As many of my friends (and you, dear reader) know, I’m a big fan of Batman. It started with rewatching the reruns of the Adam West show from the 60s, Super Friends cartoons, and then, the big whammy. In 1989, a Dark Knight appeared in the movie theaters, hitting at the right time for this impressionable young mind. In terms of Batmobiles, the one from 1989 is an absolute icon in my mind. Blend it in with my current interest in watches, and it seems like the 1989 Batmobile X Kross Studio Desk Clock was meant for my desk.
While the design was obviously adjusted a bit to allow you to read the time (you know, something a clock should allow you to do), the 1989 Batmobile X Kross Studio Desk Clock is very, very much the 1989 Batmobile. That’s evident from the turbine intake up front (shown above) where you see the balance wheel zipping away at 3Hz. Not quite turbine speeds, but still plenty fast enough for a clock.
Zipping back along the hood, that’s where you see the actual time readout, and the biggest change from the design of the movie car. In some ways, I could see something like this being done in the more insane-o slapstick days of Batman, with some supervillain taking the Batmobile and wiring in some oversized bomb that displays a countdown on the hood.
For us, thankfully, it’s counting up, with all of the gears and components (512 of them, 397 of which are for the movement) keeping the time running, for up to 30 days between winds. And to wind it up? Well, of course there’s a key, replete with it’s own Batsymbol. So, yes, get your Batkey and apply the power (just not that of Greyskull).
For the Bat-fan who’s also into horology, I couldn’t think of a more perfect timekeeper to keep on the desk (myself, I might look to figure out a base with some LED underlighting and a Batsignal for dramatic effect). So, yeah, Kross was definitely aiming for my wallet with the 1989 Batmobile X Kross Studio Desk Clock. Given that there are only 100 of these being made, and with a price tag of $29,900, it’s one of those devices that will simply live on in my imagination – much like the Caped Crusader. If any of you pick one up, please do let me know – I’ll do my best not to fanboy too loudly over it. kross-studio.ch
Tech Specs from Kross
- GENERAL
- Model Name 1989 Batmobile X Kross Studio
- Reference BATMO20
- Parts 512
- Limited Edition 100 pieces
- International warranty 2 years + 3 years warranty extension upon registration of the product
- BODY
- Material Black aluminium composite with aeronautical grade scratch protection coating
- Parts 115
- Dimensions
- Length 298mm (11.73 inches) Width 121mm (4.76 inches) Height67mm (2.64 inches)
- Weight 2kg (70.55 ounces)
- ENGINE
- Caliber KS10’000
- Functions Manual-winding mechanical movement, hours and minutes displayed by two cylinders, vertical regulator
- Power Reserve 30 days from 3 barrels
- Frequency 21’600 bph / 3 Hz
- Jewels 34
- Parts 397
- Batman-Shaped Key
- Head Vertical satin-finished steel
- Shaft Mirror-polished steel
