A.T. CROSS TO INTRODUCE APOGEE™ IN INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH
-- Old World Elegance Meets Contemporary Sophistication in Dramatic New Writing Instrument --

* Apogee: The highest point or state: acme, apex, climax, crest, crown, culmination, height, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, top, zenith. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2004, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Lincoln, RI, July 15, 2005 -- A.T. Cross Company (AMEX: ATX – news) will introduce Apogee, a much-anticipated, European-inspired writing instrument collection, in August internationally and in September in the United States. A sophisticated pen that combines classic lines with a contemporary feel, Apogee reaches the pinnacle of elegance while delivering the ultimate in writing perfection.

Apogee embodies the apex of great design, a grand writing instrument that pen aficionados and dedicated Cross owners will covet. At first look, Apogee seems clean and directional. At further inspection, one notices a strong tie to the traditional, the refined, and the romantic. Its striking featherlike, spring-loaded clip flares slightly at its base, surely a nod to the art of writing with a quill. The Cross® classic frustro conical top with an engraved line adorns the top of the pen and is mirrored exquisitely at the point – pure elegance. A sense of symmetry and balance is achieved by the wide, satin-finish chrome band, engraved with CROSS EST 1846, which defines the middle of the pen.

“Apogee is a true blend of some of the brand’s most confident designs, such as the ATX® , Verve™, Cross Townsend® and Classic Century®, a reflection of the Cross pedigree, yet unlike anything that has come before,” said Bruce Willox, Director of Global Marketing Communications for A.T. Cross. He continued, “The design was born out of the demand from our international customers for an approachable pen that would combine a sense of the luxurious with classic style and contemporary fashion. This included a must-have for great fountain pen writing, an 18 Karat Gold nib, usually reserved for the most expensive pens on the market. Apogee incorporates all of these elements and delivers an incomparable product.”

Apogee is offered in three distinct finishes, Engraved Chrome, Black Star Lacquer and Titian Red Lacquer. Each version has polished Chrome appointments. The Chrome Apogee features an intricately etched diamond-patterned texture, a decorative engraving so fine, it can only be cut by a specially designed engraving machine. Crafted on one of Cross’s world-renowned Engelsberger engraving machines, this pen is reminiscent of old masters’ etchings and engravings, yet its heft and silhouette reflect retro-modern in the truest definition of the term. The Black Star and Titian Red finishes feature imported European lacquers uniquely tinted to achieve the desired color. Each pen is then hand polished and protected by multiple coats of water clear lacquer.

Perfectly proportioned and crafted to endure, Apogee, with the famous Cross mechanical guarantee, ensures a lifetime of writing enjoyment. Apogee is available in Fountain Pen, Selectip® Rolling Ball and Ball-Point versions as well as 0.5mm Pencil. The fountain pen’s 18 Karat Gold/Rhodium Plated nib features a graceful engraved pattern exclusive to Apogee. The nib (available in four widths) guarantees the unique pleasure of pen-in-hand as the fluid ink glides across the page and brings each letter’s curve alive.

Apogee is a perfect gift for someone special, or for oneself. Its packaging reflects its stature, fitting for a product that achieves these heights. The tapered hinged box mirrors the pen’s design and its black satin finish is imprinted with the Cross logo in elegant silver. Each pen rests on a textured white platform.

Apogee will be available at www.cross.com and at specialty and gift stores internationally. Priced affordably, Apogee is sure to become the writing instrument of choice for category enthusiasts and discerning gift buyers. MSRP ranges from $70 to $150, depending on the finish and pen point.

About A.T. Cross

Since 1846, the A.T. Cross Company has crafted award-winning writing instruments appreciated by consumers across the globe for their quality and innovation. Today, A.T. Cross complements its writing instrument heritage with a broad range of premium personal accessories including timepieces, leather goods, reading glasses and Costa Del Mar sunglasses. These products are sold worldwide, in upscale department and specialty stores, as well as in Cross shop-in-shops in many major international cities. For more information, please call A.T. Cross Consumer Relations at 1-800-282-7677; visit the Costa Del Mar website at www.costadelmar.com or Cross website at www.cross.com.