating highly sought-after Collector Sets that typically include the timepiece and a complementary "Functional Art" piece. The brand's creative scope also extends to accessories like table clocks, rotating watch cases, and travel cases, all crafted with the same dedication to quality and design.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
The MT1 Chronomètre Tourbillon 7 Jours is positioned as an exclusive offering within the realm of independent high watchmaking. It is slated to compete for prestigious industry awards, including the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) and the
Louis Vuitton Watch Prize 2025–2026, affirming Kross Studio's horological ambitions for this significant launch. The movement itself, the KS 7'010 MT, is a manual-winding tourbillon composed of 205 parts and incorporates 31 jewels. Its overall diameter is 34.50mm and it has a height of 6.38mm.
Visually, the watch presents a compelling facade. The openworked dial immediately draws the eye to the intricate dance of gears and levers, culminating in the mesmerizing rotation of the flying tourbillon at the 6 o'clock position. The depth created by the multi-layered construction is significant, with the rose gold colored hands appearing to float above the mechanical landscape. The circular satin finish of the titanium case provides a subtle, almost industrial backdrop that allows the complexity of the dial to take center stage. The lack of traditional lugs gives the watch a very clean, disc-like appearance on the wrist, emphasizing its modern design language. The way the strap integrates directly into the case enhances this seamless aesthetic.
From the rear, the "Raindrop" motif on the barrel bridge offers a moment of unexpected artistry. This deliberate contrast to the highly technical front view speaks to a holistic design philosophy. The integrated D-ring crown is a practical and aesthetic success, maintaining the smooth, uninterrupted lines of the case. The overall impression is one of thoughtful engineering and artistic consideration, where every element has been carefully considered for its functional and visual impact.
The international warranty for the MT1: Chronomètre Tourbillon 7 Jours is initially two years, with the option to register the product online for an additional three-year warranty, bringing the total coverage to five years. This extended warranty period reflects Kross Studio's confidence in the quality and durability of their in-house manufactured timepiece.
Courtesy of Kross Studio
The introduction of the MT1 Chronomètre Tourbillon 7 Jours is a clear statement of intent from Kross Studio and Marco Tedeschi. It represents a fusion of advanced mechanical engineering, distinctive design, and a commitment to crafting timepieces that offer a unique sensory and intellectual experience. It is a watch designed for those who appreciate the intricacies of haute horlogerie presented in a contemporary and thoughtfully ergonomic package.
The pricing for the Kross Studio MT1 Chronomètre Tourbillon 7 Jours is set at CHF 68,000, excluding taxes. Reflecting its exclusivity and the craftsmanship involved, the watch will be available in highly limited quantities. Prospective buyers can acquire the timepiece through Kross Studio's official website and its select network of exclusive retailers. These retailers include prominent names in key markets, such as Ahmed Seddiqi in the UAE, Al Majed in Qatar, Berger and Emwa in Mexico, Chronopassion in France, Europe Watch in Hong Kong & Macau, Pisa in Italy, Sonraj in Pakistan, Swiss Prestige in Taiwan, and Watches of Switzerland in the UK & USA.
Case: Diameter 44mm, Thickness 15.30mm (10.30mm without crystal). Material Grade 5 ELI titanium with circular satin finish and polished chamfers. Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, scratch-resistant. Grade 5 titanium case back. Flat D-ring crown in grade 5 titanium integrated on the caseback. Water resistance 30m or 3 ATM.
Movement: Caliber KS 7'010 MT, manual-winding tourbillon. Height 6.38mm, Overall Diameter 34.50mm. Power Reserve 7 days. Frequency 21'600 bph / 3 Hz. 31 jewels, 205 parts. COSC certified. Flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Oversized barrel.
Dial: Black circular satin-finished and sandblasted opaline flange with white pad-printed markings. Satin-finished rose gold color hands, straight-grained flanks, with white Super-LumiNova®. Openworked.
Strap: Patent Pending interchangeable strap system. Options include calfskin leather, alligator, textile, or rubber. Paired with either a Grade 5 titanium pin buckle or deployant clasp.
Price: CHF 68'000 (excluding taxes)
Reference Number: MT1-TI
Notes: The case is entirely free of sharp edges or lugs. The case back features an exclusive "Raindrop" decorative motif inspired by Japanese gardens. The timepiece will compete for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) and the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize 2025–2026.