Colours. A new time perspective.
As humans we seem to have forgotten how to read time without looking at a watch. Today we are taught to look at hands on a dial to indicate a point in time. But what if we could challenge that paradigm? What if being inspired by the position of the sun or feeling the daylight’s brightness was more effective?
Our thinking started a few years ago when Ressence was approached by Professor Christopher Harvey of the department of neuroscience at Harvard. At that time, Prof. Harvey was studying the way our brain makes sense of information displayed on a watch dial and how it understands time. He was studying the process that transforms a graphical representation of time into an orientation in the dimension of time.
One of his findings was that the way watches with hands represent time might not be the most efficient way to indicate multidimensional information in the glimpse of an eye. According to Prof. Harvey the unique and patented Ressence dial (ROCS) corresponds to a more natural way of representing information. Ressence was onto something.

Form Follows Nature.
The new patented system, a world premiere, is Ressence’s first attempt to make those conclusions a reality. It is not about representing time in the most precise way but rather in the most efficient way. Instead of focussing on precision, Ressence’s new complication is about the speed and ease of reading.
The Time by colour system on the Type 1 Squared X represents a moment in a day by a mix of colours.
The dedicated sub dial contains 48 coloured ceramic micro-balls (0,9mm of diameter) from 4 different colours (yellow, grey, blue and black) but only shows a maximum of 3 colours at once.
Each moment in time has a unique mix of colours. In the morning (starting at 6am), the yellow is dominating while in the evening (starting at 6pm) it is blue that prevails.

The Type 3 is the first ever oil-filled mechanical watch. A true achievement in Fine Watchmaking, the Type 3 is designed with a “water drop” dial effect in order to achieve crystal clear dial legibility for the wearer. Because oil and glass share very similar responses to light refraction, the eye is tricked into momentarily losing its depth perception. The result is that the watch’s dial seems ever closer, vision of it apparently unimpeded by glass at all.

The creation of the Type 3 was not without its challenges. One such example was the escapement ability to oscillate properly in a viscous fluid. Ressence ingeniously designed a two-chamber system inside the Type 3 to keep the mechanical movement and oil separate. As such with the two-chamber system, there is no direct mechanical link between the watch’s movement and the ROCS. To accommodate this, the Type 3 uses a magnetic transmission to tie the modules together. In order to compensate for oil volume fluctuation (dependent on temperature), the watch is also fitted with a system of seven small bellows that expand and contract dependent on the increase and decrease of the oil’s volume.

The Type 5 is the first mechanical watch to be perfectly readable underwater regardless of the viewing angle. The use of oil inside the upper part of the watch cancels out what is known as Total Internal Reflection. Typically, when under the water, a traditional diver’s watch needs to be viewed straight on in order to be read properly – otherwise refraction turns the glass into a mirror. But not with the oil-filled Type 5: this gives it complete legibility whatever the angle of view.

Ressence continues to change the way and the why we experience watches by introducing the second piece in its X collection. Collection X marks the first 10 years and brings the brand manifesto to life. Visually Ressence created a dedicated symbol for the collection that is the fusion of an X, or ten in Latin, and an hourglass. It sits proudly on the hour disc of the Type 5 X. Each of the four watches of the Collection X are limited to 40 pieces, with the dark olive-green colour being the common thread linking all pieces. The collection focus continues to be the better utilisation of time through design – graphically making us more aware of the importance of passing time.

The organic design of the Type 5 takes its inspiration from nature, specifically sea turtles.

Their distinct aqua-dynamic shape means they are best able to propel themselves easily through the water – so what better shape too for an amphibious watch, right down to its seamlessly integrated uni-directional bezel? The watch is made from titanium ensuring that it is also lightweight – just 87g – and extremely comfortable to wear.

The watch is graphically very strong -for improved readability -and is the ideal watch for the gentleman diver, whether he’s in the water or around town.

The Type 3 is the first ever oil-filled mechanical watch. A true achievement in Fine Watchmaking, the Type 3 is designed with a “water drop” dial effect in order to achieve crystal clear dial legibility for the wearer. Because oil and glass share very similar responses to light refraction, the eye is tricked into momentarily losing its depth perception. The result is that the watch’s dial seems ever closer, vision of it apparently unimpeded by glass at all.

The creation of the Type 3 was not without its challenges. One such example was the escapement ability to oscillate properly in a viscous fluid. Ressence ingeniously designed a two-chamber system inside the Type 3 to keep the mechanical movement and oil separate. As such with the two-chamber system, there is no direct mechanical link between the watch’s movement and the ROCS. To accommodate this, the Type 3 uses a magnetic transmission to tie the modules together. In order to compensate for oil volume fluctuation (dependent on temperature), the watch is also fitted with a system of seven small bellows that expand and contract dependent on the increase and decrease of the oil’s volume.

