Kross Studio Lotus Central Tourbillon: A Limited-Edition Ode to Serenity and Symbolism

In the world of haute horlogerie, innovation must be balanced with storytelling. No brand embodies this symphony more poetically than Kross Studio.

Born from the imaginative minds of Marco Tedeschi, founder of Kross Studio, and famed watch designer Alain Silberstein, Lotus Central Tourbillon limited-edition timepiece is not merely a wristwatch—it is a philosophical and artistic expression, steeped in Eastern metaphors, cutting-edge horological engineering, and contemporary aesthetics.

With only 18 pieces available globally under reference KXWLT21, the Lotus Central Tourbillon commands attention not just for its rarity, but for the depth of innovation and meaning embedded in every element of its design and function. Priced at CHF 80,000, this watch is crafted for the connoisseur who understands time not merely as measurement, but as a poetic journey.

The Philosophy Behind the Design: Serenity, Cycles, and Enlightenment

The lotus flower, a central symbol in many Eastern traditions, is the heartbeat of this timepiece. Traditionally representing purity, rebirth, and enlightenment, the lotus here is reimagined as a sculptural tourbillon cage, floating serenely at the center of the watch’s open dial.

This poetic expression is not just visual—it’s experiential. The watch channels the cyclical nature of time, with its peripheral time display orbiting the tourbillon in a continuous 360-degree motion. The metaphor is clear: like the lotus rising from still water, time blossoms moment by moment, in serene continuity.

A Collaborative Creation: Marco Tedeschi and Alain Silberstein

This watch would not exist without the collaborative brilliance of two visionaries. Marco Tedeschi, engineer and innovator, envisioned the technical marvel at the core of the watch—the KS 7’000 caliber. On the other hand, Alain Silberstein, with his Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic and flair for bold, symbolic shapes, contributed design elements like the vibrant yellow “Time Set” push button and the geometric Totem sculpture that accompanies the watch.

Together, they created something entirely new: a functional work of kinetic art that defies horological norms while remaining rooted in fine Swiss craftsmanship.

Technical Mastery: The KS 7’000 Caliber

At the heart of the watch lies the KS 7’000 caliber, an in-house movement developed from scratch by Kross Studio. Designed to house an oversized barrel, this movement achieves an impressive 5-day power reserve (120 hours), making it highly functional for modern-day wear despite its avant-garde aesthetics.

The central tourbillon regulator is not positioned traditionally at 6 o’clock or in a subdial, but right in the center. This central layout required revolutionary movement architecture, achieved by using a planetary gear system with a 12:1 gear ratio to regulate the peripheral hour and minute indicators. This configuration is not just technically sophisticated—it’s symbolically rich, evoking the orbit of celestial bodies and the cyclical essence of time.

 

Movement Specs at a Glance:

• Caliber: KS 7’001 (variation of KS 7’000)

• Functions: Manual-winding central tourbillon with peripheral time display

• Power Reserve: 5 days (120 hours)

• Frequency: 21,600 bph (3 Hz)

• Jewels: 27

• Components: 210

• Height: 15.23mm

• Diameter: 33mm

The Tourbillon Cage: A Lotus in Bloom

The tourbillon itself is where technical complexity meets pure artistry. It is sculpted in the form of a lotus flower, crafted entirely from polished grade 5 titanium, a lightweight yet highly durable material.

Consisting of five intricate parts, the lotus is meticulously machined and hand-finished in-house, an incredible feat of micro-mechanical sculpture. As the cage rotates, the petals subtly reflect light, echoing the watch’s underlying theme of illumination and enlightenment.

More than a visual centerpiece, this lotus-shaped tourbillon symbolizes life, growth, and the spiritual beauty of time unfolding.

An “Imaginary” Dial with Real Depth

Unlike traditional watches with defined chapter rings and hour markers, the Lotus Central Tourbillon features what Kross Studio calls an “imaginary dial.” This dial is intentionally open and ethereal. Its surface has been hand-brushed in a concentric pattern, originating from the tourbillon’s center and flowing outward like ripples on water.

The finishing is blackened to create the illusion of depth, mimicking a lotus flower floating on a tranquil lake. Slits between the petals allow natural light to enter and reveal the secrets hidden beneath, while adding to the dreamlike aura of the piece.

