Ressence TYPE 3 Black and White

The watch world is a fascinating realm of intricate mechanisms, dazzling displays of craftsmanship, and relentless innovation. Yet, amidst this sea of complexity, there exists a brand that dares to challenge conventions and redefine the very essence of timekeeping. Ressence, the brainchild of industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, has consistently captivated watch enthusiasts with its unconventional approach to horology, prioritizing minimalist aesthetics and functional design. Their latest release, the TYPE 3 Black & White, is a testament to this philosophy, offering a captivating exploration of contrasts and a unique perspective on the passage of time.



Before delving into the intricacies of the TYPE 3 Black & White, it's essential to understand the brand's DNA and its journey thus far. Founded in 2010, Ressence emerged with a bold vision: to strip away the superfluous and focus on the core elements of watchmaking. This "less is more" approach manifested in the groundbreaking Zero Series, where traditional hands were replaced with rotating discs, presenting time in a refreshingly intuitive manner. This design philosophy continued to evolve with subsequent models like the TYPE 1, a truly ambidextrous watch devoid of a crown, and the TYPE 2, featuring the world's first automatic self-setting crown.



However, it was the TYPE 3, launched in 2013, that truly cemented Ressence's position as a horological innovator. As the first-ever oil-filled mechanical watch, the TYPE 3 garnered widespread acclaim, earning the prestigious "Horological Revelation" Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). This groundbreaking timepiece showcased Ressence's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, setting the stage for the captivating TYPE 3 Black & White.



The TYPE 3 Black & White, as the name suggests, is a duo of watches that embody the interplay of opposites. The TYPE 3 Black, with its dark dial and black synthetic strap, exudes an air of understated sophistication. The TYPE 3 White, on the other hand, presents a lighter aesthetic with its white dial and grey woven fabric strap, offering a more contemporary feel. Both watches, however, share a common thread: a mesmerizing display that blurs the lines between analog and digital.



The most striking feature of the TYPE 3 Black & White is undoubtedly its oil-filled dial. This innovative design element not only enhances legibility by eliminating refraction but also creates a captivating visual effect. The dial, crafted from grade 5 titanium, appears to float within the watch, giving the illusion of a digital screen. This mesmerizing display is further accentuated by the ROCS 3.6, Ressence's patented Orbital Convex System, which orchestrates the intricate dance of the rotating discs.



The ROCS 3.6 is a marvel of micro-engineering, comprising a complex array of gears and discs that work in perfect harmony to display time in a unique and intuitive manner. Hours, minutes, running seconds, day, date, and even oil temperature are presented on a series of rotating discs, creating a dynamic and ever-changing tableau. This captivating display is not merely a visual spectacle; it's a testament to Ressence's dedication to functional design, ensuring that timekeeping is both engaging and effortless.



The TYPE 3 Black & White also boasts a redesigned caseback that further enhances its visual appeal. By employing a similar oil-filled construction as the dial, Ressence has created a sense of visual continuity, transforming the watch into a monolithic pebble. This seamless integration of design elements is a testament to the brand's meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the watch contributes to its overall aesthetic harmony.



In addition to its captivating visuals, the TYPE 3 Black & White is packed with technical innovations that ensure optimal performance and reliability. The Bellows System, for instance, compensates for the oil's expansion and contraction under varying temperatures, ensuring accurate timekeeping in any environment. The magnetic transmission, another ingenious feature, eliminates the need for physical contact between the ROCS module and the base movement, reducing friction and enhancing longevity.



At first glance, the TYPE 3 Black & White captivates with its minimalist design and mesmerizing dial. The 44mm case, crafted from grade 5 titanium, is both lightweight and robust, ensuring comfort on the wrist and resilience against everyday wear. The absence of a traditional crown further enhances the watch's streamlined aesthetic, contributing to its pebble-like appearance. This design choice, a hallmark of Ressence, not only adds to the visual appeal but also makes the watch truly ambidextrous, catering to both left and right-handed wearers.



The real magic, however, lies within the dial. The TYPE 3 Black & White features Ressence's patented ROCS 3.6 (Ressence Orbital Convex System), a complex mechanism that drives the watch's unique time display. Imagine a series of convex discs, each rotating on its own axis, orbiting around a central point. This mesmerizing dance of discs replaces traditional hands, presenting time in a fluid and intuitive manner. Hours, minutes, running seconds, day, date, and even oil temperature are displayed on these rotating discs, creating a dynamic and ever-changing tableau.



The dial itself is crafted from grade 5 titanium, coated in DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) for the black variant and left uncoated for the white. This choice of material not only ensures durability but also complements the overall aesthetic of the watch. The engraved indications are filled with Grade A Super-LumiNova, ensuring optimal legibility in low-light conditions. The use of blue and green Super-LumiNova adds a subtle touch of color, enhancing the visual appeal without compromising the minimalist design.



But the TYPE 3 Black & White is not just about aesthetics; it's a marvel of engineering. The oil-filled upper chamber, a defining feature of the TYPE 3 collection, serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it enhances legibility by eliminating refraction, ensuring that the dial is easily readable from any angle. Secondly, it acts as a lubricant for the ROCS 3.6, reducing friction and enhancing the watch's longevity.



To compensate for the oil's expansion and contraction under varying temperatures, Ressence has developed the Bellows System. This ingenious mechanism, represented by a temperature gauge on the dial, ensures that the watch remains accurate regardless of the environment. The Bellows System is a testament to Ressence's commitment to technical precision, ensuring that the TYPE 3 Black & White is not just a beautiful object but also a reliable timekeeping instrument.



Another noteworthy feature is the magnetic transmission system. This innovative technology eliminates the need for physical contact between the ROCS module and the base movement, further reducing friction and enhancing the watch's efficiency. The magnetic transmission is a testament to Ressence's ingenuity, showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend traditional watchmaking with cutting-edge technology.



The TYPE 3 Black & White is powered by a customized automatic base caliber, providing a power reserve of 36 hours. The movement, comprising 387 components, is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship that goes into each Ressence watch. The caseback winding and setting mechanism further enhance the user experience, eliminating the need for a traditional crown and preserving the watch's streamlined aesthetic.



The TYPE 3 Black comes with a black synthetic strap and a titanium ardillon buckle, while the TYPE 3 White features a medium grey woven fabric strap with a blue-green lining and a titanium ardillon buckle. These strap choices complement the respective aesthetics of the watches, offering both comfort and style.



The Ressence TYPE 3 Black & White is priced at CHF 38,200 (excluding taxes) and will be available worldwide from late fall 2024 via Ressence's official retailer network. This price point reflects the exceptional craftsmanship, innovative technology, and unique design that define the TYPE 3 collection.