The last time we talked about Kross, it was to cover their superb Batmobile desk clock (read about that here). This time around, they’ve hit hyperspace to land onto another very popular property, Star Wars. They focused in on the Death Star. Rather than make a desk clock (which I’m sure would have MB&F paying close attention) they instead created a rather interesting looking watch – the Kross Studio Death Star Tourbillon.
For this, the Kross Studio Death Star Tourbillon houses it’s tourbillon smack dab in the middle of the dial, underneath the wireframe cage of the Death Star (complete with the weapon ready to fire), which completes a full revolution every minute. I think it’s a clever way to accomplish the design, frankly. It does require a pretty steeply curved sapphire crystal (the case height is just 12.5mm, but add in the crystal and you’ve got a thickness of 20mm) so you’ll definitely be taking care wearing this one.
Around the edge of the tourbillon cage you’ve got empty space (plenty of platforms to fall off of), as well as a black-and-white pattern that reminds me very much of the lighting effects we’d see on the the Empire’s ships. Speaking of those, the hour hand takes the form of Imperial-Class Star Destroyer, while the hour hand takes after the Super-Class Star Destroyer. So, yes, definitely no shortage of Star Wars cues here.
Around the back of the Kross Studio Death Star Tourbillon, you’ve got a rather unique D-shaped “crown” that flips up for winding the movement. Then, when you use the push-button on the side of the case, you can also set the time. It’s definitely a good bit of mechanical cleverness, while preserving the sleek lines of the titanium case.
For this collector’s set, the Kross Studio Death Star Tourbillon also comes with an actual movie prop (not replica) Kyber Crystals. This is housed in a storage unit that is replicated five more times of this set. One of those extras holds the watch, another holds the spare straps, and then you’ve got three more to do what you want with. All of this comes housed in a reproduction crate (as seen in Rogue One) to complete the look, and keep things safe and organized.
While my own personal fandom would have me leaning towards their Batmobile, there’s no denying that a lot of very thoughtful design has gone into the Kross Studio Death Star Tourbillon – both the watch itself, and all of the extras that come along in this kit – that should be a big hit with fans of Star Wars. Or, at least, a few fans. Only ten of these are being made, and each of those will be sold for $150,000. Steep, sure, but that’s the price you pay for keeping those Kyber crystals out of the hands of Empire, ensuring their space station doesn’t become fully functional. kross–studio.com
Tech Specs from Kross
- Model Name: DEATH STARTM TOURBILLON
- Reference: SWDST21
- Limited Edition: 10 numbered pieces
- Parts: 281
- International warranty: 2 + 3 years
- Case
- Black DLC coated grade 5 titanium
- Dome-shaped anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Push-button with Aurebesh script “Time Set”
- Diameter: 45mm
- Thickness: 20 mm
- Thickness w/o crystal: 12.5 mm
- Water resistance: 30 meters or 3 ATM
- Case-back:
- Grade 5 titanium
- 4 anti-reflective sapphire crystals
- D-ring crown to set time and wind
- Caliber: KS7000
- Functions: Manual-winding central tourbillon
- Frequency: 21’600 bph / 3Hz
- Jewels: 27
- Movement parts: 203
- Power Reserve: 5 days
- Interchangeable Straps
- Black rubber strap embossed with the pattern inspired by the Death Star, black stitching.
- Gray calf leather strap embossed with the pattern inspired by the Death Star, black stitching.
- Red rubber strap, red stitching and reinforced with a black rubber inlay for optimal durability and comfort.
- Grade 5 titanium deployment buckle.
- CONTAINER
- Dimensions: L 1200 mm W 568 mm H 478 mm
- Materials: Wood, aluminium and black polymer
- Parts: 732
- Storage Units
- 6 Free storage units
- 3 removable capsules hosting:
- 2 extra set of straps
- The Death Star Tourbillon
- The kyber crystal
- CAPSULE
- H 337.5 mm
- Ø 113 mm
- Material: Aluminum
