Ressence TYPE 3 BB2

Founded in 2010 by industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, Ressence embarked on a mission to redefine the very essence of contemporary watchmaking. With a philosophy rooted in the "Less is More" approach, the brand has fearlessly challenged the conventions of traditional watchmaking, stripping away superfluous elements to create timepieces that are both visually stunning and functionally innovative.



At the heart of Ressence's horological revolution lies the TYPE 3 collection, a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. The collection's inaugural model, unveiled in 2013, sent ripples through the watch industry as the world's first oil-filled mechanical watch. By submerging the dial in a bath of oil, Ressence achieved an unprecedented level of legibility, eliminating distortion caused by the refraction of light. The result was a timepiece that offered exceptional readability from any angle, a feat that earned Ressence the prestigious 2013 Horological Revelation Award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.



Building upon the success of the original TYPE 3, Ressence has continued to refine and expand the collection, introducing new models that embody the brand's signature blend of minimalism and technical prowess. The latest addition to this esteemed lineage is the TYPE 3 BB2, a timepiece that takes the collection's design ethos to new heights.



The TYPE 3 BB2 immediately captivates with its striking monochromatic aesthetic. The watch's black DLC-coated titanium case, paired with a matching black dial, creates a sense of understated elegance that is both bold and refined. The dial's minimalist layout, devoid of traditional hands, features a series of rotating discs that display the hours, minutes, day, date, and oil temperature. The use of white and light grey inscriptions, accented by subtle touches of color on the weekend and oil temperature indicators, further enhances the watch's graphic appeal.



The TYPE 3 BB2's most mesmerizing feature, however, lies beneath its sapphire crystal. The dial's upper chamber is filled with 3.57 ml of oil, creating a mesmerizing visual effect that makes the rotating discs appear to float effortlessly above the crystal. This ingenious design not only enhances legibility but also adds a sense of depth and dynamism to the watch's display. As the discs gracefully rotate, the interplay of light and shadow creates a captivating spectacle that is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking.



Beyond its striking aesthetics, the TYPE 3 BB2 boasts a host of technical innovations that underscore Ressence's commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological engineering. The watch's patented ROCS 3.5 (Ressence Orbital Convex System) module, driven by the minute axle of a customized 2824/2 base caliber, ensures precise timekeeping and seamless operation of the rotating discs. The movement's self-winding mechanism, coupled with a 36-hour power reserve, ensures that the watch remains in perpetual motion, even when not worn.



To compensate for the oil's expansion and contraction under varying thermal conditions, Ressence has developed a Bellows System, a self-equilibrating pressure-balance system that maintains an even pressure within the watch's oil-filled chamber. This ingenious mechanism, graphically represented by a temperature gauge on the dial, ensures optimal performance and longevity.



The ROCS 3.5 module is driven by the minute axle of a customized ETA 2824/2 base caliber, a reliable and robust Swiss movement renowned for its accuracy and longevity. This base caliber is meticulously modified by Ressence's skilled watchmakers to seamlessly integrate with the ROCS module, ensuring flawless operation and precise timekeeping. The movement's self-winding mechanism, coupled with a 36-hour power reserve, ensures that the watch remains in perpetual motion, even when not worn.



One of the most remarkable aspects of the TYPE 3 BB2 is its oil-filled dial, a feature that sets it apart from virtually every other mechanical watch on the market. The dial's upper chamber is filled with 3.57 ml of oil, creating a unique visual effect that makes the rotating discs appear to float effortlessly above the crystal. This innovative design not only enhances legibility by eliminating distortion caused by the refraction of light, but also adds a sense of depth and dynamism to the watch's display.



To ensure optimal performance and longevity, Ressence has developed a Bellows System, a self-equilibrating pressure-balance system that compensates for the oil's expansion and contraction under varying thermal conditions. This ingenious mechanism, graphically represented by a temperature gauge on the dial, maintains an even pressure within the watch's oil-filled chamber, preventing any negative impact on the movement's accuracy or reliability.



The TYPE 3 BB2's case is a masterpiece of precision engineering, meticulously crafted from grade 5 titanium, a lightweight and durable material prized for its hypoallergenic properties and resistance to corrosion. The case's black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating adds a layer of scratch resistance and enhances its stealthy aesthetic. Measuring 44mm in diameter and 15mm in thickness, the TYPE 3 BB2 strikes a perfect balance between boldness and wearability, making it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes and styles.



The case's most distinctive feature is its double-domed sapphire crystal, which provides an unobstructed view of the oil-filled dial and its mesmerizing rotating discs. The crystal's anti-reflective coating on both sides minimizes glare and ensures optimal legibility under any lighting conditions. The caseback, also crafted from sapphire crystal, offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the ROCS 3.5 module and the customized ETA 2824/2 base caliber.



Completing the TYPE 3 BB2's striking ensemble is a black honeycomb strap, crafted from a high-tech material that is both comfortable and durable. The strap's unique texture adds a subtle touch of visual interest, while its titanium ardillon buckle ensures a secure and comfortable fit.



The Ressence TYPE 3 BB2 is more than just a timepiece; it is a wearable work of art, a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and design. With its groundbreaking technology, minimalist aesthetic, and impeccable execution, the TYPE 3 BB2 is a watch that will appeal to the most discerning collectors and enthusiasts. Priced at CHF 38,200 (excluding taxes), it represents a significant investment, but one that is sure to reward its owner with years of enjoyment and admiration.