Defying conventions and pushing the boundaries of watchmaking – Ressence consistently stands at the forefront. The new Ressence TYPE 3 Black & TYPE 3 White are no exception. Much like a monochromatic rhapsody, this latest offering harmonizes the dichotomies of light and dark, all while elevating the essence of contemporary horology.
A Brief History of Ressence
Founded in 2010 by industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, Ressence has been redefining the paradigms of contemporary watchmaking through innovation and a minimalist ethos. Since its inception, the brand has adhered to a “Less is More” philosophy, stripping away the non-essential and emphasizing utility and design purity. Ressence’s approach blends Swiss horological mastery with avant-garde design principles.
Ressence’s journey began with the Zero Series, a revolutionary introduction to a new way of displaying time. This first collection featured a groundbreaking design—where traditional hands were replaced with rotating discs, creating a sense of fluidity and interaction previously unseen in the industry. This was followed by the TYPE 1, a watch that eliminated the conventional crown. The TYPE 3 further advanced the brand’s reputation by integrating an oil-filled dial, allowing unparalleled clarity and legibility. This innovation earned Ressence the Horological Revelation Award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2013.
Fast forward to 2024, and Ressence’s pursuit of excellence continues with the TYPE 3 Black & TYPE 3 White, a modern reinterpretation of the original TYPE 3, but now with even more refined aesthetics and mechanical prowess.
A Monolithic Pebble
The first thing that captures one’s attention is the unique shape and construction of the TYPE 3 case. Constructed from Grade 5 titanium, the case of the TYPE 3 Black and the TYPE 3 White measures 44mm in diameter and 15mm in thickness. However, its double-domed sapphire crystals, both on the top and the bottom, give the watch a visually seamless, pebble-like appearance. Ressence’s use of oil in the upper chamber of the watch creates an illusion that the time indicators are displayed directly on the glass, almost as if you are peering into a digital screen.
The case is divided into two separate chambers: one filled with 3.57 ml of oil that holds the patented ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System), and another that houses the movement and winding mechanism. This oil-filled upper chamber not only enhances readability by eliminating refraction but also contributes to the watch’s monolithic aesthetic, allowing it to sit effortlessly on the wrist.
Where Art Meets Technology
The dial of the TYPE 3 Black & TYPE 3 White is a testament to Ressence’s commitment to artistic sophistication and mechanical ingenuity. The watch uses convex Grade 5 titanium discs that rotate within the oil-filled chamber. Each disc, representing different time functions, is engraved and filled with Grade A Super-LumiNova®, ensuring that the watch remains legible even in low light conditions.
A key update in this version is the integration of the custom Ressence font, originally introduced in the TYPE 5. This font’s rounded ends are the result of a precision milling process, adding a subtle yet distinctive flair to the numerals and indexes. Furthermore, the hour disc has been simplified with a new layout, featuring indexes every two hours, while the weekend days and oil temperature indicators now include refined pastel tones that add an extra layer of elegance to the overall design.
The Movement: A Marvel of Engineering
At the heart of the TYPE 3 Black and TYPE 3 White beats the ROCS 3.6 (Ressence Orbital Convex System), driven by the minute axle of a customized automatic base calibre. This system comprises 44 gears, 4 ball bearings, and 47 jewels, resulting in an incredibly complex yet highly efficient mechanism. The entire movement operates with a power reserve of just 36 hours and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Understandable due to the complex mechanism it needs to be driven.
One of the defining features of the TYPE 3 is its magnetic transmission system, which allows the two separate chambers (the oil-filled upper section and the lower mechanical section) to communicate seamlessly. This solution not only isolates the movement from the oil-filled dial but also preserves the watch’s mechanical integrity and durability.
Additionally, the oil’s role extends beyond just enhancing readability; it also reduces friction among the components of the ROCS system, allowing the parts to ‘float’ and thus minimizing energy consumption. To counteract the thermal expansion and contraction of the oil, Ressence developed the Bellows System, a self-equilibrating mechanism represented by a temperature gauge on the dial. It is impressive how much effort Ressence brought into finding the most stable and suitable solution (pun intended).
Conclusion: A True Horological Symphony
The Ressence TYPE 3 Black and, respectively, the TYPE 3 White are a masterful expression of form and function. The case, dial, and movement work in harmony to create a timepiece that challenges traditional notions of what a mechanical watch can be. By blending the artful contrast of black and white with a touch of warm and subtle pastel colours, Ressence has crafted a visual experience that evokes a sense of duality—day and night, yin and yang—while maintaining its reputation for technical excellence and readability.
This watch, with its pioneering oil-filled dial and innovative movement architecture, offers collectors a glimpse into the future of watchmaking. It’s a piece that celebrates contrast, not only in its aesthetic but also in its philosophy: complexity achieved through simplicity. For those looking to own a part of horological history and innovation, TYPE 3 is a resounding testament to Ressence’s legacy as one of the most forward-thinking watchmakers of our time.
Ressence TYPE 3 Black & TYPE 3 White Technical Specifications
References
- TYPE 3 B
- TYPE 3 W
- CHF 38,200 (excluding taxes)
Functions
- Hours
- Minutes
- Runner (180 seconds)
- Day
- Date
- Oil Temperature
Movement
- Patented ROCS 3.6 – Ressence Orbital Convex System – module driven by the minute axle of a customised automatic base calibre
- Caseback winding and day/date/time setting
- Magnetic transmission
- Compensating Bellows System
- Self-winding
- 36 hours power reserve
- 28,800 vibrations per hour
- 47 jewels
- 44 gears
- 4 ball bearings
Case
- Grade 5 titanium
- Two separate sealed chambers with the upper half filled with 3.57 ml of oil holding the ROCS
- Double-domed sapphire crystal top and bottom with anti-reflective coating inside
- 44 mm (diameter) x 15mm (thickness)
- 1 ATM splash-resistance
Dial
- DLC coated grade 5 titanium
- Convex grade 5 titanium discs (125mm radius) with four eccentric bi-axial satellites inclined at 3°
(hours), 4,75° (oil temperature and days of the week) and 6,25° (runner) - Engraved indications filled with blue and green Grade A Super-LumiNova®
Buckle & Strap
- Titanium ardillon buckle
- Black synthetic (22/22mm)
- Medium grey woven fabric with blue-green lining (22/22mm)
Components
- 387 components / 79 grams
ABOUT RESSENCE
Founded by industrial designer Benoît Mintiens in 2010, Ressence is redefining the essence of contemporary watchmaking. From the start, we have taken on a “Less is More” approach, stripping away unnecessary attributes that traditional watches have clung to for decades.
Combining Swiss-made calibres with our own innovations, we reimagine the interaction between mechanical watches and their owners. Our minimalistic designs aim to awaken the senses and provoke wonder, making our watches daily companions for today’s and future generations.
It all began with the Zero Series, featuring a revolutionary dial design where time is represented on flush
two-dimensional rotating discs. Gone are the traditional hands. Time reads like words on paper. This hallmark of simplicity continued with the TYPE 1, which got rid of the crown, resulting a truly ambidextrous watch. The TYPE 3 pushed boundaries further with its oil-filled dial, eliminating refraction and enhancing legibility. This watch earned us the 2013 Horological Revelation Award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The TYPE 2 introduced the world’s first automatic self-setting crown, removing the need for manual adjustments. Our latest, the TYPE 8, stands as the most essential and graphically simplified Ressence, displaying only hours and minutes.