The Type 3 is the first ever oil-filled mechanical watch. A true achievement in Fine Watchmaking, the Type 3 is designed with a “water drop” dial effect in order to achieve crystal clear dial legibility for the wearer. Because oil and glass share very similar responses to light refraction, the eye is tricked into momentarily losing its depth perception. The result is that the watch’s dial seems ever closer, vision of it apparently unimpeded by glass at all.

The creation of the Type 3 was not without its challenges. One such example was the escapement ability to oscillate properly in a viscous fluid. Ressence ingeniously designed a two-chamber system inside the Type 3 to keep the mechanical movement and oil separate. As such with the two-chamber system, there is no direct mechanical link between the watch’s movement and the ROCS. To accommodate this, the Type 3 uses a magnetic transmission to tie the modules together. In order to compensate for oil volume fluctuation (dependent on temperature), the watch is also fitted with a system of seven small bellows that expand and contract dependent on the increase and decrease of the oil’s volume.

The Type 3 is the first ever oil-filled mechanical watch. A true achievement in Fine Watchmaking, the Type 3 is designed with a “water drop” dial effect in order to achieve crystal clear dial legibility for the wearer. Because oil and glass share very similar responses to light refraction, the eye is tricked into momentarily losing its depth perception. The result is that the watch’s dial seems ever closer, vision of it apparently unimpeded by glass at all.

The creation of the Type 3 was not without its challenges. One such example was the escapement ability to oscillate properly in a viscous fluid. Ressence ingeniously designed a two-chamber system inside the Type 3 to keep the mechanical movement and oil separate. As such with the two-chamber system, there is no direct mechanical link between the watch’s movement and the ROCS. To accommodate this, the Type 3 uses a magnetic transmission to tie the modules together. In order to compensate for oil volume fluctuation (dependent on temperature), the watch is also fitted with a system of seven small bellows that expand and contract dependent on the increase and decrease of the oil’s volume.

The Type 5 is the first mechanical watch to be perfectly readable underwater regardless of the viewing angle. The use of oil inside the upper part of the watch cancels out what is known as Total Internal Reflection. Typically, when under the water, a traditional diver’s watch needs to be viewed straight on in order to be read properly – otherwise refraction turns the glass into a mirror. But not with the oil-filled Type 5: this gives it complete legibility whatever the angle of view.

The organic design of the Type 5 takes its inspiration from nature, specifically sea turtles.

Their distinct aqua-dynamic shape means they are best able to propel themselves easily through the water – so what better shape too for an amphibious watch, right down to its seamlessly integrated uni-directional bezel? The watch is made from titanium ensuring that it is also lightweight – just 87g – and extremely comfortable to wear.

The watch is graphically very strong -for improved readability -and is the ideal watch for the gentleman diver, whether he’s in the water or around town.

The Type 5 is the first mechanical watch to be perfectly readable underwater regardless of the viewing angle. The use of oil inside the upper part of the watch cancels out what is known as Total Internal Reflection. Typically, when under the water, a traditional diver’s watch needs to be viewed straight on in order to be read properly – otherwise refraction turns the glass into a mirror. But not with the oil-filled Type 5: this gives it complete legibility whatever the angle of view.

The organic design of the Type 5 takes its inspiration from nature, specifically sea turtles.

Their distinct aqua-dynamic shape means they are best able to propel themselves easily through the water – so what better shape too for an amphibious watch, right down to its seamlessly integrated uni-directional bezel? The watch is made from titanium ensuring that it is also lightweight – just 87g – and extremely comfortable to wear.

The watch is graphically very strong -for improved readability -and is the ideal watch for the gentleman diver, whether he’s in the water or around town.

The Type 5 is the first mechanical watch to be perfectly readable underwater regardless of the viewing angle. The use of oil inside the upper part of the watch cancels out what is known as Total Internal Reflection. Typically, when under the water, a traditional diver’s watch needs to be viewed straight on in order to be read properly – otherwise refraction turns the glass into a mirror. But not with the oil-filled Type 5: this gives it complete legibility whatever the angle of view.

The organic design of the Type 5 takes its inspiration from nature, specifically sea turtles.

Their distinct aqua-dynamic shape means they are best able to propel themselves easily through the water – so what better shape too for an amphibious watch, right down to its seamlessly integrated uni-directional bezel? The watch is made from titanium ensuring that it is also lightweight – just 87g – and extremely comfortable to wear.

The watch is graphically very strong -for improved readability -and is the ideal watch for the gentleman diver, whether he’s in the water or around town.

The Type 2 main feature is the smart e-Crown®. e-Crown® automatically sets and adjusts the Type 2 to the right time when needed. Driven by user experience, it combines the reliability of electronics with the emotion and beauty of mechanical engineering. e-Crown® is activated and controlled by tapping the crystal on the dial of the Type 2, offering a new tactile experience and user-friendliness to mechanical watches. Visually, it is represented on the dial by the selector sub disc and its four modes (time zone 1, time zone 2, app and e-Crown off).