Peripheral Display: An Orbit of Time

Time is indicated via two orbiting hands that encircle the dial’s perimeter. Unlike conventional central hands, these rhodium-plated indicators are fixed on a rotating track:

• Hour Hand: Finished in red lacquer

• Minute Hand: Finished in blue lacquer

• Markers: Rhodium-plated, treated with white and yellow Super-LumiNova® for optimal readability in all lighting conditions

Mounted on two oversized, high-precision ball bearings, the entire time-indication system moves in perfect synchronization. It’s both a functional necessity and a metaphor for the seamless rhythm of nature and time.

Functional Ergonomics: The D-Ring Crown and Time Set Button

Another major innovation in the Lotus Central Tourbillon is its crown and time-setting mechanism. Instead of a traditional side-mounted crown, the watch uses a “D-ring crown” located on the case back for winding.

This preserves the clean silhouette of the case while also offering a more intuitive and ergonomic experience.

Time is set using a push button located at 3 o’clock, artfully integrated into the case’s profile. This button is engraved and filled with bright yellow lacquer, a signature nod to Alain Silberstein’s playful design language.

This approach not only enhances aesthetics but improves comfort on the wrist—a thoughtful touch that complements the philosophical intention behind the watch.

The Case: Titanium Strength, Sculptural Form

The 45mm case is constructed from grade 5 titanium, a material prized for its strength-to-weight ratio. It is coated with black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), making it scratch-resistant and giving it a sophisticated matte finish.

The case is topped with a dome-shaped sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, allowing the tourbillon and dial elements to be admired without obstruction.

Dimensions & Construction:

• Diameter: 45mm

• Thickness: 20mm (12.5mm without dome)

• Water Resistance: 30m / 3 ATM

• Crystal: Sapphire, anti-reflective

• Case Back: Titanium, engraved with red circles aligned with the Kross Studio logo

Customization and Wearability

The Lotus Central Tourbillon comes with two interchangeable straps:

1. Black calf leather with black stitching and rubber inlay

2. Black rubber with black and red stitching

These straps can be easily swapped thanks to an integrated quick-release system. Two buttons on the underside of the case allow for tool-free switching, giving the wearer maximum flexibility and personalization.

The straps are secured with a black DLC-coated titanium deployant buckle, ensuring both style and durability.

The Totem: A Functional Display Sculpture

Each Lotus Central Tourbillon comes with a unique, handcrafted functional sculpture called the Totem. Inspired by geometric symbolism and Alain Silberstein’s colorful world, it features:

• A blue triangle

• A yellow square

• A red circle

These stacked three-dimensional forms provide a vibrant, artistic display for the watch, with the Lotus Central Tourbillon fitting perfectly into the yellow cube. It’s not just packaging—it’s part of the artwork and makes the timepiece even more collectible.

What’s in the Set?

Every buyer receives a comprehensive collector’s package, including:

• The Lotus Central Tourbillon watch

• The Totem functional sculpture

• Two interchangeable straps

• Owner’s book

• Microfiber gloves

• Microfiber cleaning cloth

Each component has been meticulously crafted to complement the watch and emphasize its artistic, spiritual, and mechanical significance.

Exclusivity and Collector Appeal

With only 18 pieces ever made, the Kross Studio Lotus Central Tourbillon is a true collector’s grail. Every aspect of the watch—movement, display, design, packaging—is built from the ground up and housed in a bespoke experience unlike any other in modern horology.

Priced at CHF 80,000, this piece is targeted at serious collectors, horological tastemakers, and cultural aesthetes who appreciate the fusion of symbolism, avant-garde design, and Swiss watchmaking tradition.

Final Thoughts: A Timepiece for the Mind, Heart, and Wrist

The Kross Studio Lotus Central Tourbillon isn’t simply about telling time. It’s about redefining our relationship with time, encouraging mindfulness, and offering a meditative experience through craftsmanship. From the central lotus tourbillon and planetary gear system to the artistic Totem sculpture and modular wearability, every detail has been obsessively refined.

This is more than a watch—it’s a conversation piece, a wearable philosophy, and a bold statement on the potential of independent watchmaking to transcend boundaries.

If you’re searching for a timepiece that expresses beauty, mechanical integrity, spiritual meaning, and exclusive artistry, the Lotus Central Tourbillon is a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition.


Keywords: Kross Studio Lotus Central Tourbillon, Central tourbillon wristwatch, Limited edition Kross Studio watch, Alain Silberstein watch design, Lotus tourbillon timepiece, 5-day power reserve watch, Peripheral time display, High-end luxury watches 2025, Titanium DLC watch case, KS 7001 caliber watch


[photo credits: Kross Studio / kross-studio.ch]

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