From the case and dial display right down to the axles of the movement, Ressence watches are distinctively unique in all aspects and are shaped by a string of proprietary technologies that make them costly to manufacture. Last year the brand unveiled the Type 8, the most affordable Ressence watch yet. By ditching the seconds sub-dial, the Type 8 achieved a new level of purity in design whereby the hours with which we rigidly structure our day are juxtaposed against the minutes that seem to have a life of their own.
Now the brand has unveiled the Type 8S that features a tropical, sage green dial. The delicate, muted hue complements the watch’s pared-back, minimalist design, enhancing rather than overpowering it. Along with the contours of the case and crystal, it reinforces the imagery of a river-washed pebble. The hour and minute scales, as well as the hands, have been engraved and filled with SuperLuminova, which brings the dynamic and ever-changing time display to life even in low-light conditions.
At 42.9mm wide, the watch is on the larger side but is a real pleasure to wear due to its ergonomic design that allows it to sit closely and comfortably on the wrist as well as the lightness of titanium. In fact, it clocks in at just 42g overall with the strap included, making it the lightest of all Ressence watches. The tapered case has a sandwich construction with satin-finished flanks that contrast nicely with a wide, polished top surface. Its overall profile is a study in fluidity and harmony, with a continuous flow from the case to the domed crystal, while the integrated lugs are concealed by a “skirt,” resulting in a seamless connection between the case and strap.
As with all Ressence watches, the winding and setting functions are carried via the caseback, which in the case of Type 8 is notched for better grip. At the heart of the watch is the unique patented module for displaying the time known as ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System). The orbital time display relies on a planetary gear system that drives the sub-dial within the main dial at a slower pace to indicate the hours, while the flush-mounted revolving dial plate, which is powered by the minute axle of a base caliber, displays the minutes
By putting the minutes at the forefront, this system presents a more intuitive way of reading time, while its planar design not only enhances the watch’s aesthetic appeal but also maximizes legibility, ensuring that time can be easily read from any angle. The dial display, like the Type 2, operates on a series of micro ball-bearings, which allows for oil-free running and much tighter tolerances between discs. The discs themselves were made thinner, resulting in a more compact construction with a height of just 11mm overall. The base movement is a heavily modified ETA caliber 2892/2 automatic movement that offers a 36-hour power reserve.
Tech Specs
Ressence Type 8S
Movement: Self-winding ROCS 8 — Ressence Orbital Convex System — driven by the minute axle of a customized and reinforced 2892/2 base caliber; 36 hours of power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes
Case: 42.9mm x 11mm; grade 5 titanium
Dial: Sage green titanium convex dial
Strap: Grey leather with polished ardillon buckle in grade 5 titanium
Price: CHF 12,500
Availability: Worldwide via Ressence’s official retailer network
