Kross Studio: Where Haute Horlogerie Meets Pop Culture
In the world of luxury watchmaking, where tradition and innovation intertwine, Kross Studio shines as a beacon of creativity, redefining the boundaries of haute horlogerie. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Stéphanie Tedeschi, the brand’s dynamic Head of Communication, and gained fascinating insights into the heart and soul of this extraordinary company. Founded in 2020 by Marco Tedeschi, a seasoned expert of the watch industry with a remarkable career at Hublot and Romain Jerome, Kross Studio embodies a unique fusion of heritage, passion, and a touch of playful audacity.
A Legacy of Innovation
At the core of Kross Studio lies an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and technical excellence. “We produce, design, and assemble everything in-house,” Stéphanie proudly states. “We have our own manufacture movements. The main movement we use in our watches was designed by Marco back when he was at the engineering school in Geneva.” This dedication to in-house production ensures complete control over every aspect of the watchmaking process, resulting in timepieces of exceptional quality and exclusivity.
Bridging Worlds: Pop Culture and Haute Horlogerie
Kross Studio’s distinctiveness lies in its audacious collaborations with iconic entertainment brands. “We started right away creating our own movement, but also with collaborating with giant industry companies like Warner Bros. and Star Wars.” Stéphanie reveals. These partnerships have given birth to extraordinary collector sets, merging high watchmaking with beloved pop culture universes. Imagine a Batman-inspired timepiece accompanied by a functional sculpture of the Bat-Signal, or a Game of Thrones watch nestled within a meticulously crafted dragon egg. These creations are not merely watches; they are wearable works of art that ignite the imagination and evoke a sense of childlike wonder. As Stéphanie puts it, “Each time people buy Kross Studio Collector Set, they get a super high-level watch made in our atelier in Switzerland, and also a piece of art inspired by the universe it is dedicated to.”
Beyond Collaborations: A Pure Expression of Horology
While collaborations have propelled Kross Studio into the spotlight, the brand also caters to purists who crave the unadulterated beauty of horological craftsmanship. “We also have other collections, composed of high complication timepieces, imagined by Marco, beside the collaborations and collector sets.” Stéphanie explains. These timepieces, also powered by Kross Studio’s in-house movements, are a testament to the brand’s ability to create timeless classics that transcend fleeting trends.
Values and Uniqueness
In a saturated market, Kross Studio distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and storytelling. Their patented central floating tourbillon movement is a marvel of engineering, setting them apart from their competitors. The brand’s dedication to in-house manufacturing ensures complete control over every aspect of the creation process, resulting in timepieces of exceptional quality and exclusivity.
Challenges and Triumphs
Building a luxury brand in today’s competitive landscape is no easy feat. As a young and independent company, Kross Studio faces the challenge of establishing its presence amidst established players. Stéphanie acknowledges the difficulties, stating, “It can be a challenge to convince people to trust you.” However, their passion, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence have propelled them forward. Their watches are now available in prestigious boutiques worldwide, and their collector sets have garnered a devoted following among discerning enthusiasts.
The Future of Kross Studio
Kross Studio’s journey is one of relentless pursuit of innovation and creative expression. “We have full of ideas and we know how to go through and to pursue,” Stéphanie affirms. They are not afraid to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and forge their own path in the world of haute horlogerie. As they continue to evolve and expand, one thing remains certain: Kross Studio will continue to captivate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the world of luxury watchmaking.
From their groundbreaking collaborations to their dedication to in-house manufacturing and technical innovation, Kross Studio is a brand that embodies the spirit of haute horlogerie in the 21st century. In a world where luxury is often synonymous with heritage, Kross Studio dares to be different, infusing its creations with a sense of playfulness and audacious creativity. The result is a collection of timepieces that are not only technically impressive but also emotionally resonant, capturing the hearts and imaginations of collectors worldwide.
Highlights
- Founded: 2020
- Origin: Switzerland
- Average Price: Approx. $100,000+
- Products: Limited-edition watches and collector sets
- Unique Feature: In-house manufactured central tourbillon movements