The Type 2 uses light energy to power the e-Crown®. Photovoltaic cells (some hidden behind 10 micro-shutters on the dial) will use outside light as an energy source making the watch self-sufficient.

The Type 2 is manually set via the lever on its case back. By double tapping the crystal, the manually set time is digitally registered by e-Crown®. There is no need to think about checking and adjusting the watch anymore, e-Crown® does it automatically. Even after three months of inactivity, once the watch is fastened to the wrist and the wearer taps the crystal, e-Crown® will automatically set it to the right time.

The Type 1 Squared is the dressier watch among the collection. Less “dematerialised” than the other models, the Type 1 Squared plays subtly with a few classic fine-watchmaking codes for a more assertive wrist presence. While remaining faithful to the signature dial of the brand the watch differs both in its case design and in its material. Born from the intersection of 6 spheres, it has a cushion shape case in polished stainless steel, with a satin finish back.

The Type 1 Squared is manually set via a lever on its case back. The watch has no crown, the winding and setting mechanism being the case-back itself, for better ergonomics and allowing a left-right fit. When setting the time, the rotation of the lever corresponds exactly to the movement of the discs on the dial in a ratio of 1 to 1. An up-to-date reminder of the key once used to wind clocks, watches and mechanical toys.

The Type 1 Squared is the dressier watch among the collection. Less “dematerialised” than the other models, the Type 1 Squared plays subtly with a few classic fine-watchmaking codes for a more assertive wrist presence. While remaining faithful to the signature dial of the brand the watch differs both in its case design and in its material. Born from the intersection of 6 spheres, it has a cushion shape case in polished stainless steel, with a satin finish back.

The Type 1 Squared is manually set via a lever on its case back. The watch has no crown, the winding and setting mechanism being the case-back itself, for better ergonomics and allowing a left-right fit. When setting the time, the rotation of the lever corresponds exactly to the movement of the discs on the dial in a ratio of 1 to 1. An up-to-date reminder of the key once used to wind clocks, watches and mechanical toys.

The Type 1 Squared is the dressier watch among the collection. Less “dematerialised” than the other models, the Type 1 Squared plays subtly with a few classic fine-watchmaking codes for a more assertive wrist presence. While remaining faithful to the signature dial of the brand the watch differs both in its case design and in its material. Born from the intersection of 6 spheres, it has a cushion shape case in polished stainless steel, with a satin finish back.

The Type 1 Squared is manually set via a lever on its case back. The watch has no crown, the winding and setting mechanism being the case-back itself, for better ergonomics and allowing a left-right fit. When setting the time, the rotation of the lever corresponds exactly to the movement of the discs on the dial in a ratio of 1 to 1. An up-to-date reminder of the key once used to wind clocks, watches and mechanical toys.

The Type 1 Slim is Ressence’s most stripped back watch to date. It differs distinctly from the rest of the collection in its visual balance of simplicity and complexity, one that ensures its aesthetic only continues to enrich over the years. The new organic and sharp at once case has been designed around the wrist. Not only it is slimmer (11mm thick) – compared to the previous generation – but also resolutely more modern with its seemingly integrated strap. Lugs and case are in fact milled in one action from the same grade 5 titanium block.

The Type 1 Slim is manually set via a lever on its case back. The watch has no crown, the winding and setting mechanism being the case-back itself, for better ergonomics and allowing a left-right fit. It is all tactile curves, the domed sapphire glass extending to the very edge of the case – making the watch more sapphire than metal for greater readability.

The Type 1 Slim is Ressence’s most stripped back watch to date. It differs distinctly from the rest of the collection in its visual balance of simplicity and complexity, one that ensures its aesthetic only continues to enrich over the years. The new organic and sharp at once case has been designed around the wrist. Not only it is slimmer (11mm thick) – compared to the previous generation – but also resolutely more modern with its seemingly integrated strap. Lugs and case are in fact milled in one action from the same grade 5 titanium block.

The Type 1 Slim is manually set via a lever on its case back. The watch has no crown, the winding and setting mechanism being the case-back itself, for better ergonomics and allowing a left-right fit. It is all tactile curves, the domed sapphire glass extending to the very edge of the case – making the watch more sapphire than metal for greater readability.

The Type 1 Slim is Ressence’s most stripped back watch to date. It differs distinctly from the rest of the collection in its visual balance of simplicity and complexity, one that ensures its aesthetic only continues to enrich over the years. The new organic and sharp at once case has been designed around the wrist. Not only it is slimmer (11mm thick) – compared to the previous generation – but also resolutely more modern with its seemingly integrated strap. Lugs and case are in fact milled in one action from the same grade 5 titanium block.

The Type 1 Slim is manually set via a lever on its case back. The watch has no crown, the winding and setting mechanism being the case-back itself, for better ergonomics and allowing a left-right fit. It is all tactile curves, the domed sapphire glass extending to the very edge of the case – making the watch more sapphire than metal for greater readability.