Kross Studio X Warner Bros Batman Watch: A Signal For The Wrist
6 min read
Did you ever think watchmaking and the film industry could find a common ground to produce something spectacular? More so, a timepiece to celebrate an upcoming film? Well, it’s possible. The latest partnership between Kross Studio and Warner Bros. Consumer Products includes two new projects including a new 10-piece, limited-numbered "The Batman" Collector set and a new series of "The Batman"-themed watch rolls.
The "The Batman" Tourbillon watch and an illuminated Bat-Signal functional art piece will be included in the luxury collector set ($100,000 USD). "The Batman" will be released in theatres worldwide on March 2 and in the United States on March 4.
The new collection of watch rolls will include four distinct representations inspired by prominent DC characters from the film: Batman (two versions), Selina Kyle (Catwoman), and The Riddler, each sold separately (250 USD).
A Bat-Signal for the Wrist
With its dark style, ultra-precise movement, and the Bat Signal symbol so famously employed to summon the Super Hero, the Kross team created a timepiece that embodies Batman. It serves as a backdrop for a central tourbillon cage shaped like a Bat symbol. The watch is powered by a new version of Kross Studio's in-house developed and manufactured calibre KS 7'000: the mechanical hand-wound 3 Hz calibre KS 7'001, which has a 5-day power reserve. The small Bat-Signal, which is mounted above the centre tourbillon's enormous cage and rotates at one revolution every minute lets light pass through and allows glimpses of the regulator below.
The timepiece displays different hour and minute readings. The hour hand is attached to a rotating display mechanism that revolves 360 degrees around the tourbillon. The minutes are shown on a disc that rotates once per hour. A low-profile domed sapphire crystal arcs over the dial, complementing the rounded corners of the black DLC-coated grade 5 titanium 45mm case. The movement and watch components number 283 pieces, all of which were handcrafted and assembled on-site by Kross Studio in Gland, Switzerland.
Utility, Form, and Function
The timepiece design requires a combination of ergonomic considerations and enhanced user experience for Kross Studio. The D-ring crown, which is located on the case back, and the "Time Set" push button, which is located at 3 o'clock on the watch's edge, keep the watch's profile low to provide a more comfortable wear while also increasing performance with a faster, easier winding and time-setting experience.
The mainspring in the barrel is wound by lifting and rotating the D-Ring on the case back like a key. To set the time, the wearer simply turns the case rear D-ring in either direction while pressing the "Time Set" push-button at 3 o'clock.
Ease of use extends to replacing the watch straps of "The Batman" Tourbillon via Kross Studio's unique interchangeable strap system, which allows the strap to be removed and changed with a simple 'click' of its quick-release mechanism. This allows you to quickly switch between the three supplied straps: a black calf leather strap embossed with Batman's armour pattern, a black rubber strap with black stitching, or a red rubber strap with red stitching.
Make the Night Shine
Since the Bat Signal is so important in "The Batman" Tourbillon, Kross Studio felt it was only right to include a functional Bat Signal art piece as part of each collector set. Each watch is accompanied by a working Bat Signal that lights up, further immersing the collector in the world of Gotham City and "The Batman." It also conceals a specific area on his backside where The Batman tourbillon or any other watch can be safely stored.
Personas of the Dark
Aside from the collector set, Kross Studio has released a set of four functioning collectables, making the watch roll the ideal companion for watch collectors and Caped Crusader aficionados. The new collection of watch rolls comprises four distinct portrayals of prominent film characters from the movie: Batman (two versions), Selina Kyle (Catwoman), and The Riddler, each available separately (250 USD). Each watch holder features a variety of leather textures as well as additional embellishments that are reminiscent of the figures it depicts.Each watch holder is made of genuine vegetal tan leather and features a character's striking visage screen-printed on it. Each watch roll was designed by Kross Studio with unique accents and complementing colours inspired by the film character portrayed, including red screen prints and contrast stitching for Batman editions, blue for Selina Kyle (Catwoman) editions, and green for The Riddler editions.
Snap top closures open wide to suit any watch style, and a removable pillow insert cushions the watch. The watch is securely cradled within high-quality black microfiber fabric and sturdy padding, which successfully protects scratches and damage to the dial and band or strap.
The authenticity of each product is guaranteed with a co-branded patch sewed to the watch roll flap. A QR code on the instruction card connects the owner to a registration page where he or she may download the digital user manual and activate the 3-year extended warranty.
Individual "The Batman" Collector sets (each worth $100,000 USD) and "The Batman" collector watch rolls (each worth $250 USD) are available for purchase at kross-studio.ch, as well as through official partners and approved shops.
Kross Studio, in conjunction with a major entertainment firm, once again blurs the lines between art, pop culture, and high horology by delivering a whole assortment of high-performance collector products.
